Greensleeves
Alborosie’s second album is a more mature and evenly paced affair than his limited edition 2008 debut Soul Pirate. This time he’s releasing through Greensleeves – complete with their vintage mural style artwork – and there is a noticeable classic Greensleeves/Roots Radics feel to songs such as the dreamy, slightly sexist “Good Girl,” and “Can’t Stand It” (featuring a Dennis Brown sample from his Joe Gibbs hit.) Continue reading Alborosie
Live at the Santa Barbara Bowl
Words and photos by Jan Salzman
This particular concert had been building interest since it was announced. Because I knew it was going to be a must-see event, I asked for my passes early on and looked forward to a day trip to beautiful Santa Barbara! There were a few bursts of rain on the way there… but once I reached Santa Barbara the sun broke through the clouds and shone brightly on the Santa Barbara Bowl. I was ready for a Marley vibe to bring the light and I found it!
Although 311 is a huge rock band, it was Ziggy Marley I was there to see, having missed witnessing his performances with a full band. The packed Santa Barbara Bowl exploded with joy when Ziggy took to the stage for a sold-out performance. Continue reading Ziggy at Santa Barbara Bowl
Jarcat Records Launch – featuring Cat Coore, Donahue Jarrett, Kai Wakling, Sean Dayes, and the Jarcat All-Stars
Words and photos by M. Peggy Quattro
Kingston, Jamaica – Master musician Stephen “Cat” Coore has an impeccable reputation amongst industry peers and music fans in Kingston, Jamaica. Therefore, it was no surprise when the internationally acclaimed Third World Band guitarist, cellist, and producer aligned with veteran Kingston hotelier, actor, and aspiring singer/songwriter Donahue Jarrett, and Jarrett’s longtime friend and successful businessman Philip Hill, to launch Jarcat Records in Kingston, the heart of the reggae music industry.
The multi-faceted recording company has been in development for more than two years. Cat and Donahue have been writing and recording songs featuring themselves individually, while also capturing the talents of local singers and songwriters. The result is a 13-track CD entitled Jarcat Grooves Vol. 1. The first single to reach the airwaves is Donahue Jarrett’s “All I’ve Got to Give,” featuring guest vocals by Third World’s Bunny Rugs Clarke. This debut release offers a sampling of the songs that will be found on future solo albums for Cat and Donahue, as well as new recording artists Kai Wakeling and Sean Dayes. Continue reading Cat Coore & Jarcat Records
Review and Photos by Jan Salzman
March 30, 2009 – Los Angeles, CA – It was a cool but comfortable evening, and the packed house at the Dub Club in LA eagerly awaited the performance of dancehall star Anthony B. The conscious DJ, born Keith Anthony Blair, hails from the parish of Trelawny on the north coast of Jamaica. An upcoming female vocalist by the name of Melanie Starr performed before Anthony B, and also provided backup vocals during his set.
With his trademark powerful voice, Anthony B began his set with the Peter Tosh classic “Equal Rights.” He started singing from off stage and then pounced onstage once the riddim dropped in. Always bringing an energetic performance, Anthony B jumped and high-kicked throughout the set. He delivered about twenty songs from his vast repertoire of CD’s including “Tease Her” and “Damage” from his most recent CD Life Over Death. Continue reading Anthony B Show in LA
JVMF Presents The Love and Together Indoor Jamboree – Mar. 15, 2009
Pompano Beach, Florida
Photos M. Peggy Quattro
Review and Photos by M. Peggy Quattro
March 19, 2009 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL One of the most popular fests in South Florida, the Jamaica Vintage Music Fest was moved indoors for the first time this year. The super large Club Cinema in Pompano Beach was surprisingly spacious inside. There was a beautiful, huge stage, several bars, and plenty of space, including four different levels, insuring that there was not a bad seat in the house.
The line-up, which included Leroy Sibbles, Half Pint, David “Becky” Morrison, Lukie D, and Papa Michigan, was a lively combination of Dancehall and Rocksteady. In addition, fans were treated to a dose of R&B from JR Evans, a hot new singer on the scene; the comedic timing of Professor Nuts; and the rock energy of Tessanne Chin, who surprised the crowd with a rousing duet with Ky-mani Marley. Driving the show was the super tight Code Red band. Continue reading Jamaica Vintage Music Fest
Grandsons Stephen, Damian, Ky-mani & Julian Entertain the Miami Massive
Review & Photos by M. Peggy Quattro
March 6, 2009 – The day-long gathering in a downtown Miami park was a celebration of Reggae, Rasta, culture, and the Caribbean. At the heart of this tribute was love and gratitude for Cedella Marley Booker – the tower of strength and compassion who passed on to Zion on April 8, 2008. Mother B began the Bob Marley Movement of Jah People Fest as a way to honor her son and help the less fortunate. Over the years, more than two million cans of food have been donated at the gate and distributed to various food banks and charities. This year the recipient was the non-profit group Farm Share. Later in the evening, before Mother B’s grandsons took the stage before a multitude of fans, a tribute video was shown on the large screen onstage, showing the beaming smile of the beloved family matriarch, and her booming voice which drifted over a peaceful crowd on the cool Miami breeze. Continue reading Miami’s 16th Caribbean Reggae Fest