Mahala Rai Banda - BalkanReggae

Since the early-1960s Jamaican music has rocked the world: Ska, Rocksteady, Reggae, Dub, Dancehall having established internationally that beautiful, troubled island as a leader in musical innovation and good grooves. The fall of the Berlin Wall found Romania's Gypsy musicians making a similar impression on the West with their ancient string bands and furious brass bands creating a groove like no other.

The funkiest of all Romanian bands are Mahala Rai Banda. This Bucharest-based band have mixed Funk and Latin flavours into furious brass groove and torn up stages across the world. In 2009, on their acclaimed album "Ghetto Blasters", Mahala Rai Banda cut "Balkan Reggae", a lovely, swinging instrumental that showed how Eastern cymbaloms, violins, accordions and trumpets could embrace a very Caribbean flavour.

Reggae in Romania? Few imagined that the Jamaican sound could penetrate so far East or that a Gypsy band could play it with such feel. Yet everyone who heard Balkan Reggae loved it and Reggae DJs across Europe began dropping the tune in their sets. As 2012 signalled the 50th anniversary of Jamaica's independence Mahala Rai Banda reached out to their Jamaican brethren and requested Dub remixes on Balkan Reggae.

The response was strong. Leading the charge was Mad Professor - the legendary, London-based Jamaican producer who has gone toe-to-toe with Lee Perry and Massive Attack amongst many others - followed by Nick Manasseh (feat. dread DJ Gregory Fabulous), Jstar, G-Vibes (feat. acclaimed Brixton Blues man Errol Linton), Vibronics, Kanka and Asphalt Tango artists La Cherga and Koby Israelite.

"Balkan Reggae" - The Dub Mixes is the first ever album where Balkan Gypsy music meets the Dreads uptown! As they like to shout over a hot mix in Trenchtown: "Irie!"

Read the review at........

The Benevolence of Sister Mary Ignatius

Some 35 years ago sax player Lee Thompson helped introduced an entire generation to Ska music when as part of Madness they exploded on to the music scene on the crest of the 2-Tone wave. Now in the time between various Madness gigs and duties El Thommo has been filling that gap since 2011 by forming his own Ska Orchestra, with the aid of fellow Madness member and bassist Mark Bedford, to recreate and pay homage to those authentic Ska and Reggae rhythms that burst out of Jamaica in the mid to late 1960’s that influenced him and the band so much. 

Since then The Orchestra have been performing all over to rave reviews and the next logical step was to put that sound on record which has resulted in the release of debut album “The Benevolence of Sister Mary Ignatius”, with the title itself paying tribute to the lady who opened and ran the Alpha School for Boys. The album features their takes on many Ska classics like Baba Brookes’ ‘Gun Fever’, Jackie Mittoo’s ‘Napoleon Solo’, ‘EasternStandard Time’ by Don Drummond plus in amongst all these great instrumentals is the  single release, featuring Bitty Mclean on vocals, a take on Desmond  Dekker’s mighty, mystical 'Fu Man Chu'. The album has been co-produced by Mike Pelanconi aka Prince Fatty who has worked with the likes of reggae greats Dennis Alcapone, Little Roy and Winston Francis as well as helping introduce us to the delights of the talented Hollie Cook.

The Benevolence of Sister Mary Ignatius is available from all major and local outlets NOW!

Hylu & Jago - The Uplifting Riddim

Last year London based production duo Hylu & Jago broke onto the scene with the release of the very contemporary, assured roots reggae styled riddim 'Anansi'.
Now Unit 137 are to present their long awaited second release the ‘Uplifting Riddim’ which continues in a similar roots vein and has been written with the aid of onlyjoe member, guitarist and composer R. Kent.
There are four solid vocal cuts on the riddim from the likes of the Trinidadian Jah Defender, Jamaican singer Josie Mel plus more onlyjoe connections with vocalists Dandelion and Galak Spiritual.
Remix duties are performed by Sleepy Time Ghost and Reggae Roast's own Adam Prescott who both add their own inimitable style to proceedings.

Mungo's Hi Fi meets Kenny Knots - Brand New Bangarang

Get ready to experience the Brand New Bangarang which sets a new foundation for the reggae dancehall movement. Kenny Knots comes flying in streaming positive lyrics delivered with rasta fire, while Mungo's Hi Fi provide immaculate production steeped in soundsystem heritage. Chock full of smash singles and brand new dub slates born in the heat of the dance; every track is a tried and tested sound killer.

Kenny Knots has developed his unique and versatile style, nicing up dances worldwide for the last 30 years. He started out as a teenager in the 80s on London's Unity Sound which shot him to fame with singles like ‘Watch How The People Them Dancing’ and ‘Ring My Number’. He is a song writer and performer at the pinnacle of his talent.

Mungo's Hi Fi are ploughing a new furrow through the dry earth of the modern musical landscape. Their fresh take on reggae and dancehall music is sweeping the globe, gathering millions of hits despite being under the radar of mainstream culture.

Format

12” Vinyl printed sleeve 3mm spine

CD Digipack

Digital Formats

Tracklist

A1 Brand New Bangarang

A2 Word Sound and Power (ft. Mikey Murka)

A3 One Life to Live

A4 She Got Love for Me

B1 Sweet Meditation

B2 Rock Inna Dancehall

B3 Gimme Gimme 

B4 So Me Stay 

CD Bonus

Don't Let Them

Rasta Meditation

For a review of this release visit......

 

Digitaldubs feat Brother Culture - Holding Down A Vibe

Brand new on the Muzamba label is a 7" produced by Brazil's number one soundsystem, Digitaldubs, inspired by the Amazonian Tecno-Brega scene with low tech Casio sounds and featuring the living legend Brother Culture, who works hard to keep righteous dancehall culture alive and always holds down a vibe. Solid release with a tough version.

Released on Vinyl & Digital Formats Formats

A Digitaldubs ft Brother Culture – Holding Down A Vibe

B Digitaldubs – Dubing Down A Vibe

YABASS YABA RADICS - “DUBPLATE DRIFTER”

We are proud to announce this album release from Yabass featuring 9 previously unreleased dubplates from the archives of SpringlineJamaica.
This western tinged offering will excite the listener with it’s early Eighties sparce vibes and mixdown.
The tracks are taken from the spoof documentary film of the Willesden Posse’s 1981 dubplate wars with the Harlesden ‘Hang Em High’ Crew which is currently in production. 
The album is available on CD / DDL / TAPE

DDL @ iTunes / Amazon / eMusic / Spotify / RootsLabIntl
CD @ ReelPeopleMuzic.com / RootsLabIntl.com
TAPE @ ReelPeopleMuzic.com

Babascum - Down Inna Di Ghetto

Glasgow reggae sound system Argonaut Sounds have released Babascum’s

“Down Inna Di Ghetto”, the first single on their new label Argonaut Sounds Productions, available on limited edition 7” and digital download from 4th April 2013.

Written by Babascum, with backing vocals from Shantha Roberts and produced by Wayne Fortune, the upbeat one drop track stands apart from the dubstep and bass music influences currently dominating in the UK, and takes its lead from the resurgent reggae scene in Jamaica and Europe.

Hailing from St Lucia, Babascum has been resident MC with Argonaut Sounds for several years. Deeply immersed in music from a young age, and from a family of gospel and folk signers, his exposure to sound systems and be felt in his music, with his lyrical content carrying a spiritual message while reflecting the complexities of life.

The social aspect of reggae music is something Babascum holds dear:

“Music has always been my release, my joy, my love, everything. It’s always made me feel part of a community, and I’m so happy to be able to make a contribution to the music.”

After celebrating a decade in the sound system business in 2012, the formation of their new label is the next logical step for Argonaut Sounds, explains producer Wayne Fortune:

“We’ve been privileged to be part of the booming reggae scene in Glasgow for more than ten years, and it seems natural to take the next step and put some of our music out there - it’s been a long held ambition of ours to reach this stage.”

Shantha Roberts, former MTV and BBC Scotland TV presenter, provides backing vocals on the track, and has been a long term collaborator with Argonaut Sounds, having recorded several tracks in her own right for use on the sound system.

The single is available direct from www.argonautsounds.com  and from all good record stores and online retailers.

Mungo's Hi Fi feat Yellowman & Mr Williamz - Dubplate Master

Mr Williamz has been in high demand since appearing on Mungo's last album 'Forward

Ever' with his whopping Musically Mad and Computer Age hits. Those clamouring for

more will not be disappointed with his brand new lick, this time a combination with

Yellowman, and when the bassline drops and the vocals kick in it's like cool runnings all

over.

The flip side carries straight karnival style dancefloor instrumental, along with a half time swing version with a totally different groove and dutty, dutty bassline.

Format - 12” Vinyl - Digital Formats

Trojan Presents....

 
Since the launch of the 'Trojan' series in the summer of 2011, UMC's widely acclaimed 2CD 'Presents' range has gone from strength to strength, with the range further bolstered by well received collections highlighting the best in Jamaican sounds from three more legendary labels, Treasure Isle, Island and, most recently, Top Deck.

The latter, which comprises two collections featuring the best of Justin 'Phillip' Yap's  Ska vocal and instrumental productions went on sale a few weeks ago, with initial press reaction universally positive.

Listen to Top Deck Presents Ska Vocal on Spotify Here
Listen to Top Deck Presents Ska Instrumentals on Spotify Here

Later this year, the series will be further expanded by two more Island sets, 'Roots' and 'Original Reggae', with buyers guaranteed no repeat of recordings across any of these sets, fans are assured value for money.

JOEY & GROUP - ROCK STEADY GOLD

May’s (2013) limited edition 7” is to be another essential item for all fans of classic Rock Steady, with both sides featuring previously un-issued gems from Duke Reid’s celebrated Treasure Isle catalogue. 

Both ‘Soul Love’ by little known vocal group, Joey & Group and ‘What A Situation’ by an as-yet unidentified singer, supported by Lord Comic and Tommy McCook & the Supersonics, sparked huge excitement among listeners of Lady Livewire’s Roots FM show, when they were exclusively aired on the programme last month and now 500 lucky music fans will be given the opportunity to own them on vinyl.

Pre order your copy HERE

GAY FEET SKA-FES

The next release in the popular Boss Shots’ 10” range is to feature a quartet of Ska gems from Sonia Pottinger’s famed Gay Feet catalogue. To be released on 27th May 2013, the limited edition single collects four of the producer’s most sought-after mid-sixties sides, all of which featured on the impossibly rare ‘Gay Feet’ LP: Baba Brooks’ ‘First Session’,  ‘Hold Your Head In Front’ by Joe White & Chuck, Slim Smith & the Techniques’ ‘Heartaches’ and ‘By The Sea’ by the Saints
Mastered from the original Jamaican tapes and pressed on top quality vinyl, this is how music should sound.

Order your copy HERE

Cookin' On 3 Burners - This Girl feat. Kylie Auldist

Back in 2009, Freestyle released 'This Girl' by Cookin' On 3 Burners on a 45 single ahead of the full length album 'Soul Messin'.

This Girl featured renowned Aussie songstress Kylie Auldist (known for her work with The Bamboos, Polyester & Mega Bias) who joined forces with the boys and provided the focus for this mellow, beautiful and incredibly catchy song.

Shimmering horns ride over this laid back, deep soul classic, the super catchy melody found a home amongst fans of deep funk, classic 60s & Northern soul aficionados. Quickly selling out of its first, second and third vinyl pressing, the 45 went on to become one of those records that ended up going for quite 'silly money' on various rare record websites, which whilst flattering, did put the vinyl single somewhat out of reach of those not willing to part with a fat wad of cash in order to secure a copy!

So, now in 2013, Freestyle have bowed to public pressure and re-released this fantastic soul classic again on beautiful vinyl once more.

Upon its original release, everybody from Jazz FM's Peter Young through to BBC Radio 2's Mark Lamarr went just a little bit crazy about the song - and in 2013 this unforgettable  touching song is getting even more people hot under the collar all over again!

For those of you whose vinyl & turntable days are a distant memory - of course - you can also grab this classic 45 from all the usual digital outlets.

J Star - Licensed Plates

Celebrating 10 years of West London's Jstar Records, 12 official Jstar remixes & versions
come together in a celebration of blissful reggae bass lines, horns and echo

Pop sensibility reggae re-workings of Madness, DJ Vadim, Austrian popsters Mr Dero & Farina
Miss, rub shoulders with chasms of psychedelic dub such as The Unlimiters’ Loophole and
Resonators’ Sweet Love Affair (Inna Chicken Head Dub). New Zealand artists Dub Terminator and
The Black Seeds get the signature Jstar treatment with deep melodic bass lines and spacious steller
sonics. Jstar’s version of The Empty Heads’ Ya Ya, Das Mic, a Jstar collaboration with Uwe Kaa nd
Jstar’s own brand new Fish Finger Tentacle Dub are previously unreleased.

Producer and DJ, Jstar is well known for his classic reggae/hip hop nuggets on limited 7” vinyl, as
well as remixes of Madness, DJ Vadim, The Black Seeds, Ari Up, Mark Ronson, Dreadsquad,
Tenor Fly amongst others. Over 60 productions, that made it into record boxes of DJ's worldwide
(Norman Jay, David Rodigan, Grandmaster Flash, John Peel, Benji B and Diplo) that
regularly reach the Top Ten on Juno, and Beatport. An original Jstar album is under production
for late 2013.

Jstar goes from strength to strength djing across the planet from Mexico to Manchester, Denmark
to Delhi, Weimar to Wellington. 2013 will be no different, touring at festivals Northern Bass and
Rhythm & Alps New Zealand in December and January 2013, returning to Europe for summer, then
India.

Jstar – Licensed Plates JS021LP is available as a limited 500 units pressing collectable double gatefold LP, lovingly mastered from tape for vinyl appreciators, in a double gatefold cover with hand designed collage by Jstar, guest star interior design by French artist/ pro snowboarder Hugo De Vismes plus stickers and download codes for exclusive bonus tracks.

Kiwi - On The Move

After nearly a decade of entertaining audiences around the North-eastern US and Brazil Kiwi have hit their stride with a new line-up featuring some of the New York City area’s finest musicians. The band, which includes Alex Tea (vocals, guitar), Ramsey Norman (drums), Matt Quinones (bass), Ben Guadalupe (percussion), Dave Stolarz (keys), Barami Waspe (tenor sax), Curtis Taylor(trumpet), and Rob Edwards (trombone). 

Over these years they have been invited to share the stage with veteran reggae/ska acts including the Pietasters and John Brown’s Body.

Now they have just released their 2nd full-length album “On the Move” which is a masterful and joyful celebration of reggae rhythms, soulful vocals and Latin jazz-inflected harmonies.

To read more about this exciting album visit......

Ramon Judah - Deliver Me

“Deliver Me” is the latest release from Reggae Roast and features the labels front man Ramon Judah on vocals.

Ramon has been with reggae Roast since its inception 5 years ago yet incredibly this is his first official release with them. The cut sees the label take a more digital direction but as with all their rootsier material it is done with great style and is sure to rock crowds from the dancehalls to festivals alike.

Reggae Roast veteran MC Ramon Judah was born into a musical family in Liverpool in 1968. His father, Sugar Deen, a Merseyside legend from the 1960 influenced many musicians including Sir Paul Mcartney and gave Ramon the foundation to forge his own musical career as one of the most talented and conscious MC/singers in the UK roots scene.

RSD (Rob Smith) is as integral to the Bristol sound as any of his mainstream-approved counterparts. After his legendary work as Smith & Mighty, RSD is once again at Bristol's cutting edge, aligning himself with the city's inventive dubstep scene. Nottingham’s finest Adam Prescott, and newest member to the Reggae Roast team, combines rough and tough roots music with a modern injection of dubstep. Brighton based jungle/DnB/dub duo Kosine & Dialect have recently remixed tracks for the likes of Congo Natty and Serial Killers.