Ed West, Parly B - Dem A Fight!

It's the beginning of another year when people look to make a fresh start but the people at Reggae Roast are carrying on exactly where they left off by continuing to deliver quality releases with this slice of  ruff & tuff UK Dancehall, Dem A Fight (on the Telephone Riddim), courtesy of Ed West (The Drop) featuring the eccentric vocal stylings of Parly B & Jago!

Remix pressure comes from Bristol's finest purveyor of Jungle, J-Man (Run Tingz) & also FLeCK, who comes correct with his own unique brand of 140 Jungle inna dubwise fashion!

The tune is available now from itunes

JUNIOR 'SOUL' MURVIN - PASSES AWAY

2013 will be  forever marked as the year when the world lost one of its greatest and most inspirational statesmen Nelson Mandela, whose sad passing came just days after the loss of one of Jamaica's most underrated performers, Junior Murvin.

Best known internationally for his 1976 single 'Police and Thieves', Junior first burst onto the Jamaican music scene in the late sixties with hits for Derrick Harriott and Sonia Pottinger, although it was his work with Lee 'Scratch' Perry in the mid-to-late seventies that brought him global exposure and widespread acclaim.

Immediately following his spell with the producer, he enjoyed varied success with recordings for a number of Kingston-based music makers, including Joe Gibbs and Henry 'Junjo' Lawes prior to launching his own Port Antonio-based 'Murvin' imprint, although by the 1990s had eased off from his recorded work.

Shortly before his passing on the morning of 2nd December, the singer-songwriter, whose real name was Murvin Junior Smith, had been admitted into the Port Antonio Hospital in Portland, suffering with advanced stage diabetes and hypertension.

Jago - The Wicked Try

The Wicked Try is the first release from Jago, a vocalist who has made his name over recent years as one half of much talked about production duo Hylu & Jago. The track sees Jago stepping in to his own as a vocalist to be reckoned with on a sophisticated roots production from The Sea. Joining Jago on the track is Serocee, Ghost Writerz & Junior Dangerous. On remix duty is the mighty DJ Vadim, who comes with a dubbed out hip hop mix, perfectly complementing the original. Closing the release is a Dub from The Sea himself, which is sure to set sound systems around the globe on fire.

The release is the second on Hundred Years, a new label split between London, Bristol & Paris. The release follows on from Galak Spiritual’s debut EP, released earlier in the year, and builds on the platform of authentic UK reggae & hip hop music from some of the scene’s fastest rising stars, and marks the label out as a very exciting imprint to watch over the coming months.

www.hundredyearsrecords.com  

Jago ‘Prince Lanka’ Boue

Vocalist and producer Jago came to fame as one of the front men for the dub/reggae outfit onlyjoe. He also works with DJ/Producer Hylu in the Unit 137 studio where he collaboratively produces the duo’s original riddims, as well as performing those live at events all around the country, and internationally.

He is currently working hard on his debut album which is set to be released very soon. “The Wicked Try,” his first single, sees him step in to the light as a vocal talent to watch over the coming months. Not only is his lyrical content and performance devastatingly on point, but his ability to draw together some of the brightest and most exciting singers and MC’s from around the world to perfectly compliment his own style, on any given riddim, is unparalleled.

His work with Hylu has seen him fast become one of the most talked about underground producers in the UK. Their unique and instantly recognizable style fuses flawless composition with crisp production skills and spans genres from reggae & dub, through the spectrum of modern UK bass music. The duo continue to work with some of the biggest vocalists in the world, as well as some rising stars, and of course all the artists in the Unit 137 camp, who continue to cause a stir, both on their own sound system as well as at dances and festivals all over the country.

Passafire are back with their fifth studio album, 'Vines' which was released worldwide on November 11th. Vines is the band’s début release for leading reggae label Easy Star Records and is the follow up to their 2011 chart-topping (#1 Billboard and iTunes Reggae) album 'Start From Scratch'. The Savannah, GA-based quartet continues to raise their profile to the top of the exploding U.S. reggae scene.

Much of Vines was recorded just outside of El Paso, TX at the legendary Sonic Ranch Studios, the largest residential recording studio complex in the world. Acts as diverse as Animal Collective, Sublime, Gogol Bordello, and Band of Horses have all shared the unique facilities and atmosphere where the new album was recorded.  It was finished in the band’s own home studio, which allowed for a much more relaxed, off the clock approach to the final sessions. After the recording was completed, Passafire worked with Paul Leary (of the Butthole Surfers), who produced their last album, to nail down the final mixes.  Leary’s impressive resume includes work with Sublime, Pepper, Slightly Stoopid, U2, Meat Puppets, and Daniel Johnston, to name a few.  Vines is Passafire’s most ambitious release to date, thanks in large part to the focus of the current line-up – singer/guitarist Ted Bowne, drummer Nick Kubley, bassist/vocalist Will Kubley and keyboardist Mike DeGuzman.  The results find its makers at a creative peak combined with a comfort level on stage and in the studio that Passafire has never achieved before.  Early critical praise of Vines is already coming in, with The Pier enthusiastically stating, “…the tracks have a maturity and depth to them, traits gained only by working out material together on the road.”

The band’s relentless touring schedule has gained a loyal national following with notable performances at festivals including the Vans Warped Tour, Wakarusa, and the California Roots Festival.  2013 has only accelerated the bands’ momentum on the road.  On October 4th 2013, Passafire kicked off an extensive tour co-headlining with friends and scene-mates Ballyhoo! The string of 29-dates is aptly titled the “BrewHaHa” Tour.

Vines is available form  iTunes and all other leading outlets.

TONY BREVETT R.I.P

On the 26th October the world lost one of the most underrated singer-songwriters of a generation: Tony Brevett. Brevett was best known for his work with the Melodians, the group he had formed in the early sixties, along fellow Kingstonians, Brent Dowe and Trevor McNaughton.

After making their recording debut in 1966, the trio enjoyed a long and successful career, cutting hits with many of Jamaica’s leading producers, most notably Coxson Dodd, Duke Reid, Sonia Pottinger and Leslie Kong, for whom they recorded their most famous works: their sole UK hit, ‘Sweet Sensation’ and the definitive version of ‘Rivers Of Babylon’ from 1970. Soon after, Brevett recorded a number of self-produced solo sides, including his enduring hit,‘Don’t Get Weary’.

Subsequent spells working with Lee Perry and Harry Johnson ensued for the group, although their career was adversely affected by periods of inactivity following a number of break-ups. They finally experienced a period of sustained unity in the late 1990’s, during which time their stage performances won them new generations of fans, but sadly, in 2006, Dowe passed away following a heart attack. The remaining duo maintained the Melodians name until earlier this year, but after falling ill in August, Brevett was diagnosed with cancer and despite the efforts of staff at Florida’s Memorial Hospital, he finally lost his fight with the disease aged 64.

Mungo's Hi Fi ft. Lady Ann – Sound Get A Beating

Lady Ann comes in hard with a certified sound killer, beating down any dibbi
dibbi who wants to come try test. Riding the old time dance riddim with a rough
n tough vocal over the 80's digital style, together with the clean riddim this is an
essential 7” for all DJ's and jugglers.

This is a limited edition run.

Tradesman ft. Parly B – Know Bout Style

Tradesman is causing a right old rumble with his fresh digital reggae riddims. Together with Parly B, Doncasters DJ don dadda, they have created a modern day dancehall anthem, with one foot in the late 80's and the other firmly planted in 2013. 'Know bout Style' sent the flamethrowers wild at Outlook this year.

This is a strictly limited short run, so get it before it's gone.

Roots Radio Intl

 CHECK OUT THE STATION EVERYONE'S BEEN TALKING ABOUT!

With a host of multi national DJs representing Sound Systems, Record labels and Promotion outfits
Roots Radio Intl is your number one port of call!
You will hear all the latest up to date sound system dubplates that are biggin up the dancefloors across the world, You will hear all the latest sounds from independent reggae labels, their releases and archives, you will hear classic vintage reggae and dub selected from vinyl, you will see a friendly positive roots family welcome you to the station for it boasts it's own multi camera chat lounge where you'll make friends with like minded fans of the music. The station will soon be employing it's own merchandise and music download store
The station is owned by Rabbi Cajun , it is managed by Rebel Soul (both United States). It's Admin team who make sure the station runs as smoothly and trouble free as is possible are Arfur B, Warrior Force Naomi and Roots Hobbit (All UK) with admin assistance from Cristiano Jahvoice and Tias dubwise (Italy France respectively). The station's publicist and promoter is Gibsy Rhodes (SpringlineRecords) So, tune in to the sound of now and enjoy the ride!

GO TO STATION

Omar feat. Caron Wheeler - Treat You plus Opolopo Remix!

Omar continues his magnificent re-emergence back to the forefront of contemporary soul on this new single 'Treat You' as he generously features another legend of similar pedigree: Soul II Souls' Caron Wheeler.

This story of a somewhat troubled love affair, the infectious groove rolls on whilst Omar and Caron take turns to air their issues, the bitter sweet subject matter is reflected in minor key and mellow synthesiser sounds. How these two legendary voices blend into something quite amazing isn't something that can easily be described in words - but it can be said that this duet between such fine and unique talents is a rare and beautiful thing.

'Ordinary Day' is where the sound heads south of the equator as Omar stamps his trademark voice and production all over this happening salsa rhythm. The up-tempo, sun drenched feel is augmented by huge sounding horns, a storm of blistering, Latin percussion and one of Omar's best vocal performances ever.

Opolopo, renowned remixer and producer is the man who put his stamp on the recent big club version of Gregory Porter's 1960 'What?', and his exclusive remix of 'Treat You' for this single is utter class, putting the emphasis on the contemporary dance floor tip without losing any of the originals soul or integrity. One of Omar's favourite remixes of his new material, Opolopo shows us why he is the man of the moment when it comes to bringing a fresh perspective to the great voices of modern soul and jazz.

Finally - long time Omar collaborator/co-producer Scratch Professer puts his totally individual and quirky touch on 'Treat You', rounding off this essential 12-inch single and digital download package.

"Absolutely loving this package! Treat You is a future classic. The Opolopo remix will also be doing damage on my radio show & dancefloor!" DJ AIS-T, Basso Radio, www.basso.fi


"I love my Omar! All the mixes work for me and I shall play with love." Ashley Beedle

"My goodness, Caron can sing anything and I'll melt!" Djtabone, WRFG 89.3 FM

ADAM PRESCOTT with CHARLIE P - LAZY MAN / STAND FIRM

Now on their seventeenth release the forward thinking UK Reggae & Dub music label, Reggae Roast are going from strength to strength with many underground hits under their belt already in 2013. This release definitely follows suit, having already done the rounds on dubplate for many months and set alight dances all over the world. They’ve signed up one of the top up and coming UK producers, Adam Prescott, and one of the top mic men on the scene, Charlie P. On remix duty they’ve drawn on the vanguard of dub, Iration Steppas, and digikal stalwart, Tradesman.

With this double A-side release Reggae Roast have lined up two heavy hitting bubblers built to test any soundsystem. ‘Lazy Man’ is a contemporary steppas reimagining of the stone cold classic ‘My Conversation’ by the late, great Slim Smith which is accentuated by Charlie P’s take on the advantages of being Lazy in modern day Britain. ‘Stand Firm’ on the flipside is a slice of ruff & tuff Rootstep with conscious lyrics from Charlie P alongside weighty bass assault and a hard rhythm section from Adam Prescott it’s a stark contrast to ‘Lazy Man’.

Straight outta Nottingham, Adam Prescott has been mashing up dances for many years now combining a crucial selection of dubplates and his own varied productions, which are always steeped in Roots music and Soundsystem culture. Having remixed some of the biggest names in Reggae & Dub such as Mungo’s Hi-Fi, Iration Steppas, Part2Style, Alpha Steppa, Radikal Guru, Vibration Lab and many, many more over the course of his career he has been finally let loose on a Reggae Roast extended player.

Charlie P hardly needs any introduction, however if you have been living under a rock for the past few years he has worked with pretty much everyone worth their salt within the modern day Dub circuit, such as Mungo’s Hi-Fi, Dubateers, Solo Banton, Part2Style to name but a few. Constantly touring the world and smashing Dancehalls on a regular basis Charlie shows no sign of slowing down, add to that he has just finished his second LP produced by none other than Scotland’s finest, Mungo’s Hi-Fi

In the Soundsystem game for over 20 years Mark Millington, one half of Iration Steppas (with Dennis Rootical), has been instrumental in the massive resurgence of Dub music over the past few years. Having set up the legendary Subdub sessions (alongside Outlook Festival’s Simon Scott) to showcase the mighty Iration Steppas Soundsystem, Mark is one of the most in-demand selectors on the scene. As a supporter of Adam’s work Mark has been playing his ‘Year 3000 Dub’ of ‘Lazy Man’ at nuff sessions across the world to sell out audiences. With another busy year planned hot off the back of their new LP ‘Iration Steppas Meets Tena Stelin in the Dub Arena’ Mark and the rest of the crew deserve their place at the top of the Soundsystem league.

Hailing from Leeds, Tradesman has been exposed to a hot bed of musical activity, more importantly Soundsystem culture, for a number of years. He is a resident at one of Subdub’s more underground offshoots, Dancehall Science, and regularly supports some of the most exciting artists in Dub music today playing sets where the majority of the tunes are his own productions. This has, in turn, led to Scotch Bonnet (Mungo’s Hi-Fi imprint) snapping up his debut release with Parly B, ‘Inna Competition’ which gained support from some of the scene’s top players and took Tradesman’s ruffneck digital sound international.

Reggae Roast is building a formidable catalogue featuring some of the most exciting artists in the UK and beyond. Key players in the resurgence of the UK Roots scene over the past 5 years, they are a leading light in the new generation of dub music. Setting them apart from the crowd is their ruff n tuff remixes giving the label a unique cross over appeal. Look out for plenty more releases in the coming months from the likes of Dubmatix, Vibration Lab, Ed West, Parly B and many more.

Roots Queen - Powerful Energy

German Reggae/Dancehall artist Roots Queen is making an impact with her first studio album, “Powerful Energy”  and its  début single “Feeling Free” which has spent nine weeks at number one on the Reggae chart in the UK, seven weeks at number one on another Reggae chart in the United States and was number four on New York’s top 30 Reggae Chart. While the latest single, “Fly With Me”, is currently number two in the UK and getting rotation on Reggae shows all over.

Manager Steve Stephens said about the new album. "I will never forget the night I sat in Roots Queen studio in Germany and heard the album for the first time. I just could not believe my ears and by the time we got to the last track I knew not only that Roots Queen was a special talent but that we had an album full of potential hit singles!!”

Recently Roots Queen spoke with Sir Daddy D on Reggae4Us about the album, her career and a slew of other things which you can hear HERE

To read an extensive review of this album visit....

Kalbata & Mixmonster - Congo Beat The Drum

Freestyle Records are celebrating their 10th anniversary year and have just announced the signing of Kalbata & Mixmonster to the label with their stunning new album: “Congo Beat The Drum”.

Kalbata & Mixmonster are two renowned producers, Ariel Tagar (Kalbata), a techno & 2-step producer who previously has released on labels such as Soul Jazz, Brownswood and Greenmoney as well doing a string of high profile remixes for artists such as Fat Freddy's Drop, Spank Rock, The Count & Sinden and Roll Deep as well as being the man behind reissue labels Fortuna and Spring Hill Records.

Mixmonster (Uri Wertheim) is the man behind the world-renowned funk, brass & breaks band The Apples, as well as a member of cut-n-paste duo Radiotrip. He is also a producer and sound engineer specialising in analogue tape recordings.

Two years ago, Ariel and Uri went into their Tel Aviv studio with the purpose of recording a 100% analogue reggae/dub album, combining the spirit of the late King Tubby and the early dancehall era of the late 70's and early 80's. They insisted on not using any computers in the process, whilst blending in elements of techno, psychedelic funk, and African tribal music.
They then travelled to Kingston, Jamaica and began tracking down their favourite singers and deejays, such legends as Jah Thomas, Little John, Trinity, Echo Minott, Mutabaruka, Major Mackerel, Puddy Roots and the sadly, recently departed Prince Jazzbo.
The resulting long player, “Congo Beat The Drum” is on the one hand truly loyal to the origins of Jamaican music and on the other, a well produced forward thinking album, sounding totally fresh in today's music aesthetics. It will also rattle your speakers in ways not heard since the heyday of Jamaican reggae & dub!
About signing with Freestyle, Ariel said “We're super excited to be releasing Congo Beat The Drum' with the Freestyle crew. After two years in the making the time has come to let it out!”

Freestyle A&R man Greg Boraman added "Securing this amazing reggae album ends a 2-year search for just the right project: “Much of the contemporary roots reggae based material I had been checking out lacked that certain authentic feel, but this project has all the right analogue vibes and the line up of classic Jamaican legends featured made it a must have for Freestyle”.

Debut single ‘Prisoner In Love’ featuring Little John will soon be released on a suitably Kingston style 45 vinyl single, with an instrumental version excursion on the flip.

Richie Campbell - Focused

Portugal's #1 reggae artist Richie Campbell makes his US début with the album "Focused" which will be released through Tommy Boy Entertainment on October 29th, 2013. The album was released earlier this year in his native Portugal and quickly climbed to the #1 position on iTunes on week of release. The success was repeated last week upon its release in Germany where the album is sitting at #6 on the Top Reggae albums chart.

Richie Campbell has been tearing up the reggae music scene all over the world since the ripe age of 16. Having already collaborated and toured with some of the best names in the business, including SOJA, Kymani Marley, Anthony B, and Gentleman. Richie’s reputation far outweighs his years. “Focused” contains features and contributions from many of these artists, as well as current noteworthy Jamaican artists and producers Ikaya, Turbulence, Don Corleon, Big Finga, and Specialist and includes his most recent singles, "Blame It On Me" and "That's How We Roll" which have both contributed to his success, not only in his native Portugal, but in Europe and the Americas as well. 

Campbell continues to spread his message of love and responsibility throughout all of his songs with a smooth voice that speaks of ills whilst lifting up the soul.

Onlyjoe Play With Fire

Having appeared to rave reviews at various summer festivals London outfit onlyjoe are following up on the success of ‘Wicked Land’ and ‘Revolution’ to release their fourth single ‘Play With Fire’ which sees the band truly become the roots outfit that they claim to be. 

The single is backed by a mighty effect filled dub version from Dubkasm that veers away from their usual steppas style, a trademark dancefloor killer remix by DJ Madd as well as a sparse and atmospheric mix from Unit 137’s respected producers Sleepy Time Ghost and Hylu.

'Play With Fire' is released on October 14th on 12" vinyl, CD and digital formats