REGGAE RUNNINGS -- 10 May 2006

By Jesse I

Although it seems like a long time ago now, I have to start by paying respect to Damian Marley for one of the best live reggae shows that Melbourne has ever seen. Sean Paul's visit aside, this was Melbourne's first real taste of a contemporary Jamaican artist, backed by a band that could deliver true dancehall style as well as the roots. The sell-out crowd loved every minute, and responded as such, with nuff lighters, whistles, and forwards from start to finish. Reports from other shows around Australia suggest that Jr Gong and his band showed more energy here than elsewhere, which I'd have to put down to the good vibes of the Melbourne massive. Respect!

The Prince of Wales was the place to be again the following week when the Skatalites took the stage, and it was another first class show all the way. Lester "Ska" Stirling led the band, which featured other legends such as Lloyd Knibb on drums, Karl "Cannonball" Bryan on sax, Vin "Don Drummond Jr" Gordon on trombone, Val Douglas on bass, and a special treat in the form of vintage singer Doreen Schaffer. Far from the jump-up energy of the week before, this show was pure sweetness, as the band took us on a journey from classic ska instrumentals like Exodus, Phoenix City and Guns of Navarone, into rocksteady and early reggae riddims such as Rockfort Rock.

After being spoiled with internationals in April, it's back to the local reggae scene to keep the fire burning through May. More Fire, Australia's biggest reggae and dancehall night, takes place again this Saturday 13th May over two levels at the Mercat LG ( 456 Queen St , city). Residents Chant Down will be joined by UK roots specialist Uptight (of Heartical Hi-Fi and Heartical on PBS-FM) who is sure to shake the foundations, plus Ghetto Fabulous' Ms Butt, Papa Stylee, Maruza, Humdrum, and Pozitiv.

Riddimwise is the name of a new free monthly at Workshop, itself one of the best new venues to open up recently in town. A roofless room offers the unique experience of being able to look at the night sky while still being inside and hearing the music - always a winning combination with reggae. Residents on rotation include A13, Kilroc, Ras Crucial and I, plus regular guests - on May 20 it will be Binghi Fire and Christar bringing their sounds.

New night Pressure Drop seems to be doing very well at the Laundry, settling in to the upstairs room with a big night last month. Their third instalment happens on May 27, with residents Nich Power, Tempa, Sista Itations and Vida Sunshyne joined by Housewife's Choice, Maruza, and guest MCs Traffik and Dr Fil. The first 40 payers also receive a free Nich Power mix CD.

In Jamaica, Chuck Fender's "Gash Dem" (Confessions riddim) has become the latest tune to be banned from radio airplay, following recommendations made by the Jamaican Broadcasting Commission. Interestingly, the song speaks out against "negative vibes" and "senseless killing", but was banned for "incendiary" lyrics; namely the chorus "gash dem and light dem". Taken literally, the song appears to call for wrongdoers to be cut and burned, but as usual they are defended on the basis that they're simply metaphorical. Regardless, the ban is unlikely to negatively affect the song's success, and it's currently at #10 on the Jamaican charts (at #1 is Elephant Man's "Gangster Rock" on the Birchill label).

Looking at new 7" releases over the last month, it's all about the new roots riddims. Massive B continues to build on their reputation as one of the best labels in contemporary reggae with the Jah Love riddim, a version of the Yabby U classic "Warn The Nation". With production reminiscent of their recent hit version of Truths and Rights, and similar artists contributing, Jah Love looks set for some serious dancehall play in the coming months. As with Truths and Rights, the standout cuts for me came from Richie Spice and newcomer Khari Kill, plus good contributions from Norrisman and Ras Shiloh amongst others.

Militant Muzik is back after several years of inactivity with a strong riddim called "Youths and Youths", while the Ice Berg label has just released another run of cuts on the Rose Apple, one of the more popular downbeat riddims in Jamaica so far this year.

Very little new dancehall has made much impact on me in the last month, though H20's version of the early 90s Buju Banton classic "Man Fi Dead" deserves attention from the 90s dancehall revive fans. One tune that did stand out though is a one-away killer from Assassin, "Gully Sitt'n" on the Zero G label - another tuff tune from one of the most consistent dancehall artists of recent years.