REGGAE RUNNINGS -- 31 January 2007

By Jesse I

 

Firstly, a massive big up to Luciano and Mikey General for an awesome show at the Espy on Saturday night. While some people were complaining about the lack of a full-band before the show, nobody could have complained afterwards, as the performances couldn’t have been much better. Luciano delivered hit after hit, often mixing up lyrics from different tunes on different riddims in proper soundsystem style, and regularly pulling-up when forwards were demanded by the whistle-blowing lighter-flashing crowd. As well as waving his red gold and green flag constantly, Mikey General was superb on backup vocals, and earned some big forwards of his own for material such as Sinners and Babylon Cake. Selector Ricky Trooper worked hard all night, providing the riddims for Luciano and Mikey General, and showcasing his own style both before and after the main event. It was interesting watching the crowd react to a true yard-style selector whose abrupt cuts had some people scratching their heads, but Trooper was generally well-received and kept the vibes hyped. Respect to Duckpond from the Big Day Out, and Terrasphere Promotions for making it happen.

Thankfully there is another major international to look forward to next month, when Dub Syndicate play at the Prince Bandroom on February 21. Led by ex-Roots Radics drummer Style Scott, this tour features some of Jamaica’s best musicians, including Radics keyboard player Franklyn "Bubbler" Waul, and Lloyd Parkes on bass (himself the leader of the famous Jamaican band We The People). Whether you’re a fan of classic Jamaican roots or even the “kiwi-dub” variant of recent times, make sure you check this show! Also featuring support from the Red Eyes, Heartical Hi-Fi, and Systa BB.

This Friday brings the annual Bob Marley Birthday Bash at the Corner Hotel, marking what would have been Marley’s 62nd. Featuring the Jamaican connection - Stick Mareebo, Pappa Dalton, Tech, and Rugged - plus the homegrown talents of Ras Crucial, Jesse I, Damajah, Traffik, Sista Itations, and Vida Sunshine – this is one reggae gig where Bob Marley requests are more than welcome! Presale tickets are on sale now from the Corner Hotel on 94279198 for $15, otherwise the damage is $20 at the door.

Chant Down’s More Fire session has nicely settled back into the 2nd Saturday of every month at Brown Alley, but instead of the usual runnings they’re presenting something very special this month on February 10th – the 2nd Australian Reggae Sound Summit. Last year's inaugural Summit in Sydney was one of the biggest reggae shows of the year, and now it's Melbourne's time, with top-ranking sound crews coming from all over Australia ready to nice up the dance. Alongside More Fire residents Chant Down will be Sydney's Nasty Tek Sound, Perth's Earth Links, Byron Bay's Rub A Dub Sound, and local favorites Natty Sistren. More information at www.chantdown.com

February also sees the return of two local monthly nights after a small break… Tafari Dance Massive is back at Ace Morning this Saturday, residents Twist and Toola joined by guests Andy Ites, Sista Itations and I. Later in the month, the Pressure Drop crew are back at Laundry on the 24th for their 10th session, this time featuring guests Binghi Fire, Twist and Tomo (Redemption Sound) alongside residents Natty Sistren, Tempa and Nich Power.

Free weekly reggae night High Tide is still going strong at the Espy every Thursday in the public bar. Upcoming guests include Bellyas, Maruza, So Fire, Papa Stylee, Kilroc, Peppie, A13, Gonzo and more.

Looking at new releases… the classic Taxi riddim has experienced a big revival lately thanks to Buju Banton’s massive hit Driver. Producers Sly & Robbie have cashed in with some fresh cuts on this one, including wicked cuts from Elephant Man and Degree on Lenky’s 40/40 label as well as tunes released on the original Taxi label. The Livity Nuh Nice riddim on the Chip I Prophet label should be familiar to all who remember Capleton’s “Leaders Let The People Down” from his Reign of Fire album – that tune has finally been released on 7”, along with other big tunes from artists including Turbulence and Luciano. The Skylarking riddim on Tiger records doesn’t owe much to the Horace Andy riddim of the same name, but it rounds out the recommendations on the new roots front – a nice one-drop cut featuring big tunes from the likes of Perfect, Lutan Fyah, Jah Mason, and Norris Man.

A lot of good dancehall riddims have dropped in the last month, including Jah Snowcone’s follow-up to the huge Applause riddim, Cheerful. The name suits actually – think of it as a more cheerful version of the Applause, and you should get the right idea. Power Cut is the latest riddim from teenage producer Stephen McGregor, released on his dad Freddie’s Big Ship label – for me this is his best yet, and it features tough vocals from most of dancehall’s new breed. Other new dancehall riddims of note include Pepper Spray on Stainless, Dreaming on Daseca, and Shampoo on Purple Skunk.