REGGAE RUNNINGS -- 28 February 2007

By Jesse I

 

Melbourne's dub fans were given a real treat last Wednesday night, as Dub Syndicate took to the stage at the Prince Bandroom and played one of the most "authentic" live dub sets ever seen on these shores. Led by foundation member (and ex-Roots Radics drummer) Style Scott, the band was about as good as you could ask for, Lloyd Parkes laying down killer bassline after killer bassline, Bubbler Waul perfect on keys, and Vince Black sharp on guitar. As great as this show was, it did receive a somewhat mixed response from the crowd - the dub fans seemed to be in heaven, while a lot of the reggae regulars seemed to spend most of the night wondering when someone was going to get on the mic. Thankfully Lloyd Parkes did sing two of his 70s hits, "Mafia" and "Officially"; a personal highlight for me.

The next international act on the calendar is Mad Professor, who brings his original dub styles to Revolver Upstairs on March 8, along with support from the Red Eyes Sound System. Other dates to take note of are Lee Scratch Perry at the Prince Bandroom on April 2, and then Ziggy Marley the following night at the Prince again on April 3.

On the local front, this coming Saturday brings the latest Tafari Dance Massive party at Acemorning, featuring residents Twist and Outlaw (formerly Toola aka Papa Evril) plus guests Bellyas, Tempa, and Binghi Fire.

March 10 is the second Saturday of the month, which means More Fire is back again at Brown Alley for session #69. Resident sound Chant Down will be back for their usual 2-hour showcase after last month's rotation craziness of the Australian Sound Summit, but the long-distance linkups keep coming as well - top-ranking selector Daneekah returns from the US for this one, Japan's heavyweight dub crew Redemption Sound are represented by visitor Tomo, and Sydney's Leo Conscious will be bringing his vintage sounds to nice up the dance early on - plus local wastie Twist to help keep things grounded.

March 24 marks a year of Pressure Drop dances at Laundry, and residents Natty Sistren Sound, Tempa and Nich Power are planning to make it a big one. Guests on the night will include Chant Down, Andy Ites, and Troublemaker. These parties are always sweet, and with improved sound and extra festivities this could be the sweetest Pressure Drop yet.

Community radio station PBS has recently introduced a new idea to help raise funds badly needed to stay on air - spotlight show specials. Saturday 17 th March will be Chant Down Babylon's turn - a time for Melbourne's reggae fans to show their support for the station by becoming a member, and hopefully win some great reggae music at the same time. For this broadcast, I'll be hosting a two-hour special focusing on women in reggae music, from the early rocksteady period and artists like Marcia Griffiths, Jennifer Lara and Phyllis Dillon, right through to modern vocalists including Dezarie, Queen Omega and everyone in-between. I'll also be airing an interview with Queen Ifrika conducted in Kingston, Jamaica back in 2002. Tune in to 106.7 FM from 5-7pm on March 17, and get ready to ring 84151067 and become a member of PBS!

Rather than go over new vinyl releases this month, I want to devote due attention to a landmark new release just put out by Elefant Traks - Mista Savona Presents Melbourne Meets Kingston. Produced by Melbourne musician Jake Savona, this album represents the first time an Australian producer has worked extensively with big-name Jamaican artists over a full-length album. More importantly, it is simply the strongest reggae/dancehall album produced in this country to date. Savona's riddims (which range from fresh dancehall to original roots and even a little nyahbinghi) are world-class, and having been present in Jamaica when most of these vocals were laid down, I can attest to the overwhelmingly positive response they received there. While the name artists (including modern stars Determine and Anthony B as well as the veteran chanter Big Youth) provide some of the strongest songs on the compilation, lesser known artists such as Sugar Dee, Lisa Dainjah, Stevie Culture and Bashy Bashy all do more than hold their own - a further testament to Savona's production skills. A special mention must also be made of local sing-jay Vida Sunshyne, the only Australian vocalist to have her own tune on this one. Her song "Ras Woman" is up there with the best, and makes me wonder just what she will be capable of in the future. Respect to all involved in this fantastic release.