REGGAE RUNNINGS -- 4 June 2008

By Jesse I

Congratulations to Terrasphere Productions, who pulled off one of the biggest reggae gigs we’ve ever seen in Melbourne the weekend before last. Roots Nation was a success all round, with lines stretching down the road for Sassy’s Jamaican Kitchen, people enjoying the side events in the foyer, and Hamer Hall filled with reggae fans of all ages and backgrounds. The Arts Center was a pretty strange place for a reggae gig, and I don’t think they really knew what they were in for – the Melbourne massive literally drank the bar dry, and security staff could only watch on as plumes of smoke kept billowing up from the packed crowd.

Most importantly, the music was first class. All of the local acts performed brilliantly (Bart Willoughby’s We Have Survived being a personal highlight), and the Mista Savona band proved that they are well capable of backing world-class reggae artists – a really important step forward for the Australian reggae scene. Horace Andy began his set with no fold-back on stage, but rose to the occasion and delivered a flawless set, running through many of his classic standards as well as his hits for Massive Attack, and a few more recent numbers. For me though, it was all about Luciano, whose energy and delivery was simply on another level. Both the Messenger and his usual spar Mikey General outdid their last performances here, the band seemingly bringing out the best in them - and it was great to hear some different tunes from Luciano’s catlog, including the massive Must Raggamuffin. The only real disappointment on the day was Jack Scorpio’s set, which was way too short, and not really given the spotlight it deserved. Thankfully Scorpio made up for this at the Laundry afterparty, where he played Black Scorpio dubplates for hours, a real treat for the soundsystem fans who happened to be there!

Amazingly, Luciano and Mikey General played again on Tuesday night at the Evelyn for only $3 at the door, an un-promoted appearance at Mista Savona and Dizzy Dee’s weekly residency. I’d have to rate this as one of the best gigs I’ve seen in my life, the band sounding perfect, and Luciano and Mikey General sharing the stage with huge smiles on their faces – all simply for the love of it. When artists of this calibre are doing free shows like this, it shows how far the Australian reggae scene has come – respect to all involved!

The next big event on the calendar is something a little different, but no less exciting for fans of vintage Jamaican music. To celebrate the 5th birthday of the Melbourne Ska Orchestra, Mohair Slim has put together an amazing and historic bill featuring not only the orchestra, but also the Australian-Jamaican ska pioneers The Caribs (reunited for the first time in 45 years!), and The Moonhops - all presided over by original Studio One sound engineer and reggae industry legend, Graeme Goodall! The Melbourne Ska Orchestra Winter Warm-Up takes place on Saturday 28 June at the Corner Hotel.

After almost two years at Brown Alley, it’s time for Melbourne’s longest running reggae night More Fire to move on. Saturday 14 June will be the last Chant Down dance at the venue, which has seen some truly massive nights, including the Jah Mason and Junior Reid tours of last year. For the final More Fire at Brown Alley, residents Ras Crucial and I will be joined by special guest selectors Sister Sarah, Redbelly, Steve Austin, Mohair Slim, and MC Dizzy Dee. Come mek wi blaze up Brown Alley one more time! More Fire will relocate to Miss Libertine starting from July 12.

Two new weekly Thursday night sessions have just kicked off, with the Brunswick Reggae Rockers Club starting a couple weeks ago at the Brunswick Hotel on Sydney Road. Hosted by Derek M (aka Uptight from Heartical Hi-FI) this one promises everything from vintage ska to rocksteady, jamaican soul, lovers rock, roots, dancehall, new roots, digital roots and dub, and entry is free.

Tomorrow night is the first weekly Dancehall Dynamite night at La Di Da (46 King St, city). After the success of the last two one-off sessions, the venue has decided to make it a regular thing every Thursday as part of La Di Da’s new members night. Everyone who comes and helps kick things off tomorrow night can also pick up a membership medallion, which entitles you to free entry every week, as well as drink and meal discounts and priority entry at all times. Resident selectors include Binghi Fire, Redbelly, Ras Crucial and I, as well as weekly guests – tomorrow night features an MC showcase, with Damajah, Dizzy Dee and Vida Sunshyne all taking the mic. Other upcoming guests include Jesse Jahmal, Fee, Vibesman (June 12); Andy Ites, Sofire, Dizzy Dee (June 19), Troublemaker, Bass Bin Laden, Vida Sunshyne (June 26).

Ring The Alarm continues every Wednesday night at Laundry, residents Sista Itations, Dizzy Dee, Ras Crucial and I joined tonight by Bass Bin Laden and Maruza, with RankingYoni and Uptight coming up on June 11, Ms Butt and Gonzo on June 18, and Lady Banton and Papa Stylee on June 25.

This Saturday night brings the latest Basement Session at the Night Owl bar, featuring the full Heartical Hi-Fi Outernational Soundsystem. Residents Derek M, Steve Austin and Cassawarrior will be joined for this one by Dizzy Dee, Ranking Yoni, and Nich Power.

Friday 20 June is all about Riddim Method at Croft, with resident crew Housewife’s Choice joined by Shikung and RUCL, Ras Crucial, Jolz, Damajah and Ras Robbie.

Saturday 28 June brings Pressure Drop at Laundry, with residents Natty Sistren Sound joined by Australian reggae royalty Prince Andrew (formerly of Nasty Tek Sound), plus Bonnita, Maruza, and Subsonic Sound.