Entertainment News
July 2004

PASSED

Supercat's friend and manager passed in April. Frederick Donner (November 27, 1964 - April 22, 2004) was an integral part of Supercat's 10 year dancehall career. An all-star compilation album was made to honor his memory. For more information, visit http://www.super-cat.com/

Gwendolyn Groves passed on Sunday July 4th, 2004 from cardiac arrest at the age of 53. She is the mother of Jamaica Association of Northern California (JANC) member, Ramon Simon. Our condolences go out to the family and community.

BOB MARLEY NEWS

The Bob Marley Museum is seeking memorabilia. Located at 56 Hope Road in Kingston, Jamaica, the Museum is built in the former home of the King of Reggae. It is also the grounds on which the Tuff Gong Recording Studio and Tuff Gong Record Shop were situated. It now features the museum tour and photo exhibition, gift shops, Queen of Sheba restaurant, and more! The Museum is looking to add memorabilia to its permanent collection. For more information, visit http://www.bobmarley.com/museum/.

Universal Group has released the Bob Marley & The Wailers Legend (Sound+Vision) 2 CD/DVD Combo Set. The CD set was released on July 13, 2004, and features tracks such as 'No Woman, No Cry', 'Buffalo Soldier', 'I Shot The Sheriff' and 'Jammin'. To watch the "Get Up Stand Up" video, click here (.asx) or here (.ram).

In addition to releasing Legend, Bob Marley & The Wailers now also have a 20th Century Masters Collection CD that features songs 'Soul Rebel', 'Concrete Jungle' and 'Stir it Up'. Other 20th Century Masters titles to look out for feature artists Peter Tosh, Third World, Jimmy Cliff and Steel Pulse as well as a live re-mastered CD from Toots and The Maytals' 1980 performance at the Hammersmith Palais in London. To hear Jimmy Cliff's "Wonderful World, People Beautiful" click here.

INCARCERATED

Updating readers on the the Andrew Tosh story, news from the courts is that he was bailed out of the Bakersfield jail by family members, and met his court date on July 1, 2004. Because of the outbursts he continued to have while in the courthouse, he was locked up again. Rumor has it that the family is not going to try to bail him a second time. Reggae on the River has removed him from this year's line-up, although he's slated to appear at this year's Reggae on the Rocks Festival in Colorado.

MUSIC NEWS

Mr. G, formerly known as dancehall artist Goofy, releases his first album under his new name on August 10, 2004. Available on S-Curve Records, "Issues" is a collection of songs that cross over between hardcore dancehall and R&B-flavored reggae. The man formerly known as Goofy had chart-topping international hits such as "Fudgie," "Whining Machine," "Don’t Give A Damn," "Brush Yuh Teeth" and "Big Man, Little Youth." He recently changed his name to become more serious in this reggae game. For more information, please visit http://www.s-curverecords.com/mrg/.

Dasvibes.de would like to introduce Timar Chistise a.k.a “Enesi" to the reggae world. This 19-year-old Jamaican sings and deejays. Enesi has recorded combinations with Gentleman, Ganjaman, and Jr. Randy. To hear samples of this artiste visit www.dasvibes.de/previews.htm. He will be on tour in Europe starting August 1 in Germany.

Jetstar Records UK released Savana's "Pretty Lady" CD. For more information, visit www.savanaworld.com.

Massive B has released its latest dancehall riddim, "Rah Rah." It is a follow up to their "Wanted" riddim. The lead single is recorded by the Energy God himself, Elephant Man, doing "Rah Rah". Also on the riddim is T.O.K. with "She Make Me Weak". Sizzla, Vybz Kartel, Wayne Wonder, Burro Banton, and Bounty Killer all have tracks on the riddim as well.

Positive Sound Management inks deal with San Francisco singer/songwriter Karney. The singer has been likened to 70s rock women like Stevie Nicks, Chrissie Hynde, Patti Smith, and Pat Benetar. Positive Sound Recordings is known in the reggar community for their work with reggae dancehall sensations Rocker-T and Jamalski.

Wisdom Records in San Francisco has all the hot new riddims! They currently recommend the following: Aollo!! Aollo!!, BlueSteel, Chrome, Ching Chang, Dreamweaver, French Vanilla, Guala Guala, Guiness & Trees, Mad Instruments, Mad Guitar, Perilous, Red Alert, Sim Card, Tabernacle, Tunda Clap, Worried, Alto Ego, Blaze, Father Jungle Rock, Forever Loving, Gal Gone, Question, Serious Time, Soul Food, Stress, Swing Easy, Time Will Tell. They recently dropped their shipping rates to save their customers money. They take orders via phone, fax, or mail. http://wisdomrecordssf.com

Mr. Easy is preparing to release a new album. Easy’s been consistently voicing
on the top dancehall riddims. Working with esteemed producers Dave Kelly, South Rakkas Crew, Skatta, Tony Kelly and Troyton Rami has expanded the dancehall artist's catalog. Presently his work from three of these top-notch producers is paving a new path for him. “Grudge You” on the Ching Chong riddim is generating big steam in East Coast clubs and getting spun on mixshows. In anticipation of his new album, he has revamped his website, visit www.mreasy.net.

Heartical label is proud to present their new 7 inches series. Six previously unreleased tracks available on 5 singles using Aswad's Dub Fire riddim rebuilt by the BDF Band & mixed by Dougie Wardrop at Conscious Sounds (London):

Al Campbell "The Power", Chronicle "Diamond & Gold", Sugar Minott "Prophecy" / Original Uman " La Danse Du Serpent", Pinchers "Work For The King", Luciano "Time Will Tell." To shop or listen, visit www.heartical.net.

On September 27, Motion Records will release the CD, "Out on a Funky Trip: Funk & Soul from Randy's 1970-75." While reggae was the predominant sound of the street during that time, there was a large funk and soul following. This album captures the talent and enthusiasm for American music in Jamaica.
All tracks were recorded at Kingston's legendary Randy's Studio, some produced by Vincent Chin, the rest by his son Clive. For more information, visit www.motionrecords.com.

MAGAZINES

Dancehall diva Sasha is the cover girl for the The Beat's Dancehall 2004 issue which is due to hit newsstands in the US the first week of August. The issue celebrates women in the dancehall and features Tanya Stephens, among others.

Britain’s ‘No.1 Black Newspaper’ New Nation recently published ‘The 100 Greatest Albums Of All Time’ (June 28, 2004). It was compiled from the Top 20 list of hundred contributors, drawn from singers, musicians, producers, and journalists. Out of the 100 albums, only four were British of which the highest placed was Soul II Soul’s ‘Club Classics Vol. 1’ at no. 22, and the lowest being Sade’s ‘Stronger Than Pride’ at no. 100.

The Italian Bob Marley Magazine spreads news about Bob Marley's life, his music and his message. Each month this site is updated with exclusive interviews, unissued photos, memories of people that met him or just people that simply loved him. There is a complete list of his concerts performed from 1962 to 1980 and lyrics of his songs translated into italian. A particular session is dedicated to his stay in Italy in June 1980 for his Milan and Turin concerts. To read the magazine visit http://www.bobmarleymagazine.com/

EVENTS

Italian World Music Festival in Venice! The "Giardini d'Estate 2004" will be held July 20-24 and is completely devoted to world music this year. The concerts will take place in the magical Giardini Napoleonici, usual entrance of the Venice Biennale d'Arte, in the historical district of Castello, with free entry at 9 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Venice Municipality and organized by Lion Srl in collaboration with attuAlmente, Mandragola, and Soliti Sospetti.

Irie Jamboree 2k4 happens on August 22, 2004 at the Roy Wilkins
Park, Queens, New York. Headliners slated to appear are Luciano, Barrington Levy, Freddie McGregor, Bounty Killer, TOK, Cobra, Tanya Stephens, Richie Spice, Richie Stephens, KC Jockey, Frankie Paul among others.

Rhythm is London’s first weekly nightclub experience for 13-17 year olds. It starts Sunday July 18 and every Sunday thereafter throughout the summer holidays. The aim is to provide somewhere for young people to relax, use their skills, meet friends and have fun all within a controlled, safe environment. The organisers are looking for young talent for PA’s, DJing, MCing and dance acts to perform at the events. For more information, visit www.rhythmparty.com

TOURS

Bambú Station and Iba hail from the Virgin Islands of St. Croix and St. Thomas and are currently touring in support of their albums, “Talkin’ Roots ~ Volume I”, “One Day,” and “Jah Lion (Children of the Nile)." For more information, visit http://www.mtneborecords.com/home.html.

Burning Spear is currently touring the United States. Please visit http://www.burningspear.net for tour dates.

Luciano will begin a U.S. tour in August, jumping off from San Francisco on August 5 and ending in Farmingdale, NY on September 2.

Midnite will be on tour in Oregon and California in August. They have dates in Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, Fairfax, San Francisco, Piercy's Camp, Tahoe City, Los Angeles, San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Orange County.

Steel Pulse has a 32-date U.S. tour beginning on July 14 in Providence, Rhode Island.

Big D Productions presents the International Reggae Showcase featuring Soldiers of Jah Army (Washington DC), Gomba Jahbari (San Juan, Puerto Rico) and Jah Coustix (Munich, Germany). This promotional tour begins on August 10 and tours Washington, Maryland, and Virginia.

The "Bob Marley Roots Rock Reggae Festival" Tour features Damian Jr. Gong Marley, Julian Marley, Stephen Marley, Toots & The Maytals, and Ziggy Marley. For tour dates, visit: http://www.rootsrockreggae.com/calendar.html

REGGAE RADIO

Listen to the BBC's 1Xtra. They play contemporary black music, with a strong emphasis on high-quality live music and supporting new British artists. 1Xtra also brings listeners a bespoke news service, regular discussion programmes and specially commissioned documentaries, plus information and advice relevant to the young target audience, particularly – although not exclusively – those from ethnic minorities. http://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/

Every Sunday from 10 pm -1 am you can hear "On The Reggae Tip" with Bobby Konders, and Jabba on HOT 97.1 in the New York tri-state area.

Laura Gardner is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of http://www.jahworks.org. In addition to her journalistic contributions to various online and print publications, she is a graduate student of somatic psychology, and has worked alongside the Monterey Bay Reggae Fest, San Francisco's Reggae in the Park, and other music festivals in the Northern California area.