Bob Marley And The Golden Age of Reggae [Titan Books, October 2010, $29.95/£24.99] is a testament in rare and largely unpublished pictures to some of the greatest years of Bob Marley’s career, and the history of reggae and dub music.

 

Through portraits, performance and personal shots, photographer Kim Gottlieb-Walker charts the rise of reggae with an unparalleled insight into the genre’s most iconic artists. Captured in Jamaica in the mid 1970s, never before collected and most never before published, this collection of powerful and pivotal pictures features Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer, Lee “Scratch” Perry, Heptones, Inner Circle and Jacob Miller, Jimmy Cliff, Jr Murvin, Toots and The Maytals, George Harrison, Burning Spear and Third World.

 

Featuring a foreword from Hollywood filmmaker and former Rolling Stone journalist Cameron Crowe, this deluxe hardback collection also includes commentary from Island Records’ Jeff Walker, and founding editor of The Beat magazine, Roger Steffens.

 

“For those who knew and loved the subjects of this book, may it bring them back (or forward, as the rastas would say) to life for you, if only for a moment. And for the generations that follow, may it introduce you to the music and the people who made it live.” – Kim Gottlieb-Walker

 

Kim Gottlieb-Walker’s varied career has encompassed music, politics, major motion pictures and television shows. Working for Island Records in the mid-seventies, she covered reggae performers all over Jamaica, and her High TimesHalloween, The Fog, Christine and Escape From New York and worked at Paramount Pictures as the production photographer for Cheers and Family Ties. For over two decades, she has served as an elected representative on the National Executive Board of IATSE Local 600, the International Cinematographers’ Guild. cover of Bob Marley remains their move popular cover ever.

 

BOB MARLEY AND THE GOLDEN AGE OF REGGAE

Kim Gottlieb-Walker

With Jeff Walker, Roger Steffens and Cameron Crowe
26 OCTOBER 2010
Hardback • $29.95/CAN $37.00/£24.99 • 160pp • ISBN: 97818
Press Contact Katharine Carroll
ktc2000@aol.com / 914-788-1005

He is celebrated and revered for his uplifting musical messages, delivered through songs including Sweep Over My Soul and What We Need Is Love. He was even awarded the Order of Distinction by the Government in 2007.

 

But  earlier this year, reggae star Luciano hit the headlines in a shocking  story that brought his reputation into question. Following a shoot-out  between a gunman and police officers at Luciano's home in March, the reggae star was charged with harbouring a fugitive.

 

The  gunman, Andrew Senior, also known as 'Conqueror', shot and injured  three police officers in the incident, which eventually ended when he  was shot and killed by the police.

 

Subsequently, Luciano, whose  real name is Jepther McClymont, was arrested and charged with harbouring  the gunman, an accusation the singer refutes.

 

"You see what  happened ... my gate is always open to Tom, Dick and Harry," says  45-year-old Luciano. "But I've learned that that is to my own peril. Out  of the kindness of my heart, I open my home to people, but not everyone that comes in has good intentions. That's the situation I found myself in."

 

He  continues: "This was someone I started helping from years ago. He was  trying to change his life - he had children. But I got caught up in this  situation. This man was wanted [by the police] but he wasn't advertised  as a wanted man. So the way that the security forces went about  handling this situation was really barbaric.

 

"They [the Jamaican  government] acknowledged me as a man who was worthy of being given the  Order of Distinction; a man who has respect in the community.

 

"So when they learned that I had a wanted man at my place, they should have  approached me better than they did, rather than accosting my property the way they did.

 

"Even an inspector told me that after the case is over, I could sue the authorities for reparation of my house and for the way that they damaged my property and defamed my character. So I know my rights. But for now, I just swing low and take it easy."

 

He  continues: "They [the prosecutors] have nothing on me. My record is  clean. They're accusing me of harbouring a fugitive but it wasn't like  that. The brother was looking for a safe haven and unfortunately, he  came to my property."

 

Due back in court next month, does Luciano regret opening his home and extending his kindness to so many people?

 

"When  you're seen as a leader, people will always come to you with their  problems," he says. "Some people go to pastors - look at [alleged drug  lord] Dudus and Reverend Miller.

 

"That's the thing; people who  need help aren't going to go to the government because the government  will lock them down. So that's the position that a lot of artistes find  themselves in; people come to us for help. But this situation has really  opened my eyes. It's nice to be kind but you have to be careful too."

 

Though  Luciano explains he wasn't at his property at the time of the shoot  out, did it frighten him to think that he too could have been caught up  in the crossfire had he been home?

 

"Honestly empress, I grew up  rugged. I never grew up as no soft, uptown yute". So I'm used to the  obstacles that come along life's way. But what did frighten me was that  any of my family could have been hurt in this situation. But thanks to  the Almighty, they came out scratch free."

 

Now, with his focus  back on his music, Luciano (or Luci, as I found myself calling him,  thanks to his endearing character) is excited about the release of his  new album, United States of Africa. The album title addresses Luciano's  desire to see the various African countries uniting to form 'one  Africa'.

 

"The various leaders in Africa have to recognise this  need," he says. "Once the leaders realise that Africa was once a mighty  nation, they'll realise that they need to come together as a nation. The  so-called leaders of the world are calling for one world order - so why  not one Africa? Why should a man from South Africa need a Visa to get  into Ethiopia? It's a joke. We can't just turn a blind eye to this,  empress."

 

Well known for his desire to educate and inspire people  through his music, Luciano doesn't stray from this way of thinking on  his latest offering.

 

Proclaiming himself a messenger, the star has  little time for the more frivolous aspects of reggae's dancehall scene,  and so, unsurprisingly, didn't get caught up in the 'Gaza vs Gully'  warfare that dominated the dancehall scene last year. (For those not in  the know, Gully and Gaza - in short - were two opposing groups in the  dancehall scene. Gully is spearheaded by dancehall star Mavado, while  Gaza was fronted by fellow deejay Vybz Kartel).

 

"Ah, it's a joke  ting, man," Luciano said of the warfare between the two groups. "I  believe all of that is for the yute - just like Christmas. When you're a  child, you enjoy Christmas, but when you grow up, you realise that  Santa Claus is false!"

 

So, of course, Luciano has no intention of  joining the dancehall bandwagon. Instead, he says he'll continue to  spread positive messages through his music.

 

"Not everyone has gone  into this dancehall craziness; talking about Gully and Gaza and all  that kind of stuff. There are big people in this world; educated people  who have studied and are elevated and know what's important in life.  There are plenty of people who still want good, conscious music. So all  when me reach 90 years old, me still ah go strike di hammer [laughs]!"

 

 

 

All proceeds of latest song to go to non-profits working to rebuild Haiti 

 

As the dust was still settling after the massive 7.0-magnitude earthquake in Haiti on January 12, frontman for legendary reggae band Steel Pulse, David Hinds, was already sitting down to write a song about the catastrophe -- a song that will now be used to help electrify the country's healthcare infrastructure.

 

“Because the initial media coverage has waned considerably," Hinds explained last week, "we want to revitalize the focus on Haiti's plight."  In light of that effort, Hinds and Steel Pulse announced it was working with the Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF) and Partners In Health (PIH) and will donate all proceeds from their new song, "Hold on [4 Haiti]," to the solar electrification of PIH clinics in Haiti.

 

"We wrote 'Hold On [4 Haiti]' to support the people of Haiti through the work being done by the Solar Electric Light Fund and Partners In Health. We’ve got to make a real difference on the ground — that’s what this project is all about.”

 

According to project organizers, 100 percent of the proceeds from the song will support three critically important causes: bringing solar energy to the developing world; providing healthcare for the poor, and; helping rebuild Haiti. “It’s a triple whammy," SELF executive director, Bob Freling, told me in a phone call last week. “Relying on diesel is just not an option,” he said.solar panels at PIH hospital in Haiti.

 

Freling explained that SELF hopes to electrify all 12 health centers for Partners In Health in Haiti. "We were already working on electrifying PIH clinics," said Freling, "but in the wake of the earthquake we were requested by PIH to accelerate our timeline for bringing solar power to all of their sites in Haiti."

 

"A quarter of humanity has absolutely no access to electricity, said Freling. "130 years after the invention of the incandescent lamp, a quarter of humanity has never turned on a light bulb.”  For the Haiti project, SELF reached out to their community of donors around the world including solar panel manufacturers SolarWorld, Suntech, Q-Cells and Canadian Solar, in addition to battery-makers Trojan and East Penn Manufacturing, and inverter manufacturer Outback Power. But the in-kind donations are only part of the equation, the project needs cash too. And Freling explained to me that instead of fixing the price of the song download (and ceding a sizable fraction to iTunes), they are making the download freely available and allowing people to determine the size of their donation.

 

Learn more about the project, donate, and download the Steel Pulse song at: www.holdon4haiti.org.  Watch Paul Farmer of PIH and Bob Freling of SELF discuss the solar electrification of health clinics in Haiti:

 

Would you like to receive a box of 2010 Reggae Festival Guides to distribute to your friends and family?

 

 

We still have a few boxes that we want to get in to the hands of Reggae fans before the end of summer and you can help.

 

Simply click here and send me your name and shipping address (no P.O. Boxes because we ship via UPS). Type REGGAE DISTRIBUTION in the subject line.

 

There are 50 in a box.

 

US and Canada only

THE 36th EPISODE OF NICHOLAS Da SILVA'S GRAPHIC NOVEL SERIES 'DREAD AND ALIVE' FEATURING DREW MCINTOSH: JAMAICAN SUPER HERO

 

 

Drew hesitated for a moment, then eventually gave in. He followed Cuffee, trailing the maroon boy a few steps behind for almost a mile deep into the forest.

“Where we going?” Drew called out, a little uncertainty in his voice.

            “This way!” Cuffee continued, “near Windsor Cave. I want to show you something.” Their was excitement in Cuffee’s voice.

            The mention of Windor Cave frightened Drew a little. He remembered what Cubbenah said about this mysterious place. About the man who dwelled live inside.

            As the sun reached its highest point of the day, the two boys trekked deeper into the forest, moving further away from the other children.           

“Are we there yet?” Drew said, perspiration running down his face.

            Cuffee didn’t answer. Instead he continued, leading Drew deeper into the forest.

            Suddenly, Cuffee paused in his tracks. He looked back at Drew and pointed directly into the brush in front of them.

            “There, just beyond that flower,” Cuffee continued, “you will see something no one else has seen but me.”

            “What is it?” Drew asked, his curiosity starting to get the better of him.

            “See for yourself,” Cuffee urged Drew.

            Drew stepped around Cuffee and moved forward, slowly inching toward the colorful flower. With each step, a fear grew inside him. He was unaware of what to expect. As he ventured closer to the unique flower, there was movement in the brush to the right of him. Suddenly, as he took his next step, a mongoose emerged from the thick brush, running up to him, frightening Drew momentarily. Drew jumped out of the way as the animal shrieked by and scurried away from him. It was much frightened of Drew as the young Islander was of it.

            Cuffee, watching from a safe distance, chuckled at Drew’s misfortune. He seemed to be having toying with Drew. Drew, on the other hand, was little annoyed with the game Cuffee was playing. He looked back at warrior.

“What am I looking for?” Drew yelled. “There’s nothing here!”

            “You’ll see,” Cuffee said, wearing a look of evil in his eyes. “A little further.”

            Drew studied the flower for a moment, admiring its colors. He then looked back in Cuffee’s direction before moving forward. As he pushed back a thick strand of brush,

Drew jumped back in fear letting a horrifying scream that echoed throughout the forest, awakening the inhabitanst of the Cockpit Country. There was something staring back at him. It was a gory corpse of a warrior, it’s face contorted with fear. There were worms crawling in and out of every orifice of its rottening and a horrible stench exhumed from the body.

Covering his noes from the stench, Drew slowly raised himself to a standing position. As he slowly stepped away from the corpse, the ground suddenly gave way, sending the Islander sliding out of control down a steep hillside, through thick branches and foliage. Drew shrieked for help, frantically grabbing for branches or anything that could stop him from his freefall to a bottomless pit. The horrific journey continued for almost a minute when suddenly, Drew hit an embankment, which sent his body somersaulting into the air and landing into a soft surface. Stunned, but relieved to be alive, Drew shooked the cobwebs from his head then looked around. He had landed in a thick, muddy surface. As Drew struggled to free himself from the gooey mud, he made a horrifying discovery; he was sinking in quicksand.

 

 

AVAILABLE NOW on cdbaby, Itunes, and band camp

 

Click to Watch the Video from the Single Ganjah Don

 

 

This is a single from the new LP coming this winter
Jah Sun meets Special Delivery for "BATTLE THE DRAGON"
  (cover art by Ras Terms)

 

featuring special guests:
Lion Camp, Gappy Ranks, Stevie Culture, Perfect, Rocker T, Alborosie and more!

 

Check out all of Jah Sun's videos! 
JAH SUN TV

 

Jah Sun Music • PO Box 4631 • Arcata, CA 95518

Lutan Fyah recently returned from a short summer tour to Europe in awe of how much the people there love his music and how easily the music that comes from Jamaica transcends language and cultural barriers.

 

The singer, born Anthony Martin, and who grew up wanting to emulate reggae icons Dennis Brown and Garnett silk, enjoyed what he described as a 10-show European tour that included stops in Brussels, Germany, Italy and Croatia. Everywhere he went, he said, there was incredible response to his music. “I feel confident and good for this response,” he said. “Each and every show was like a different gear, a better performance.”

 

In Croatia, he said, the best way to describe the crowd response to the music was ‘pandemonium’. He also performed in Lazinello, Italy along with Julian Marley but the show in Germany had a great ‘vibe and ambience. It was a great show.” He closed off the tour with a performance at Reggae Gael in Belgium on August 7.

 

Coming from Jamaica the home of reggae music, Lutan Fyah said he his heart was warmed by the way Europeans embraced his music. “The people gravitate to the kind of music that we make; and the place that we come from and the language that we use; we don’t understand what dem a say and them no understand what we a say if we reason face to face, but the people dem sing your song line for line whichever country in Europe where people listen reggae,” he said. “Reggae has a fan base (in Europe), the people just have a love for the music and anywhere it de, dem find it.”

 

Fans of his music responded well to all his songs, he said, but particular favourites included Watch Over Me from his Africa album, as well as the title track, Africa. They were also enamoured with Save the Juvenile, Rasta Still De Bout and the Don Corleon-produced Come Over, which he said, went out to the ‘princess dem’. “De song de big song,” he said. The love the fans showed allowed him to perform for long stretches, opportunities he is rarely afforded here at home in Jamaica.

 

“In Jamaica, Lutan Fyah might get a seven or eight minutes or nine of 10 but when we go out inna de world we sing for 90 minutes and two hours and still waan sing more because of how the musical vibe and the love these people have for what we, the Jamaican artists do and what we are doing,” he said. “That respect de mek me even have to tek meself one one side and pat meself pan mi shoulder that we doing something worthwhile.”

 

Ra-Umi Alkebu-lan
Kemet Monomatapa
Monomatapa Kemet
ALKEBU-LAN "SOUNDS FROM THE CONTINENT"
P.O Box 5139,
Liguanea P.O,
Kingston 6
Jamaica, W.I.
www.myspace.com/raumialkebulansounds
(876)450-9621 (876)707-0639

begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              

(876)707-0639      

INGREDIENTS

 DIRECTIONS

ENJOY!

 

 

Till the Next TIME ~ keep it sexy babe with animal free cuisine

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wed, Sept 1

Cal Neva Resort, Crystal Bay, NV (north Tahoe)

9:30 pm (Doors Open at 8:30 pm)

$20.00 advance

all ages

 

Thursday, Sept 23

Harlows, Sacramento, CA 

8:30 doors/Showtime 9:30.

$20 advance

21 and over

 

Friday, Sept 24

Cal-Neva Resort, Crystal Bay, NV (north Tahoe)
8:30 doors and showtime 9:30.

$20 advance
All ages

 

530-583-2801 or 775-337-8344

The 14^th annual Earthdance Festival will take place at the renowned Black Oak Ranch, a property rich in native history and old growth oak trees. The ranch has been home to Earthdance for the past 8 years, but due to expanding audiences, the festival will be moving to a larger facility for 2011.  Often described as a festival that combines the artistic liberation of Burning Man with the socially responsible conscience of the Oregon Country Fair, the festival has gained international recognition as one of the best “boutique” festivals on the west coast of the USA, with sell out shows each year. 

 

For 2010, Earthdance Northern California will unite with over 350 locations in 60 countries across the world to create the most conscious global festival of our time. To make this year a “grand farewell” to remember, the festival will present an incredible line up of conscious musicians, visual artists, DJ's, speakers and activists, who believe in a sustainable future for our planet.  Working with the theme of “unity in diversity”, the festival will host 5 music stages and will feature high profile conscious artists from many genres of the international music scene, including World, Electronica, Hip Hop, Folk and Jazz.  Also included will be an indigenous elder’s council, made up of indigenous elders from many nations, who will share wisdom and sacred ceremony.

 

An important part of the festival will be a compelling educational component called the “Activist Alley”, where festival patrons can interact with both local and international non-profit groups. These organizations will share information and workshops on relevant global and local issues, inspiring local participants to take a stand for the future of our planet.

 

A highlight of the festival will be a synchronized global link up, taking place on Saturday the 18th, when at 4pm (PST), Earthdance California will synchronize with over 350 locations in 60 countries. At this precise moment, a specially created song called the “prayer for peace” will be played in every location at the same time.  The festival will also feature a wide variety of ‘Healthy’ vendors supplying many types of international foods and eco wares. Shaded camping and HOT showers are also available to festival attendees.

 

Part proceeds from the festival will be donated to the Earthdance non-profit, A California based 501c3 organization.

Michael Rose and Marcia Griffiths are currently two of the top reigning reggae artists in the world. This January they commence a North American tour together.

 

Michael Rose is still in big demand in the US, after being kept out of North America for eight years from 2001 until 2009. Michael had been steadily building his solo career in America after leaving Black Uhuru, until he ran into visa problems and was barred entry into the States. During his years banned from the U.S., he continued to record in Jamaica and tour in Europe, Canada, South America, Africa and Japan.

 

Marcia Griffiths, one of the original I –Three’s vocalists with the great Bob Marley, is still keeping the spirit of Bob Marley and the Wailers fresh and alive. She is a direct link to the prophetical, proverbial king of Reggae – Bob Marley. In her shows she always covers some Bob Marley songs with class and sincerity, as one of the family. This tour package is like a festival in itself.

 

February 2009, Michael Rose finally got back his U.S. visa, and started out working in the U.S., doing a few chosen bigger shows. Michael was one of the highlights of the Bob Marley Day festivals in San Diego and Long Beach, CA. In June 2009, he headlined The Sierra Nevada World Music Festival, and in August, he headlined the Northwest World Reggaefestival and he played The Hollywood Bowl KCRW World Festival in Los Angeles, along with doing some other bigger shows.

 

In February, March and April 2010 Michael toured North America harder, hitting the smaller markets along with the bigger ones, performing all over the western US from Southern California to Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Colorado and New Mexico, and over to Illinois and the east coast.

 

Over the summer Michael headlined the Bayfront Reggae Festival in Duluth Minnesota and he headlined the Mid-West Reggae Festival in Garrettsville, Ohio. Early August he drew a remarkable 9,000 people at Music in the Park in San Jose, CA. He also spent time this summer doing festivals and touring Europe.

 

Marcia Griffiths, over the summer, did a historical performance at Reggae in the Desert in Las Vegas on June 12th, greatly uplifting the energy of the festival. Her performance on the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival June 20th stood out very strongly as a top performance of the festival. July 31st at Reggae on the River she also stood predominant, and on the Monterey Bay Reggae festival she also proved to be the definite highlight. Her energy and performances on all of these cornerstone California festivals were full of love and joy and truly good vibrations. This is the example of what true reggae music embodies.

 

May 15th Marcia attended a huge awards ceremony in Jamaica where she received an award for the greatest achievements in the music industry. Marcia is consistently very busy doing recording sessions, shows and tours in the Caribbean and beyond. She is always on the road. Last weekend, for example she performed in Toronto, Canada and this Saturday, August 28th she performs on a festival in Spain. Marcia is regularly on the Rotterdam festival and many other festivals in Europe. May 12th she was featured on a show in Jamaica for the European leaders and prime ministers. July 2010 she toured the eastern U.S. with Tanya Stevens. On the late annual U.S. Sunsplash Tour with Tony Johnson, Marcia used to do the tour every year.

 

Marcia’s Love is Automatic single with Busy Signal is currently number one on the England and European charts. Another of her big current songs that gets a lot of radio airplay is What Goes Up, Must Come Down which is a combination with her and Queen Ifrica. She also has out a single called A Beer and a Girl, which is a song about the memories of life in Jamaica in the older days. This is one of the stronger songs on her live set. She has another hit playing out there called There is a time for Wars, which is a combination with Beres Hammond. Marcia is also currently recording a track for the new Third World album. Marcia is a busy woman.

 

On the near horizon, Marcia Griffiths has a new double CD finished and ready for release in the near future. This CD is called, Marcia and Friends. The CD features combinations with singers such as Beres Hammond, Sanchez, Bunny Rugs, Daville, Freddie McGregor, Toots Hibbert, Barrington Levy, Diana King, Richie Stevens, Etana, Bob Andy and John Holt, amongst others. For DJ’s on Marcia and Friends, there are combinations with Gentleman, Damian Marley, Beenie Man, Bounty Killer and U Roy.

 

The male component of this tour, Michael Rose is undoubtedly an exceptionally talented vocalist and performer. It was Michael Rose on lead vocals that propelled Black Uhuru to the top after Bob Marley, and won them a Grammy award. Michael Rose was always the favored voice of Black Uhuru, with his Waterhouse slurs and militant movements and vocal sound. Now Michael Rose has transcended Black Uhuru and his show is better than ever. His dancing and vocal style are loved, copied and appreciated worldwide

 

Michael has out three new albums – Warrior, Babylon a Fight and 911 Tip of the Iceburg. Also he currently has hit songs in Jamaica, Shootout, Bad a Yard and Born Jamaican. Another new hit song he has out, featuring Mavado, is called Gully Gaza, and he recently finished a new music video called Paper Dog. Michael Rose is staying current and in demand. Michael has a new CD near completion called Kingston 11, scheduled for release in early 2011. Michael aggressively continues to record numerous songs in Kingston Jamaica, where he is based.

 

For more information on Michael Rose, check out his web site at www.mykalrosereggae.com

 

 THE MIGHTY DIAMONDS TO PERFORM AT YOSHI’S NIGHTCLUB,

 

09/02 The Mighty Diamonds, Jamaica’s premiere harmony trio, will make their debut at Yoshi’s Jazz Club in San Francisco on Thursday, Sept. 2.

 

Although they are known best for their roots reggae classics including “Pass the Kutchie,” “I Need a Roof” and “Tamarind Farm,” the Mighty Diamonds—Fitzroy “Bunny” Simpson,” Donald “Tabby” Shaw and Lloyd “Judge” Ferguson are versed in all forms of music, from R&B to jazz and blues. The Diamonds will be backed by a stellar Jamaican ensemble called the Yellow Wall Dub Squad. Who: The Mighty Diamonds When: Thursday, Sept. 2, 10:30 p.m. Where: Yoshi’s Jazz Club, 1330 Fillmore St., San Francisco Tickets: $16/Adv, $22, Door, (415) 655-5600 www.yoshi’s.com , www.themightydiamonds.net

 

For more information, check out the group’s website: www.themightydiamonds.net. For interviews, contact Shelah Moody, publicist, at (415) 577-4445 or email smoodytone@aol.com.

 

For booking and management: Robby Oyugi, (415) 308-5629 or email: ujamadesigns@gmail.com.

 

 

The 2010 REGGAE FESTIVAL GUIDE MAGAZINE  is available to read onine in digital format, page-by-page:

 

 

 

 

In the news today is word of an upcoming Bob Marley biopic from Emmy-nominated director Jenny Ash. The story of the celebrated Rastafarian reggae singer has never been committed to film, though two other projects are reportedly in the works. One had Martin Scorsese attached, though he dropped out, supposedly to be replaced by Jonathan Demme. The other, an adaptation of the book "No Woman No Cry: My Life With Bob Marley," is in development at The Weinstein Company. Little has been heard on either project since 2008.

 

Deadline reports today that Ash, who is up for an Emmy for her work on "America - The Story of Us," is developing a film focused on Marley's year spent in London, in 1977. It was a pivotal time for the reggae singer, as it was the year he was diagnosed with the cancer that would be the cause of his death in 1981.

 

It was also the year that Marley had an affair with Jamaican beauty queen Cindy Breakspeare. Deadline writes that Ash "sees the biopic as a love triangle between Marley, his wife Rita and Breakspeare, whom Ash has spent time with in Jamaica." Nothing beyond Ash and producer Greenacre Films is confirmed.

 

Deadline suggests Ashley Walters ("Get Rich or Die Tryin'") for the Marley role. A good choice no question, but I have a few ideas of my own. Jeffrey Wright Visually it's a bit of a stretch, but Jeffrey Wright is a talented actor. That's really the most important thing; if he can capture the spirit of the role, audiences will buy it even though the resemblance feels a little off. Just check out his performance in HBO's "Angels in America." He can pull this off.

 

Pop star Lenny Kravitz has been gradually increasing his Hollywood presence over the past 10 years. Turning a string of supporting and cameo roles into a star performance as the legendary reggae singer might be a bit of a risk, but Kravitz has both the vocal chops and the look. If he can nail the performance -- and the brief amount of screen time he gets in "Precious" suggests that it's possible -- this risky casting could prove to be a breakout performance.

 

Idris Elba is and always will be "The Wire"'s Stringer Bell. That alone makes it tough to get behind him for a recognizable figure like Marley. I saw him in last year's Tribeca Film Festival selection "Legacy" and, frankly, was unimpressed. But Elba's got some chops. The man can act. He's one of the bigger stretches on this list, but Marley is a challenging role no matter who lands it and, my own opinions on "Legacy" aside, Elba's got talent.

 

Mekhi Phifer This is a suggestion from the peanut gallery that is the MTV Newsroom. I'm not really feeling it, but Phifer was solid in "8 Mile." He's one of the main characters on the Tim Roth-starring TV series "Lie To Me," but if a risk is going to be taken as far as casting goes, I'd much rather see someone like Kravitz land the part.

 

Anthony Mackie -  Now here's an interesting possibility. Anthony Mackie turned in a great performance in "The Hurt Locker." Maybe not enough for an Oscar, but the weight of that movie rests largely on his, Jeremy Renner's and Brian Geraghty's shoulders. Mackie's got the acting chops and he's got the look. Even if he can't sing, that's what ADR is for.

 

He'll be getting more and more starring roles as time goes on, make no mistake. Could Marley be one of them?

I Grade Records is pleased to introduce, Black Gold, the debut solo album by Toussaint. Most well known as the former lead singer of the Stax Records and Blue Note recording group Soulive, Toussaint is poised to bring forth his unforgettable blend of soul and roots to the world. Black Gold embodies a unique combination of the American soul of Toussaint’s upbringing and the African-Caribbean roots he has gravitated towards. His compelling storytelling and seamless vocal range (as heard on the standout tracks “Roots In A Modern Time”, “Unforgettable”, “Black Gold”) are a perfect match for the cutting-edge, soul-tinged roots grooves assembled by Virgin Islands-based I Grade Records (Midnite, Dezarie, Pressure, Niyorah). Black Gold will be released digitally on August 10 through Zojak Worldwide, and distributed physically through VIROOTS.COM, Ernie B’s Reggae and VP Records starting August 24.

 

The musical arrangements on Black Gold were largely crafted by the Zion I Kings production team, consisting of Laurent “Tippy I” Alfred (I Grade Records), Jah David (Zion High Productions), and Digital Ancient (Lustre Kings Productions). Alongside these accomplished producers is an all-star cast of musicians including Dean Pond, Tuff Lion, Santa Davis, Jawge Hughes, Youssoupha Sidibe, Johnny Trama, Eli Winderman, Balboa Becker and Padraic Coursey. The 15 tracks on Black Gold are a true soul-roots treasure that seamlessly blends the best of American soul singing traditions and the depth of live instrumentation roots reggae.

 

 

The band is of a latin background except Eddie Culture is from the Cape Verde Islands, just off the coast of Senegal. So the album 'Pensando Reggae' means thinking about reggae which is what the band thinks about all the time. 'Pensando Reggae' also has several reggae songs in Spanish to show their culture and latin heritage. The band plays heavy roots reggae; their music is slow tempos, think Big Mountain(the roots and latin side) meets Midnite. Cisco, the lead singer, loves Garnett Silk and you can hear it especially in "Sudamerica," which is the melody from Garnett Silk's "Mama Africa." It's a tribute to their homelands in South America: Peru, Colombia and Uruguay. The rest of the album is about love, injustice, peace, equal rights and righteousness. These kids will surprise you, thats the drum and bass section, 18 years old. If you see them, they will surprise you again. We hope you get to do both: see and hear them. This is roots reggae music.

 

Site where they can purchase: kulchashok.com

 

ALBOROSIE , SPECIALIST AND FRIENDS SUMMER TOUR  europe 2010

 

FRIDAY:   27.August.10 BRATISLAVA (Slovakia) / Uprising Reggae Festival

SATURDAY:   28.August.10 WIESEN (Austria) / Wiesen Sunsplash

SUNDAY:   29.August.10   UBERSEE (Germany) / Chiemsee Reggae Summer Festival

 

 Mighty Diamonds Sept 2010
Thurs Sept 2: Yoshi's San Francisco 1330 Fillmore St San Francisco, CA 94115

 

Fri Sept 3: Saint Rocke. (w/ Wailing Souls)142 Pacific Coast Highway, Hermosa Beach, CA,

 

Sat Sept 4: Wave House (w/ Wailing Souls) 3125 Ocean Front Walk San Diego, CA 09

 

Sun Sept 5: TBA

 

Mon Sept 6: TBA

 

Tue Sept 7: The Catalyst 1011 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, 95060

 

Wed Sept 8: Drive

 

Thurs Sept 9: The Abbey Theatre 128 E. College Ave. Durango, CO  

 

Fri Sept 10: Quixote .2151 Lawrence St. Denver, CO 80202.

 

Sat Sept 11: Soul Rebel.Testival Heritage Cultural  Center Lakewood Colorado

 

Sun Sept 12: TBA

 

Mon Sept 13: Drive

 

Tue Sept 14: Bluebird 216 N. Walnut St. Bloomington, IN

Wed Sept 15: The Redstone Room 129 Main Street Davenport, IA

Thurs Sept 16: The Mad Planet 533 E Center St Milwaukee, WI

 

Fri Sept 17:Blind Pig 208 S. First St. Ann Arbor MI

 

Sat Sept 18: Alrosa Villa. 5055 Sinclair Rd, Columbus, OH

 

Sun Sept 19: Wilbert's 812 Huron Avenue Cleveland, Ohio

 

Mon Sept 20: Majestic Theatre. 115 King St. Madison, WI

 

Tue Sept 21: drive

 

Wed Sept 22: Club Metronome  188 Main St.Burlington, VT

Thurs Sept 23: The Shadow Lounge 5972 Baum Boulevard Pittsburgh, PA

 

Fri Sept 24: The West Indian Social Club. 3340 Main St. Hartford, CT 

 

Sat Sept  25: The Chance Theater 6 Crannell St. Poughkeepsie, NY

 

Sun Sept 26: Nakisaki  276 Fulton Avenue, Hempstead, NY

 

05            4            13            How We Do It – Elephant Man feat Bounty Killer(2wks@#1) D-1 – CR203/Adidjaheim/Notnice

 

 

Friday-Saturday, August 27th-28th 2010

Selma Oregon

Friday-Saturday, August 27th-28th 2010

Bratislava SLOVAKIA

Saturday, August 28th 2010

Berkeley California

Saturday, August 28th 2010

Morrison CO

Saturday-Sunday, August 28th-29th2010

Olympia Washington

Saturday-Sunday, August 28th-29th 2010

Rio Nido CA

Saturday, August 28th 2010

Hamm NRW

Sunday, August 29th 2010

London london

Sunday, August 29th - Saturday, September 4th 2010

Asheville NC

Sunday, August 29th 2010

Long Beach CA

Sunday-Sunday, August 29th-29th 2010

Zoetermeer Zuid

Tuesday-Friday, August 31st-6th 2010

Southern St James

Wednesday, September 1st 2010

Crystal Bay NV

Friday-Sunday, September 3rd-5th 2010

O Burgo-Culleredo A Coruña

Friday-Sunday, September 3rd-5th 2010

Lafayette Louisiana

Friday-Saturday, September 3rd-4th 2010

Portland OR

Friday-Saturday, September 3rd-4th 2010

FRANKFURT HESSEN

Saturday, September 4th 2010

O Burgo (Culleredo) A Coruña (Galiza)

Sunday, September 5th 2010

Mountain WI

Sunday, September 5th 2010

cocoa florida

Saturday-Sunday, September 11th-12th 2010

Black Mountain North Caroina

Saturday-Sunday, September 11th-12th 2010

Portland Oregon

Saturday-Sunday, September 11th-12th 2010

black mountain/asheville north carolina

Saturday-Sunday, September 11th-12th 2010

London united kingdom

Sunday-Saturday, September 12th-18th 2010

Santiago Atitlan Lake Atitlan

Friday-Sunday, September 17th-19th 2010

Laytonville California

Saturday-Saturday, September 18th-18th 2010

San Diego CA

Saturday-Sunday, September 25th-26th 2010

Fort Myers FL

Saturday, September 25th 2010

Houston Texas