World Music Day in the Redwoods

By Shelah Moody

Photos by Teresa Canion 

Here are three why Oakland’s Sunday in the Redwoods outdoor concert series trumps San Francisco’s wildly popular end of summer Outside Lands festival:

    1.  You don’t get to spend most of your paycheck on a ticket.

    2.  You may not have to deal with continuous snarky, “cooler than thou” and “Really?” attitudes from the concert goers as well as the staff.

    3.  You don’t get to stand so far away from the main stage that you feel like you are watching the show from another city.

On Sept. 23, Mayor Jean Quon and the City of Oakland’s Office of Parks and Recreation presented World Music Day at the pristine Woodminster Outdoor Ampitheater in historic Joaquin Miller Park. The daytime concert featured legendary reggae band Third World, acclaimed Oakland based singer/songwriter/producer Rankin’ Scroo and rising country western star Miko Marks. You could not beat the price for three sensational acts-$10 in advance, $11.50 at the gate. (Photo - Bunny Rugs and Rankin' Scroo)

World Music Day kicked off with Oakland-based rising star Miko Marks, a former backing vocalist for Erykah Badu, who was voted one of “People” magazine’s Hottest New Country Western Stars. One of Marks’ backing musicians included famed guitarist Vernon “Ice” Black, who has toured and recorded with Mariah Carey, Narada Michael Walden, Angela Bofill and Herbie Hancock to name a few. Black is currently on tour with Booker T. Jones of Booker T. and the MG’s and working on several movie projects and documentaries.  (Photo - Guitarist Vernon "Ice" Black played with country-western singer Miko Marks on the bill at Reggae in the Redwoods)

Next up was the Bay Area’s own “Godfadda,” Rankin’ Scroo, who hails from Kingston, JA and has lived in Oakland for more than 20 years. Rankin’ Scroo’s ensemble consisted of a five member band which included his longtime musical collaborator, Ginger, on keyboards and vocals; and three dancers. Rankin’ Scroo’s adorable 10-year-oldson, Prince Hakeem, kicked off the set with some slick martial arts dance moves to the band’s intro, followed by a sweet acappella version of Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds.” Rankin’ Scroo and his band performed Rastafunky dancehall and hip-hop infused reggae tracks such as “Run Come,” “My Father’s House” “Dream, Dream” and “Hips Like Wha.”

Some of the artists who have recorded with Rankin’ Scroo in his Oakland studio include Digital Underground, E-40, Too $hort and Norris Man to. Incidentally, this was Rankin’ Scroo’s third performance at Sunday in the Redwoods.

“It’s always a pleasure to play there,” said Rankin’ Scroo. “I love the vibes at Sundays in the Redwoods and I wish more people would know about it, because it’s such a great event. I wish more reggae people would involve themselves. I was ecstatic doing it with Third World, because we’ve known each other for so long but we’ve never really blessed the stage together. It was a beautiful thing.”

Jamaica’s Reggae Ambassadors, Third World- which includes core members Richard "Richie" Daley (bass) Stephen "Cat" Coore, (guitar, cello, vocals) and William “Bunny Rugs” Clarke (lead vocals) and current members Tony "Ruption" Williams (drums), Norris Webb and Maurice Gregory (keyboards)- received a dancing ovation as soon as they hit the stage.  (Photo - Third World on stage at Reggae in the Redwoods, Woodminster Ampitheater)

Propelled by their intoxicating west African/Caribbean/Latin rhythms and Bunny Rugs’ soulful velvet baritone, Third World jammed non-stop with their series of their hits such as “96 Degrees in the Shade,” “Sense of Purpose,” “Try Jah Love,” (co-written by Stevie Wonder) “Now That We Found Love” (originally recorded by the O’Jays) and “Lagos Jump.”

Incidentally, Third World, who formed in 1973, was the first reggae band to appear on “Soul Train.” Third World set the platinum standard for crossover reggae artists such as Maxi Priest, Aswad, UB40 and Big Mountain.

While Cat Coore demonstrated his European classical training by playing electric cello solos worthy of the Oakland East Bay Symphony, “Ruption” Williams transported the audience to Africa with his hypnotic percussion skills. Although the afternoon in the redwoods had begun to cool down, Williams rose the temperature indeed to 96 degrees during his fiery drum solos.

After the show, as the members of Third World dashed to their van on their way to the airport, I got a few words from Bunny Rugs on the vibe of World Music Day in the Redwoods. (Photo - Third World)

“It’s always the same when we come to this part of the country; the people know the music, they look forward to our performance and they always enjoy themselves and show their appreciation for our presence,” said Rugs. “It’s always a good vibe and we look forward to coming to (the Bay Area) because the people here have been listening to (reggae) music for quite some time; they understand the culture and they are aware of what’s going on. It’s always a blessing. Music is an amazing thing. It takes you around the world, you experience all kind of things; you meet your family and you are in touch with your friends. They look forward to seeing you and you look forward to seeing them.”  Rugs also promoted his latest single and video, “Land We Love,” featuring acclaimed saxophonist Dean Fraser, which he recorded in celebration of Jamaica’s 50^th Independence Anniversary (Aug. 6, 2012). Bunny Rugs also has a new solo album coming out called “Time” (VP Records).  Speaking of time, I asked Bunny Rugs what kept him feeling young after more than 40 years in the music industry.  “I say this all the time; and it probably sounds boring, but it’s the truth-if you get a chance to go around the world and do the thing that you really love—and on top of that, you get paid to do it, what else can you ask for?”

The reggae/world music vibe continued at Sundays in the Redwoods on Sept. 30 when San Francisco-based neo soul singer Martin Luther incorporated two songs by the UK’s Grammy winning reggae band Steel Pulse in his set. Sundays in the Redwoods wrap up with a performance by R&B star Jeffrey Osborne this Sunday, Oct. 7.  World Music Day was an afternoon of family entertainment as well as a gathering place for community organizations such as the Oakland Black Cowboy Association, supporters of Mayor Jean Quon and the Friends of Oakland Parks and Recreation.(Photo -  Wilbert Freeman of the Oakland Black Cowboy Association attended Reggae on the Redwoods with his posse)

For more information, go to: 

www.SundaysintheRedwoods.com. 

10-04

Asfa Hits the Charts in Jamaica

New kid on the block Asfa is making waves with the latest entry on the Jamaican Top 25 Reggae Charts. His second singleNot The Life came in at number 23 and is steadily climbing up the survey.  

The singer grew up in Bedward Gardens in a small community known as Dread Heights and since debuting with the singleMother I in March of this year has been building a following ever since. After introducing himself with his first song which he did as a special tribute to his late mom the artist answered the call of his fans for a follow up. The result is Not The LIfe. The song is done on a bouncy one drop called the Question Riddim and the theme is a cry from the oppressed due to exploitation by financial institutions. In it he sings "This is not the life for me, tired of living in misery,too much " corporatocracy", " which rings familiar in this age of rising national debt which is often times shouldered by the very poor. The song is receiving heavy rotation on radio and the video has just been added to the Hype TV playlist. Asfa's growing legion of fans can also support his efforts by buying the song as it is available on all major online stores. 

Asfa, since launching his career has made promotional appearances on Hype TVs Up and Live and was interviewed on Richie Bs radio show on Hot 102 FM. The song is also Top 5 on The Bess FM Culture Chart. The infectious composition has also not escaped the attention of many radio programmers all over the world and is a staple on reggae stations especially in Australia ,The UK and Germany. 

The jovial and easy going artist is no newcomer to the business as he began this musical journey in the early 90s as a selector on Travelers Disco and also made his first steps as an artist opening shows for Judy Mowatt . At the beginning of the next decade he toured with Sugar Minott and Little John in Switzerland and Germany as their dj. The music took a back seat when he migrated to the US where he eventually settled in Jacksonville Florida. However after a number of years out of the scene he is now organized and moving full speed ahead. With a voice that has a unique sound and is easily identifiable , many have commented in social media circles that talent such as his " is a welcome change". Asfa is a pure singer in the tradition of artist such as Luciano and Garnett Silk and aims to live up to the standard of his forbearers.  

Working with manager and ex-manager of Natural Black Roger Grant, the artist is optimistic about his future in the business and believes Not The Life will bring him the initial exposure that he needs. At the same time he is wasting no time in readying his debut album titled "Journeying" which he hopes to release on his own label Jecoliah Entertainment Production by years end.  

http://youtu.be/iX5hndmtP7A 

http://youtu.be/unM7WB8MAwI

Contacts: Manager: Roger Grant

Phone#s: (267) 407-1713 or (678) 629-1303

Emails: organicrecordsus@yahoo.com or asfajep@gmail.com

www.reverbnation.com/asfajep

www.facebook.com/asfajep1

www.twitter.com/asfajep 

www.linkedin.com/in/asfajep

www.youtube.com/asfajep

www.soundcloud.com/asfajep

www.myspace.com/asfajep

www.whotune.com/asfajep

10-04

Andru Branch Steps Into The Light

Internationally celebrated reggae troubadour Andru Branch is uplifting the nations with music. Following the success his JUNO-nominated collaboration with members of TheWailers, Branch’s third full-length release Step Into The Light is a concept album that shines with musical performances by the Halfway Tree reggae band, featuring Bob Marley’s legendary Studio One bass player Brian “Bassie” Atkinson. 

Growing up amidst a vibrant Rastafarian community in Toronto, Canada, Andru began his career playing percussion. Mentored by the great reggae percussionist Alvin “Seeco” Patterson of The Wailers, Branch has gone on to back reggae superstars Gregory Isaacs, Glen Washington, Sean Paul, Frankie Paul, Yellowman, Gramps Morgan, Tony Rebel, Queen Ifrica and Vybz Kartel, to name a few.  

Andru signed with independent Jamaican record label Kingston Muzik in 1996 and recorded his first album with Bob Marley & The Wailers’ Aston “Family Man” Barrett, Earl “Chinna” Smith, Tyrone Downie and Seeco Patterson. Recorded and mixed in Kingston, Jamaica, What If I Told You went on to be nominated for a JUNO Award for “Best Reggae Recording” in 2000. Kingston Muzik shopped the album at the Midem conference in 1998 and licensed its distribution to independent reggae distributor Tabou 1 in Paris. The album sold in France, Holland, Germany and throughout the United States, and charted on radio in France and in the Netherlands.  

The 2007 release of “Bring Back Real Reggae Music”, from Andru’s sophomore album The Only Constant, earned global recognition. Recorded in Jamaica at Kingston Muzik Studio, the album features Ziggy Marley’s rhythm section, drummer Squidly Cole and bass player Chris Meredith, as well as Seeco Patterson of The Wailers. The Only Constant charted across the country, and the second single “Ease Off The Pressure” sat at number one for four months on Galaxie Radio’s Jammin’. Canada’s music authority Exclaim! Magazine calls the album “nothing less than stunning”. 

Andru Branch and his group Halfway Tree broke onto the international scene with their hit single “My Jamaican Weed” in 2009. Branch returned to Jamaica in 2010 to record the internationally acclaimed ska single “Rocksteady” with a host of reggae legends, including Chinna Smith on guitar and original Studio One drummer Joe Isaacs.  

Andru Branch’s brand new full-length release Step Into The Light is a concept album that shines with musical performances by the Halfway Tree reggae band. Studio One reggae pioneer Brian “Bassie” Atkinson delivers deep, undulating bass lines, while the brass section glistens on this collection of inspired roots reggae music. In true form, Branch’s music is lyrical and majestic, reminiscent of the golden era of reggae. Download the new album here.  

From “the greatest one night show on Earth” – Sting to Jamaica’s legendary Reggae Sunsplash to Rebel Salute 2012, Andru Branch performs extensively. Andru Branch & Halfway Tree continue to inspire fans around the globe, promoting equal rights and social justice. There are few groups that consistently deliver such an authentic, bass-heavy, richly textured, roots reggae sound. Their music is gloriously hypnotic and their message is positively uplifting.  

“…nothing less than stunning.” – Exclaim! Magazine  

“This is indeed real reggae music.” – Tom Orr, World Music Central  

“Branch has obviously mastered the sound.” – The Coast, Halifax  

“…someone whose respect and affinity for the best in reggae are propelling him into the limelight of a growing circle of fans…” – Uprising International  

“…sounds like the Marley inspired tunes all the world has come to know and love…” – The Sunday Herald, Kingston, JA 

“Halfway Tree sings the kind of songs that are missing in today’s mass market.” – The Town Crier, Toronto

10-11

Sgt. Remo is scheduled to release his EP album entitled “Life is for Living” this month. The EP is almost out of post production receiving the final touches before it is released later this month. The EP will feature five Sgt Remo songs with a diverse production. The album kicks off with a MASSIVE roots tune entitled "Marie" on the Maya riddim. It was produced by Jah Fabio out of Guadalajara, MX and recorded at Empire Soundz studio in Jacksonville, FL with Shimran Ali (founder of the Empire Soundz Crew). Next comes a great Dub collaboration entitled "Tell Me Who" on the Dub on the Range Riddim. This one is produced by dub producer McPullish (www.mcpullish.com) and recorded at the Dub Cove in Buda, TX. Also featured is the song "No Man Stranded" produced by EA Productions from St. Petersburg, FL. The album is rounded off by two more songs that will be unveiled soon! The EP will be released on the Jah Yutes Entertainment label and will be a strictly digital distribution available at www.sgtremo.com and everywhere digital music is sold.

Look out for new Sgt. Remo Music on the Shepherd Riddim album. This is another McPullish production on Charlie's Records (www.mcpullish.com ) and features music by Chezidek, Sgt. Remo, Tippa Irie, Jahn Ti, Kat Ireana, Ken Serious, McPullish dubs and more.

Earlier this year Jah Yutes Entertainment released Sgt. Remo’s single "Dawtah." This was the first collaboration between Sgt. Remo and EA Productions. This is the featured song on Sgt. Remo's online radio station at Jango and has received over 40,000 plays in the last 3 months. If you have not tuned in yet, check it out when you can! It's free and you can listen on your computer or phone. Don't forget to link up with Sgt. Remo at www.sgtremo.com and like Sgt Remo Music on FB. 

Link up!

www.sgtremo.com

www.facebook.com/pages/Sgt-Remo-Music/173344146046799

www.jango.com/music/Sgt+Remoitunes.apple.com/us/artist/sgt.-remo/id405263776

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005CYTW3K

www.cdbaby.com/cd/sgtremowww.soundcloud.com/sgtremo

www.reverbnation.com/sgtremowww.youtube.com/sgtremo

Ras Kidus Hosts Big October Birthday Bash at Sweetfingers - Oakland, California

Ras Kidus, the original Jamaican Roots Singer who performed on the same stage with the legendary Bob Marley, is celebrating his birthday this year on October 27, 2012 at Sweetfingers Jamaican Restaurant in San Leandro. Ras Kidus, the popular roots reggae star, is well known in the bay area for his powerful original roots reggae music, promoting women in reggae, and giving many reggae artists a

break in the performance music and film business.

Many of these reggae stars are gong to join him at Sweetfingers to celebrate his birthday this year including Mista Majah P, Sista I-Live, Hailie Maskel of the Rastafarians, Ras D, Sistah Beauty, Bogle Dread, Bobby Tenna, Winstrong, Messenjah Selah, Jahwarri, Roxanne Starr and Stephanie Slade. You are invited too! Dj Kongol of Mama Africa and TNT Sound Station with Young Fyah and Doogie at the control will provide dance music and the Jamaican buffet, included in the

price of admission, is guaranteed to be finger lickin¹ delicious.

The event takes on a very special significance because last year Ras Kidus was saved from an aneurysm bleed and has been recovering with the support of many health professionals, family and friends. He is on the road to full recovery. His voice and his precious roots reggae style, often compared to the famous crooner of

³Night Nurse² the cool ruler of the dance hall Gregory Isaacs, will be rocking the house along with his crew of artists, musicians and friends. Doors open at 8:30 on October 27, Saturday night and the show will continue past 2 AM. Admission is $20 or $25 per couple. Sweetfingers Restaurant is located at 464 E.14th Street, San Leandro, CA., 94577. For more information about Ras Kidus Birthday Bash contact

Roots Force Production¹s Stephanie Slade at 510-302-8734.  

--

Ras Kidus

Roots Force Productions

510 395 2179

10-04

Lutan Fyah: A New Journey on Social Networks

September 2012, Lutan Fyah Media Relations: The Jamaican Songwriter & Recording artist is now on the web and close to his followers, more specifically on social networks. After some troubles with his last Facebook and Twitter pages, Lutan Fyah embraces now a new chapter and he hope that his fans will help him to reach more people.

At this moment, the artist is working on new album (featuring the finest jamaican musicians and big international reggae artist) produced by Clive Hunt to be released in the next months.

Buy on iTunesBuy on Amazon

Anthony Martin a.k.a. Lutan Fyah is a conscious reggae singer and deejay. He was born in Thompson Pen, Spanish Town in the Parish of St. Catherine, Jamaica. He started his musical career in 1999 and recorded his first songs for Buju Banton's Gargamel records. In 2004 he released his first solo album "Dem No Know Demself" on Minor7Flat5 followed in 2005 by "Time & Place" on Lustre Kings. He also released several singles on various label from Jamaica, USA and UK. In 2007, his album "You Brings Blessings" came out on Cousins Records.

Buy on iTunesBuy on Amazon

Official Social Network Links:

 

Wordpress: lutanfyah.wordpress.com

Reverbnation: reverbnation.com/lutanfyahofficial

Purevolume: purevolume.com/LutanFyah

Unsigned: unsigned.com/lutanfyah 

*Other accounts don't mentioned above are fake/scam.

Brand new releases:

• Don't Blame It On Me (Threshold Riddim) - Dynasty Records http://youtu.be/TbD4pzTasAk
• Hold A Medz (Moving Riddim) - Di Genius Records http://youtu.be/gkD0hRyynXQ
• Jah Nah Go Mek We Suffer (Karukera Riddim) - Maverick Records http://youtu.be/LG6-S7G21d0

10-04

PATO BANTON & The Now Generation Band - Good News - Universal Love - available Nov / Dec

Pato Banton and the Now Generation Band are touring from Los Angeles to Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico and over to Florida in November / December, 2012. Pato Banton is one of the more genuine spiritual reggae artists in the reggae arena. Positive Vibrations abound while this truly inspirational artist delivers a message that is food for the mind and soul. From the late eighties to this day, Pato Banton has been very popular and successful in North America. Many people have said that the positivity generated from his performances has changed their lives forever. During his shows Pato dialogues with the crowd on a range of topics including current day events and spiritual freedom, while keeping the vibes upbeat and fun as he performs his music. 

Pato Banton has been in the music business for over thirty five years. By the age of 16, Ranking Pato became well known around Birmingham and would get regular work from various leading sound systems in that city. Within a short space of time, Pato became the number 1 MC in Birmingham, winning the title seven years in a row. At the age of 19, while working for Sufferer Sound System, Pato was invited to join a local roots reggae band called Crucial Music. Within a year Pato became the band leader, mc, singer/songwriter and manager, taking the band on tours of the UK and Europe. Pato's first recording was a double A sided single with Crucial Music entitled "All Night Raving & Sensimilla." Pato participated in a talent show where he was proclaimed the winner by judges Ranking Roger and Dave Wakeling of The English Beat.

In the Mid 1980's, looking for an avenue to express his conscious lyrics, Pato approached Neil Frasier at Ariwa Records and recorded his first album,"Mad Professor Captures Pato Banton", which is still regarded as an all time reggae classic! 

Contact: Peter Wardle

King's Music International 

Phone: (510) 326-8445 or online at reggaeangl@aol.com 

http://www.kingsmusicinternational.com

10-04

Jamaica Gets High Profile for Florida 2013's Food Festival

Food Network's resident culinary rockstar, Guy Fieri is teaming up with reggae legend Ziggy Marley for a closing party concert the likes of which next February's South Beach Wine and Food Festival (SOBEWFF) has never seen. The iconic white tent behind The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach will fill with love in the air. Known for his Food Network shows Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives; Guy's Big Bite and most recently Rachael vs. Guy Celebrity Cook-Off, Guy will kick off the ceremonies and keep the crowd pumped between sets while Ziggy introduces Ziggy Marley Organics, a line of fresh food products that are healthy and free of chemicals. The first two products featured are Ziggy Marley Coco'Mon coconut oil and Ziggy Marley's Hemp Rules hempseeds.

Ziggy Marley's Coco'Mon oils are made from fresh organic coconut kernels and are cold-pressed, unrefined and non-deodorized. Ziggy Marley's Hemp Rules hempseeds are USDA certified organic and provide an excellent source of protein, containing more of the nine essential amino acids than soy or eggs.

More here...

10-04

Album of Duets by Richie Stephens & Gentleman to be released by VP Records

Kingston, JA: Jamaica’s music ambassador Richie Stephens and multi-platinum German singjay Gentleman, who both enjoyed tremendous success this year with hit singles “Live Your Life” and “Warrior” have pooled their creative talents on a new album aptly titled “Live Your Life” which will be released next month on the VP Records imprint.  Gentleman, who is currently in Jamaica putting the finishing touches on the new disc was very upbeat about the project.  “It is nice to see how things have turned out with the album. We have some excellent songs that fans are gonna really enjoy” he said.  “The project came out of a natural vibe between the two of us without being planned. We put a lot of work into the songs and I am very happy with the finished product.”  The 12 track disc will feature six duets including ‘Jah Is Not Sleeping,’ ‘I Found Heaven’ and previous released singles ‘Life your Life’ and ‘Warrior.’ Also to be included on the disc are six solo tracks (three from each artiste) including “Drift Away’ and ‘Dutty Soul’ from Stephens and Gentleman respectively.  “This is probably one of the most sophisticated album I have ever recorded,” Stephens bragged.

“We have a little something for everyone including an old school track that fans are really gonna love. The rest of the album is just as impressive” he said.  Given the good working vibes he has with Gentleman, the decision to do an album of duets was a no brainer Stephens said.  Gentleman and Stephens’ whirlwind success started in 2011 with their first recording “Live Your Life” which topped reggae charts in New York, Florida, Atlanta and was voted the ‘Best International Song’ at the 2011 Stone Love Awards in Kingston. The video clip for the song also won the award for ‘Best Music Video’ at the 2012 International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) in Chicago this year. The pair have also enjoyed several electrifying performances in Germany, Holland, Portugal, Spain, Italy and Croatia where Stephens was the special guest of Gentleman. Their most memorable performance was before a crowd of 750,000 in Poland, at the biggest festival in the world — Woodstock. This was followed by another stellar performance at the 2012 Jazz & Blues Festival in Trewlany, Jamaica.  Stephens and Gentleman will give fans a taste of songs from their new album along with other favorites when the perform at the American Friends of Jamaica Ball in Manhattan on Thursday, October 25 and the official album launch slated for Friday, October 26, 2012 at Mingles Cafe in the Bronx. Dub Master Chris, radio host of Irie Jam Radio in NY will be serve as MC for the launch.

10-04

Tosh 1 Live at Ashkenaz in California October 20!!

Out of Many One Productions is proud to present the 24^th annual Peter Tosh Birthday Celebration commemorating the late, great reggae legend, icon Winston Hubert McIntosh, aka ‘Peter Tosh’ on Saturday, October 20 at the Ashkenaz in Berkeley. Performers include Peter Tosh’s son, Tosh 1, Peter Tosh’s cousin Sister-I-Live, Nyabinghi drummers, plus special guests to be announced. 

Tickets are $20 (student tickets are $17) and can be purchased in advance at the Ashkenaz. Doors are at 7pm; an original documentary about Peter Tosh including interviews, history and music is at 8pm,and the music starts at 9pm. This is an all ages venue.

For more information contact Out Of Many One Productions, 917-834-0330 or for tickets go to http://www.ashkenaz.com/. The box office is open every night when there is an event for presale tickets. 

For Press Passes/Interview Requests, contact: Kaati/RBA Publishing Inc 775-337-8344 kaati@reggaefestivalguide.com

10-18

Storm :: Me Gone

COMPLETE ALBUM WILL BE AVAILABLE SOON ON ITUNES AND MORE.....  

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10-04