Jamaica Observer

ZIGGY WINS EMMY

Wednesday, June 19, 2013 2:00 AM

REGGAE artiste Ziggy Marley can add another accolade to his long list of credits.

Marley, a four-time Grammy winner, picked up an Emmy for his song I Love You Too! from the Disney Channel’s animation 3rd and Bird at the Daytime Emmy Creative Arts Awards held in Los Angeles

Speaking to the Jamaica Observer from his California base, he said the win came as a total surprise.

“I didn’t even know I was nominated,” said the 44-year-old Marley. “When somebody mentioned to me that I won an Emmy, I was like ‘What’s that?’. It’s not like the Grammys when you know you are nominated and there is a lot of buzz around that... so I never expected it, but it feels good.”

Marley said the contact was made regarding contributing music for the television show after he completed his children’s album Family Time, which was released in 2009.

For Bob Marley’s eldest son, the Emmy win not only supports his move to step out of the box and into other areas, but represents a positive step for reggae music.

“For the Emmy to acknowledge and recognise us in this form is something new for us, and is definitely a step forward,” Marley said.Marley, along with his siblings, has appeared on American children’s TV series Sesame Street as well as voiced a character for the animated move Shark Tale.

Jahvinci carving his niche

Wednesday, June 19, 2013 2:00 AM

FORMER Gaza artiste Jahvinci is determined to re-establish himself through a partnership with his record label Out Clear Movement and Tripledose Productions.

"Right now, I have a solid marketing and booking team, and we are making a big push this summer to move the brand forward," he says.

The singer's new songs include Mama Don't Cry, Ghetto Youths, Victory, and Dem Violate. Victory was done for Tripledose Productions, while German company Jugglerz Productions released Dem Violate.

Interestingly, the most popular of his recent songs is Live to Make, which features Mavado, who once led the Gully crew bitter rivals of Gaza.

Jahvinci made his name while a member of the Gaza crew, which was run by the iron hand of controversial deejay Vybz Kartel.

He earned a following with the hits Watch Your Friends, Mama Love, In My Life, Remedy, and Wipe Those Tears.

His comeback continues June 27-30 with shows at Flamboyant Park in Suriname. He is scheduled to perform in Abako, Barbados on July 6.

Jahvinci carving his niche

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Great show from Harold Davis and Friends

Wednesday, June 19, 2013 2:00 AM

HAROLD Davis and Friends brought the curtains down on Jazz Week in the Corporate Area at the Redbones Blues Café in St Andrew on Saturday night.

The well-attended event resonated with stellar performances from Davis and friends, including his daughter Ashley-Anne Davis, saxophonist Warren Harris, songstress Maria Myrie, comedian Dr Michael Abrahams and Trinidadian pan master Darren Shepherd.

Davis was as splendid on vocals as he was on keyboard.

He kicked things off with an instrumental of Cannonball Auderly's Mercy Mercy Mercy then demonstrated his vocal competence with Frank Sinatra's cover of Bart Howard's Fly Me To The Moon.

On Father's Day eve, Davis introduced his daughter Ashley-Anne, who was well received for her poetic delivery of You Are Beautiful, Ten Things I Have Learned Over The Decades, and Scars.

Hornsman Warren Harris made his presence felt with For The Love Of You, Who Is Holding Donna Now, My Funny Valentine, and Watermelon Man.

Dr Michael Abrahams was amusing with his comical suite of personal life experiences.

For Maria Myrie's first appearance, she gave a delightful performance of Dreamland, Feel Like Jumping, First Cut Is The Deepest, and Someone Loves You Honey. She would later team with Davis for their take on Quando Quando and For You.

The pan man Darren Shepherd's entertaining set included Master Blaster, Feel Like Making Love, Blue Bosse, ending with Bob Marley's I Shot The Sheriff.

Great show from Harold Davis and Friends

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PHOTO: Stephen Newland performs

Wednesday, June 19, 2013 2:00 AM

Stephen Newland, lead singer of reggae band Rootz Underground, performing at the Jamaica Pegasus in New Kingston, St Andrew, on Sunday. The occasion was Miss Jamaica World elimination which 25 finalists were selected from a field of 50. (Photo: Bryan Cummings)

Jam planned for late rocker

Wednesday, June 19, 2013 2:00 AM

A memorial concert jam session for late bass player Eric 'Redz' Morton will be held tomorrow at Laguna's Sandpiper Lounge in California.

Morton, co-founder of the influential Laguna Beach-based Rebel Rockers reggae band, died Thursday, June 6, after a long battle with liver disease. He was 60.

The Rebel Rockers were a pioneering band from Laguna, helping to popularise beach reggae sound.

A memorial paddle out from Bluebird Beach is also planned for Morton on the morning of June 29.

Jam planned for late rocker

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Bieber hits photographer

Wednesday, June 19, 2013 2:00 AM

LOS ANGELES, USA (AP) — Video shows Justin Bieber running into a photographer with his white Ferrari in Hollywood, but police say there was no crime and the injuries aren't life-threatening.

Lt Craig Valenzuela says Bieber's car collided with the person at 11:45 p.m. Monday on Sunset Boulevard.

Valenzuela says nobody was cited or arrested and officers determined no crime was committed. He says investigators are trying to determine whether the pedestrian was in the roadway.

A video posted by TMZ.com shows Bieber getting into a Ferrari. He's surrounded by paparazzi and as the car drives off, one falls to the ground and grips his knee.

A request for comment from Bieber's publicist, Melissa Victor, was not immediately returned.

EVENTS AT A GLANCE - June 19

Wednesday, June 19, 2013 2:00 AM

TODAY

Live at Susie's

on the Terrace

Susie's on the Terrace is the place to be this evening for dining while relaxing to the music of Black as Cole. Venue: shops 1 and 2 Southdale Plaza, Kingston 10. Starting time is 8:30 pm.

JCDC Festival of

the Performing Arts

The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) National Festival of the Performing Arts finals continues with the Dance Programme, featuring various styles including creative folk, modern contemporary, praise, popular, jazz and dance drama. This will take place at the Little Theatre, St Andrew starting today until June 22. Start time 10:00 am.

THURSDAY, JUNE 20

Comedytainment

Female comedian Elva will be the featured act for Comedytainment at Red Bones Blues Cafe, 1 Argyle Road, New Kingston. Showtime: 8:00 pm.

FRIDAY, JUNE 21

Fête de la Musique

Fête de la Musique will be held on the grounds of the Alliance Francaise, 12B Lilford Avenue, Kingston 10. Event features professional and amateur artistes. Time: 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm.

SATURDAY, JUNE 22

Blarafest 2013

Blarafest 2013 is scheduled for the Alderton Community Centre, in Claremont, St Ann. Music will be provided by the soundsystem Stone Love Movements. Showtime time 9:30 pm.

Out and Clean

Out and Clean will take place on Saturday at the Red Bull Tuesday HQ, Worrell Crescent Square, Drewsland. The event will feature soundsystem Crystal as well as artistes Cham and Demarco.

Container Satdaze

Container Satdaze will see female promoters Lady Davia vs Stacy Royal and Shaniece vs Poochie Strawberry face-off at Gee Wee Car Park, 1A Caledonia Avenue, Cross Roads.

The event kicks off at 8:00 pm and continues until 2:00 am.

SUNDAY, JUNE 23

Brandenburg Singers in Concert

Grace Reformed Baptist Church will present the Brandenburg Singers in concert, under the direction of Dr Curtis Watson, at Calabar High School Chapel, 61 Red Hills Road, St Andrew.

The event begins at 6:00 pm.

Bikini Sundayz Street Dance

Bikini Sundayz Street Dance will be held at Yvonne's Sports Bar, Chudliegh, Christiana, Manchester. Time: 4:00 pm - 12 midnight.

Skinny Dip Tropical Paradise

Life in the tropics will be the highlight of Skinny Dip Tropical Paradise at Di Tropics (roof of Oneil's Place), 33 Hagley Park Road on Sunday.

The event will feature DJ Flabba Dabba, DJ Narity, DJ Gold Spoon. Time 6:00 pm - 2:00 am

Cherine gives back

Tuesday, June 18, 2013 2:00 AM

SINGER Cherine Anderson has joined the many popular personalities who have established charities with her Reach One Child (ROC) Jamaica.

ROC Jamaica is currently fielding applications for high-achieving grade-six students.

"ROC scholarships are open to grade-six students from the 14 parishes in Jamaica. The scholarships provide supplementary support for motivated grade-six students who show potential for academic excellence," she said.

According to Anderson, there is not a specific dollar amount per scholarship as each student has different financial needs. However, it is intended to cover part to full tuition and school supplies. Scholarship recipients are notified in the first week of July.

The songstress says the foundation, was formed in 2004 initally out of a desire to lend support to victims of Hurricane Ivan.

"At that time, I was a student at Middlebury College in Vermont. I learned that the music room of my alma mater, Excelsior Primary, was damaged by the hurricane. About the same time, my mother was in touch with one of the directors at St Ann's Infirmary who informed her that the residents had to be relocated when the infirmary became flooded," she said.

According to Anderson, she wanted to help and organised a benefit concert on her school's campus.

"I received enthusiastic support and with the help of many volunteers, we were able to put on a successful concert, which allowed us, in a small way to assist with the recovery efforts of both Excelsior and St Ann's Infirmary," she said.

Encouraged by that success, she said her manager Patrick Lindsay and herself decided more could be done and established the foundation later that year.

For Anderson, the biggest challenge is meeting the needs of all the students.

"It is sometimes difficult to carry out all the programmes we have in mind, as we see a great need in our schools and communities. However, we remain committed and have been tackling the problems one by one," she said.

Another foundation initiative is a mentorship programme, the ROC School Tour. This project sees ROC members travelling to schools islandwide to give talks.

In balancing her music career and other projects, Anderson said she has been working to expand her reach and brand.

"The reception to my music now is greater than it has ever been. I can see the growth and diversity in the music through the increase in the number of people who are now following the dancehall soul movement," she said.

Her current songs include Eagles and Doves, Haffi Come Back and How We Living.

Cherine gives back

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A classic evening at University Chapel

Tuesday, June 18, 2013 2:00 AM

IF the historic chapel at the University of the West Indies, Mona, could write a story, a huge portion would speak to the wonderful performances which have taken place within its walls.

Last Wednesday, another chapter to this story involved a performance by members of the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra, joined by members of the string section of the US Air Force, Army and the Louisville Orchestra.

The presentation by the United States Embassy in Jamaica showcased works by celebrated composers including Tchaikovsky, Mendelssohn, Mozart, and Dvorak.

The competence of the 12-member ensemble is a given when one considers the calibre of artistes required by the orchestras from which they are drawn.

The delivery of Hailstork's American Landscape was outstanding. Cellist Drew Owen and Ko Sugiyama on violin truly captured the essence of the piece.

As explained by the evening's compere Yolonda Kerney, Hailstork blends African American and other influences in his music. It would be the rich tone of Tchaikovsky's Serenade performed by the full ensemble, that would bring the curtains down on a truly wonderful evening of classical music.

Conductor Dr Leon Neal expressed delight in being able to perform for a Jamaican audience, noting that the trip was filled with wonderful performances.

The visiting group also conducted master classes with local students including the National Youth Orchestra.

"When one sees the benefits that can be derived from programmes such as your youth orchestra it must be given all the possible support," he told the Jamaica Observer.

A classic evening at University Chapel

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YolanDa Brown closes ‘Ochi’ jazz festival

Tuesday, June 18, 2013 2:00 AM

NOT even the rains could dampen the performance of British saxophonist and composer YolanDa Brown at the 23rd Annual Jamaica Ocho Rios International Jazz Festival held at Turtle River Park on Sunday.

The Father's Day concert was the last in a series of events for the festival, which had begun on Saturday, June 8.

Despite the wet evening, Brown -- who is born to Jamaican parents -- kept the audience entertained with each rendition performed.

The audience showed their appreciation in applause.

The jazz festival, started as a one-day event in 1991 by musician Sonny Bradshaw, into a week of activities.

This year's staging saw performances from Harold Davis, Dr Cathy Brown, Sparrow Martin's Ska Re-Birth, keyboardist Alex Martin Blanken, songstress Christine Fisher, Trinidadian Darren Sheppard with his electronic steel pan, percussionist/alto saxophonist and tap dancer Idris Ackamoor, and Jamaica's first lady of jazz Myrna Hague.

YolanDa Brown

closes 'Ochi'

jazz festival

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Patron attacks Capleton on stage during US show

Tuesday, June 18, 2013 5:03 PM

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Dancehall artiste Capleton was physically abused while performing at Reggae on the Hills at Calaveras County Fairgrounds Angels Camp in California last week.

A video, posted on YouTube, shows a longhaired male patron finding his way on stage twice during the artiste’s performance.

In the second instance, the 46 year-old Rastafarian artiste was shoved by the patron who was quickly restrained and forcibly removed from the stage. The artiste continued his set.

It was unclear what motivated in the attack.

The Jamaica Observer Tuesday spoke with the deejay’s manager Claudette Kemp who dismissed any notion that the attack could be attributed to Capleton’s stance on gays.

“It was a musician who had access to the stage, he seemed to be totally out of it,” she said.

According to Kemp when the patron was later told what he did and asked why, he didn’t have a recollection of the incident.

“He said, ‘me, I could never do such a thing’,” Kemp said adding that the attacker “wasn’t in his right mind.”

“It was a lovely, lovely event, we do not want to mar this event with any lies,” Kemp said.

She also said that the promoter apologised for the incident.

Recently, reggae pioneer Toots Hibbert — frontman for the group Toots and the Maytals — was hit in the head with a bottle while performing in Richmond, Virginia.

The entertainer received several stitches while the offender was arrested and charged with aggravated assault.

— Cecelia Campbell-Livingston

New album from Jay Z

Tuesday, June 18, 2013 2:00 AM

NEW YORK, USA (AP) — Jay-Z is teaming up with Samsung to release his new album, unveiling a three-minute commercial during the NBA Finals on Sunday and announcing a deal that will give the music to one million users of Galaxy mobile phones.

The new album, called Magna Carta Holy Grail, will be free for the first one million android phone owners who download an app for the album. Those who do so will get the album on July 4, three days before its official release, according to a Sunday statement.

New album from Jay Z

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Twenty-five for Ms Jamaica World finals

Monday, June 17, 2013 2:00 AM

TWENTY-FIVE finalists were selected, instead of the usual 20, at the Miss Jamaica World 2013 Elimination Show held at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in St Andrew last Saturday.

The winner will be selected at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St James on July 21 and will represent Jamaica at the 63rd staging of the Miss World pageant in Indonesia on September 28.

Under new franchise holder Laura Butler, the evening began with 50 hopefuls parading in swimwear being judged in personality, poise, beauty of the face, and beauty of figure.

The judging panel of nine included four former queens, Joan McDonald (1978), Christine Straw (1998), Desiree Depass (1999), and Regina Beavers (2001).

"The quality of the crop was such that the elimination task was arduous. Choosing 20 was just impossible," McDonald told the Jamaica Observer.

Co-hosts for the evening Kerie-Ann 'Kiki' Lewis and Samuel Gordon worked overtime to contain the excited audience as the judges deliberated.

Attendees were treated to live entertainment which included an opening number from Emotion Dancers, an energetic 20-minute set from international recording band Rootz Underground, among others.

Miss Jamaica World 2013 will walk away with over $15 million dollars in cash and prizes which will include scholarship options, the Miss World wardrobe, film and photography training, Spartan Health Club membership, Fly Jamaica airline tickets, and a new 2013 Suzuki Kizashi valued at approximately $5 million.

Twenty-five for Ms Ja World finals

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Hunt for new talent

Monday, June 17, 2013 2:00 AM

WITH over 40 years in the business as a musician and producer, Clive Hunt is still looking for fresh talent, especially in Jamaica.

Last week, during a break from recording sessions with singer Droop Lion and roots group The Gladiators, 61-year-old Hunt had a lot to say about contemporary Jamaican music.

He says finding the next big artiste in Jamaica takes some doing.

"Some of these entertainers don't know what they have. The white boys who are doing reggae are the ones proving to us that lots of money can be made from the music when they top the charts worldwide," he told the Jamaica Observer.

To reinforce his point, Hunt points to Moment Ideal, the album he produced for Martinique reggae artiste Yaniss Odua. It has done well in Europe, particularly Germany.

In recent years, he has also worked with artistes from France and Africa. He says their attitude is different than most Jamaican acts.

"These guys are serious about the music more than some of our musicians. Check the Billboard charts and one will see that artistes like Rebelution and Matisyahu are the ones staying on the charts for weeks and sometimes months," he said.

"I have nothing against dancehall music and some of the work they are doing, but some of the entertainers lack discipline. They turn up for interviews late, and some are far from informed and up-to-date about the business aspect of the industry," Hunt added.

Hunt has been around music for almost 50 years. At age 12, he started learning music while a ward at Stony Hill Juvenile School in St Andrew.

Five years later he joined the 1st Battalion Jamaica Regiment Band as a trumpeter. After leaving the army, he was recruited by Byron Lee to play in his famed Dragonaires band.

Hunt's reputation as a producer gradually grew. He worked on albums by The Abyssinians, Ras Michael and the Sons of Negus, Toots and The Maytals, Peter Tosh and Grace Jones.

Significantly, he has worked with several French and African artistes. Probably the best known of those collaborations have been with French singer Pierre Poljak.

SPF Sails to Maiden Cay for launch

Monday, June 17, 2013 2:00 AM

PATRONS forgot their soiled make-up, tousled hair and soaked clothing when the 15-minute boat ride from Morgan's Harbour to Maiden Cay ended last Saturday.

With sunscreen applied, they were ready to party on the beach. Pulsating music and intoxicating drinks made it the ideal scene for the launch of SPF (Summer Playground Fantasy) which takes place the weekend just before Independence (August 2-5) in St Ann.

"This is our way of giving back to our very supportive past patrons and to welcome the new ones. Maiden Cay serves as the perfect setting for the launch as it is in some ways similar to the venue setting for SPF. This is just a teaser of what our patrons can expect when they journey to St Ann in August," said promoter Kevin Bourke. SPF, now in its third year, the parties include SPF: Cat Cruise, BNM: Eye Candy, Fiction Beach, and Soiree: SPF-04.

SPF

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PHOTO: Morgan Heritage album launch

Monday, June 17, 2013 2:00 AM

Members of the sibling group Morgan Heritage performing at their album launch held at Redbones Blues Café in St Andrew on Thursday. After five-year break, the group has released a 12-track set entitled Here Come The Kings. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

pic: Morgan Heritage

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Rick Anthony feels the love

Monday, June 17, 2013 2:00 AM

SINGER Rick Anthony recently launched the video for his latest song, Come Give Me Your Love, at Cookies Nightclub in Portmore.

There were performances from Anthony as well as Warrior King, Lt Brooksie and Shanu.

"I feel very good about the launch, there were a few minor hitches but I'm thankful that it happened and for the support I got from my friends," said Anthony.

Directed by 13th Tribe Productions, the video is part of a promotional campaign spearheaded by R A B Entertainment for Come Give Me Your Love.

Man of Steel soars to top

Monday, June 17, 2013 2:00 AM

LOS ANGELES, USA (AP) — Man of Steel leaped over box office expectations in a single weekend.

The Warner Bros superhero film earned US$113 million in its opening weekend at the box office, according to studio estimates yesterday. The retelling of Superman's backstory earned an additional US$12 million from Thursday screenings, bringing its domestic total to US$125 million. Original expectations for Man of Steel ranged from US$75 million to US$130 million.

"They finally got the Superman formula right," said Paul Dergarabedian, an analyst for box-office tracker Hollywood.com. "Superhero movies really are the bread and butter of the summer box office. The fact that Iron Man 3 has the biggest opening of the year so far and Man of Steel has the second biggest opening of the year just proves that."

Sony's This Is the End opened in second place behind Man of Steel with US$20.5 million in its opening weekend.

1. Man of Steel, US$113m.

2. This Is the End, US$20.5m.

3. Now You See Me, US$10.3m.

4. Fast & Furious 6, US$9.4m.

5. The Purge, US$8.2m.

6. The Internship, US$7m.

7. Epic, US$6m.

8. Star Trek: Into Darkness, US$5.6m.

9. After Earth, US$3.7m.

10. Iron Man 3, US$2.9m.

Queen lauds Adele

Monday, June 17, 2013 2:00 AM

LONDON, England (AP) — Adele is getting a new medal to go alongside her Grammys and Academy Award -- an honour from Queen Elizabeth II.

The Rumour Has It and Skyfall singer was named a Member of the Order of the British Empire, or MBE, on Friday in the queen's annual Birthday Honors list.

Her award, for services to music, caps 12 months in which the 25-year-old singer won an Oscar for her James Bond theme song and gave birth to her first child.

Queen lauds Adele

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Actress sues

Monday, June 17, 2013 2:00 AM

PARIS, France (AP) — Actress Scarlett Johansson is suing a French publishing house over a novel that uses her name and image and explores the challenges of being beautiful.

The JC Lattes publishing house said Friday that a lawsuit was filed last week about Gregoire Delacourt's book The First Thing We Look At.

VP laces up for West Coast run

Sunday, June 16, 2013 2:00 AM

VP RECORDS, the independent reggae label that helped break dancehall music internationally 20 years ago, is eyeing one of the hippest markets in the United States, by hooking up with California skate-shoe company, Vans.

The Queens, New York company recently launched its Dub Rockers subsidiary which, along with Vans, have created the Dub Rockers sneaker.

According to a feature story in Billboard, 120 pairs of the shoes are to be released during the summer as part of a campaign to get VP in the thriving skateboard/surfer scene on the US West Coast.

The Dub Rockers footwear is described in Billboard as "a black mid-top accented with the Ethiopian/Rastafarian colours; red, green and gold".

Vans has worked on similar projects with hard-rock bands Bad Brains and Metallica.

Dub Rockers' first project, scheduled for an August 27 release, is also part of the campaign. It is a 10-song album that pairs acts such as Inner Circle, Morgan Heritage and Tarrus Riley with popular West Coast and Pacific artistes.

The set will be available digitally, as well as on compact disc and vinyl. Its lead single, Only Man In The World, is done by Riley and Hawaiian singer Anuhea.

Morgan Heritage teams with journeyman American band John Brown's Body on The Gold while Inner Circle and another American group SOJA, recorded No Cocaine.

"We are all doing reggae but for totally different fans," Morgan Heritage lead singer Peetah Morgan told Billboard. "Both sets of artistes are interested in crossing into each other's territories and this project is a great tool for that."

Mike McGraw, VP's director of New Media, commented on what the campaign means for the company.

"Our goal is to expose Jamaican acts to an audience that may be unfamiliar with them, but also legitimise in a sense what the American guys are doing because Caribbean audiences can be un-receptive to outside acts playing reggae," he said. "This is something new for VP; ultimately, we hope to sign Jamaican and non-Jamaican bands to the Dub Rockers imprint."

VP sponsored the May 24-26 California Roots Music and Arts Festival, which drew an estimated 30,000 patrons. Some of the performers are California bands who are part of the Dub Rockers project: Slightly Stoopid, The Expendables and Rebelution.

Dub Rockers represents a reversal for VP, which was established in 1978 by husband-and-wife team of Vincent and Pat Chin. Vincent was founder of the Randy's label and studio in Jamaica.

The label came to prominence in the US during the 1990s when it became the largest distributor of contemporary reggae/dancehall in that country.

VP helped put artistes such as Sean Paul, Wayne Wonder and Beenie Man on the US mainstream map.

VP laces up for West Coast run

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James Bond drops reggae riddims

Sunday, June 16, 2013 2:00 AM

COMPARED to Toronto, the Jamaican community in Montreal is a small one. But according to a top disc jockey in that city, Quebec's largest city has quietly made strides as a leading reggae market in Canada.

James Bond is host of On The Reggae Jam, a weekly show on the K103.7FM radio station. For three hours (9:00 to midnight), he plays the latest reggae hits as well as classics from the 1970s and old school dancehall of the 1980s.

Bond (given name James Kornecook) was in Jamaica recently and spoke to the Jamaica Observer about the current state of reggae in Montreal.

"There are several reggae scenes in Montreal. There is a French scene that Haitians and Quebecers attend and there is an English West Indian scene in another part of town," he said. "We also have communities from islands such as St Vincent, Grenada, Trinidad...all these cater specifically for these communities," he added. "There is a large African population that also loves reggae music."

According to Bond, that cosmopolitan populace usually supports the Montreal International Reggae Festival which takes place in August. Throughout the year, big names including Sizzla, Beres Hammond, Konshens and Sanchez perform at club dates, but he says for all this favourable growth, Montreal is still a distant second to Toronto when it comes to reggae.

"It is important to understand that the Montreal market is smaller than Toronto's. A show in Toronto may have four or five name brand artistes but in Montreal only one artiste will come," he explained. "The crowd is just not there to support too many big shows, and the promoter will not make back the money they invested."

A graduate of McGill University, Bond says he has been listening to Jamaican music since the 1980s when he discovered Bob Marley. He was a selector for a Montreal sound system named Virgo before branching out on his own, spinning dancehall/reggae beats at house parties.

Since 2003, he has hosted On The Reggae Jam which caters mainly to the youth demographic.

"I usually devote most shows to new music, I play Mavado, Konshens, Chronixx, Chris Martin to Kabaka Pyramid and Iba Mahr," he said. "I take it back from time to time with some classic dancehall and foundation music, playing artistes like Super Cat, Shabba, Josey Wales."

Montreal is the epicentre of French Canada. A city with a thriving arts and culinary scene, it has become increasingly diverse in the last 20 years through immigration from Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, Africa and the Caribbean.

That diversity is reflected in the music, with hip hop and dancehall/reggae challenging rock as the sound of choice in Montreal. Bond notes listener feedback for On The Reggae Jam proves the appreciation for Jamaican music is on the rise.

"I have a great variety of listeners from all backgrounds. I receive requests from the ultra-knowledgeable fan who will ask for the very latest release or others calling in for tunes like Murder She Wrote or Night Nurse," he said.

James Bond drops reggae riddims

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Portland jerk fest for July 7

Sunday, June 16, 2013 2:00 AM

PORTLAND Jerk Festival organisers are promising patrons attending this year's festival a treat of Jamaica's unique food and popular culture.

The food fest, now in its 14th year, will be held at Folly in Port Antonio, on Sunday, July 7.

Scheduled start time is 10:00 am.

Kasey Bourne, organising committee chairman, said the festival will return to its roots as one which entertains its patrons.

"Is not that the entertainment is not important it is just that our focus will be entertaining people that have come to enjoy food," Bourne said.

Bourne said in addition to the usual jerk pork and chicken, there will be breadfruit, goat testicles, squid, conch, fish, lobster, and shrimp on the menu.

The event's title sponsor is Best Dressed Chicken.

"The Best Dressed Chicken is proud of our continued partnership with the Portland Jerk Festival. The festival evokes the Jamaican lifestyle - jerk chicken, family and great entertainment," said Cordia Williams, Best Dressed Chicken brand manager.

Dennis McIntosh, Culinary Federation of Jamaica (CFJ) chairman, told the Sunday Observer the body is also promoting the idea of "growing what we eat and eating what we grow".

"We're trying to get young people actively involved," McIntosh said.

Meanwhile, Oliver Mair, organising committee member, said jerk is the healthy, fast option.

"Jerk food is big business worldwide and this is the home of jerk. Many of us see jerk as just roadside food (but) internationally jerk is actually served in the top restaurants of the world as gourmet cuisine," he said.

The Gladiators back in arena

Sunday, June 16, 2013 2:00 AM

THE Gladiators, one of the top touring reggae bands of the last decade, is teaming up with deejay Droop Lion for their first album in three years.

The Gladiators Featuring Droop Lion is the title of the 12-track set which is co-produced by Clive Hunt, Jeffery Stephenson and Michelle Jovanovic.

According to the group's drummer Anthony Griffiths, the album is different from previous efforts.

"The fans will see Droop Lion doing renditions of some of The Gladiators' most popular tracks," he told the Sunday Observer.

Among those songs are the 1968 hit Hello Carol, Naturally, Bongo Red and Roots Natty.

No official release date has been set but Griffiths says The Gladiators Featuring Droop Lion will be launched late this year.

"We are taking our time on this one as we want it to be perfect. Every note and beat has to be correct," said Griffiths, adding: "Our aim is to establish the group locally."

He pointed out that Droop Lion is no stranger to The Gladiators. His uncle, David Webber, was an original member.

During a break from recording at the Mixing Lab Studio in St Andrew, Droop Lion said the project was a major step for him.

"We need to continue the great legacy that was left for us. These are some of the stalwarts that paved the way for artistes like myself."

Anthony Griffiths and his brother (lead singer) Al Griffiths are second- generation members of The Gladiators. Their father, singer/guitarist Albert Griffiths, started the band almost 50 years ago.

Gallimore Sutherland, Clinton Rufus, Vernon Sutherland, Glen Williams and Mark Gooden are also members of the current unit.

For the last 15 years, The Gladiators has been among the top reggae acts on the road, consistently touring Europe, North and South America and Asia.

Albert Griffiths retired from touring five years ago due to ill health.

STAGGABAKK — DROPS WOT A GWAN

Saturday, June 15, 2013 2:00 AM

UNITED Kingdom-based deejay 'Staggabakk' is banking on music to be his game-changer after enduring "a rough period" in his life.

Born Christopher Sappleton, he recalls a tough childhood in Spanish Town, St Catherine. Things changed for the better when he moved to the UK at age 14 in 1999.

"All I've ever wanted to achieve while growing up is to be heard and taken seriously and music gives me the opportunity to do this. I believe through my songs, people will get to understand my journey and know who 'Staggabakk, is," he stated.

His moniker comes from a Jamaican 'sweetie' he favoured while living in Spanish Town.

He wrote and co-produced his debut album Wot a Gwan, a 14-track set that includes the track Mamas Bwoy and his latest song, Evidence.

"This album is me finding my feet, getting to know who I am and where I stand as an artiste. I wanted to prove to myself and all who doubted me, that anything is possible if you put your mind to it," said Staggabakk.

Jamaica Observer

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