Boomshots

Category: Lovers Rock

  • HEAR THIS: Willi Williams ft. U-Roy “Miss Cutie Cutie”

    HEAR THIS: Willi Williams ft. U-Roy “Miss Cutie Cutie”

    Foundation Artists In Action

    Singer-songwriter Willi Williams’ 1979 hit “Armagideon Time” is forever enshrined in the reggae canon. Perhaps the most famous song on Studio One’s immortal Real Rock rhythm, Williams’ original was covered by seminal UK punk band The Clash that same year. Now the foundation singer has teamed up with the godfather of Jamaican deejays, U-Roy, and the Studio One house band the Soul Vendors for a new single “Ms. Cutie Cutie,” released through Williams’ own Drum Street label. This contemporary lovers rock track is a combination version of Williams’ “Natural Beauty,” both of which are available from all major digital distribution services and will be included on a full length release later this year, all backed by the Vendors. “My first recording was ‘Calling’ at Studio One in the late 1960s, and the Soul Vendors were Mr. Dodd’s house band at the time, working with every major act and helping create the Jamaican song book,” Williams explained. “The Vendors played on tracks from my Studio One album Armagideon Time, but this was the first time since then that we got in the studio and really worked together. I’ve been friends with U-Roy since the early 70s but we’ve never recorded together.” Audio After The Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Richie Stephens “Let’s Dance”

    HEAR THIS: Richie Stephens “Let’s Dance”

    Crucial Steely & Clevie Production Rescued From The Hard Drive

    When veteran musicians and connoisseurs of great music speak of the “good old days” there is an unfortunate tendency among some younger heads to roll their eyes and tune out. But what if they really don’t make em like they used to? How will the cultural traditions of any musical genre be upheld and kept alive without a portion of love and respect, not to mention patience and attention to detail? The greatness of Jamaican music, for example, was established by pioneers like Clement “Coxsone” Dodd. Countless immortal songs and instrumental tracks which originated at Dodd’s legendary Studio One have been passed down over the years and decades, creating a mighty musical legacy. John Holt’s “Let’s Dance,” for example, was first recorded by one of Dodd’s ace house bands, Sound Dimension. The original recording may be slightly lo-fi by today’s standards, but the brilliance of both the musicianship and Holt’s vocal performance are undeniable. A decade or so later, master saxophonist Richard “Dirty Harry” Hall produced a superior cover version, with vocals by the Cool Ruler himself, Gregory Isaacs. Both Dodd and Holt, Hall and Issacs have all passed away, but the music they made together lives on, built as it was upon a solid foundation. The latter recording inspired the great production team of Wycliffe “Steely” Johnson and Cleveland “Clevie” Brown, who laid down their own version of the sweetly lilting riddim track shortly before Steely took ill and eventually passed away on September 1, 2009. “Clevie just recently found back the riddim on a hard drive, and decided to voice Richie Stephens on it,” reports their associate and archivist Danny Pepperseed. This track will be featured on Richie’s forthcoming album Luv-A-Dub Style, which is due for release early next year. Judging by this tantalizing preview, the record can’t come soon enough. Listen keenly. Audio After The Jump…
    (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Jah Cure “Telephone Love”

    HEAR THIS: Jah Cure “Telephone Love”

    Cure Again

    Ever since returning from a successful Summer tour of Europe and dropping that “Rasta is passing through” video, Jah Cure has been hitting the studio hard. His Instagram feed shows off his work ethic, sipping lemon water and ginger juice in the morning, shuttling to and from the soundlab to build with “The Grammy team,” reasoning in the studio with ace producer Clive “Uglyman” Hunt. Today we enjoy the first fruit of his labors: a crucial lovers’ rock selection about the ins an outs of a long-distance relationship. “Good morning,” Cure sings as sweet as you please. “I see you missed my last calling.” (And don’t miss the extended dub mix soundbwoy!)  Sounds like Cure’s new album, which he’s been referring to as “Royal Soldiers,” is off to a strong start. Audio After The Jump…
    (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Busy Signal “Colder”

    HEAR THIS: Busy Signal “Colder”

    The Turf Prez Touches Up A Classic King Jammy’s Riddim

    Some things just can’t be improved upon, but that doesn’t mean they should be left alone. King Jammy’s 1987 “Score” Riddim is a perfect example, a track that defines digital lovers rock. There was something about Steely’s warm and easy computer bassline and those crstyal-clear twinkling high notes combined with Clevie’s tastefully understated drum programming. The riddim became an instant classic when it first appeared on Frankie Paul’s “I Know The Score” from FP’s crucial Original Sara album, with additional  versions by Sanchez and Thriller U available on 12-inch discomix. A quarter century later Busy Signal has brought the riddim forward with a brand new song entitled “Colder.” Utilizing Edi Fitzroy’s distinctive stammer-phrase on the hook, the Turf Prez sings for the girls,  evokes bygone dancehall days, and pays homage to the elders who paved the way. The only thing worth changing is the title, cause this tune is definitely #Hotted. “Fe real, fe real, fe real pull up that one from top.” Audio After The Jump… (more…)

  • Reasoning with Christopher Martin: “I’m a Lover from Birth”

    Reasoning with Christopher Martin:
    “I’m a Lover from Birth”

    “SssMartin” Speaks on Spearheading the Sugar Reggae Movement

    Ever since winning Digicel Rising Stars way back in 2005, Christopher Martin has emerged as one of Jamaica’s premiere entertainers, topping the charts with hits like “Cheaters Prayer” and starring in the recent motion picture Destiny. But his rise to the top of the game stretches back long before he appeared on the television talent show. As he explains in an exclusive Boomshots interview, Martin started singing in church at the age of four, progressing through school choirs and glee clubs. “I sang every chance I got,” he tells Reshma B, “and it’s been niceness ever since.” The singer’s new album is due to drop on V.P. Records this October. The lead single is “Under The Influence,” a track on Anju Blaxx’s “Mildew” Riddim. He says he does in fact prefer making love under the influence—but not so much that he can’t remember the fun. Born on Valentine’s Day, Martin says he’s a “lover from birth” who understands that his core fanbase is female. “I feel like I do this type of music cause it’s real to me,” says Martin, who calls his specialty “sugar reggae” because it’s extras sweet. This coming Saturday Chris Martin will be pouring out some sugar at Reggae Sumfesr in Montego Bay. I the meantime check out the reasoning.  Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Adahzeh “Island Girl” Official Music Video

    WATCH THIS: Adahzeh “Island Girl” Official Music Video

    Rocking With Jamaica’s First All-Female Reggae Ensemble

    From the Maroon heroine Nanny to Louise Bennett and Grace Jones, Jamaican history is filled with powerful women. Still, the reggae music industry has remained a largely male-dominated field—which may explain why keyboardist and vocalist Karissa Palmer always wanted to be part of a reggae band made up solely of women. As far back as 2013 she had the vision for the group that would become Adahzeh—a name that means ‘The King’s daughters” in one of Africa’s hundreds of languages. Enlisting bassist Chevanese Palmer, lead vocalist Kadian Hamilton, drummer Tashana Barnett and guitarist Tara-Dean Williamson, the group, under the guidance of D’Empire management, made a splash last year with “Girls Like We” featuring Tifa. Now they’re back with a new video called “Island Girl,” a proud statement of  self-respect that doubles as a long-distance love story. He lives in NYC; she lives in Jamaica and “the embassy no wan’ fi leggo the visa.” Tune in for some sweet rub-a-dub music plus a happy resolution to the lovers’ dilemma.  Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Jahkoy “Wine”

    HEAR THIS: Jahkoy “Wine”

    Audio After The Jump…

    Jahkoy Pamer was born in Toronto, so even though his music gets filed uner “R&B/Hip Hop” he’s got a touch of the Caribbean vibes in there too. (Maybe that’s what he means by the name Bipolar Sound?) His sunny “Still in Love” video had us feeling some type of way, but it wasn’t till he dropped “Wine” that the Def Jam signee crossed into the Boomshots zone. The rock steady drum pattern sets things up so lovely that when the skanking reggae break comes, it comes as no surprise. By that point his invitation to wine is mere formality. Audio After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Kelissa “Best Kept Secret” Official Music Video

    WATCH THIS: Kelissa “Best Kept Secret” Official Music Video

    Kelissa McDonald “Best Kept Secret” Video Celebrates Her Earthstrong and Women’s History Month

    Big up to Kelissa, one of the Caribbean’s favorite rising talents of the reggae revival. You may remember this lovely young empress from her Vogue feature on Jamaica’s resurgence of conscious music. Lately, this African queen has taken a break from touring to record more classic music and create engaging visuals for fans. In the latest video for her single “Best Kept Secret” Kelissa demonstrates her outstanding vocal ability, youthful appearance, and queenly character for the ladies seeking love in the Spring. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • A First Class Reggae Song: Half Pint “Substitute Lover”

    A First Class Reggae Song: Half Pint “Substitute Lover”

    A Song With The Clever  Interpolation of  A Reworded Nursery Rhyme 

    Tonight, we “Wheel and Pull Back” the hands of time to a song that touched the hearts of many in 1992 and continues to play with heart strings in 2016. Lindon Andrew Roberts aka Half Pint developed his vocals singing in the choir as a child, and that voice created some of the greatest releases in Reggae including: “Greetings,” “Substitute Lover,”  “Winsome,” “Just Be Good To Me,”and “Giving/Sharing,” to name a few. Let’s hone into the reggae classic, “Substitute Lover.” Audio After The Jump (more…)

  • The Love Chocolate Playlist

    The Love Chocolate Playlist

    Boomshots Presents A Multi-Genre Playlist for Valentine’s 2016

    It’s that time again, lovers. This article features 14 decadent tunes in Reggae, Jazz, Contemporary, and Rhythm and Blues, for your listening pleasure. The songs were selected based on the artist/talent, lyrical content and overall sound. More After The Jump… (more…)

  • Takashi Productions Presents Yami Bolo Tell Me You Love Me On The Slay Riddim

    Takashi Productions Presents Yami Bolo Tell Me You Love Me On The Slay Riddim

    Brooklyn Producer Takashi Suehiro Debuts New riddim with Veteran Reggae Artist Yami Bolo

    When two different worlds collide, sometimes you realize that the differences are quite subtle and may never matter at all. When this happens in music, it is a magical fusion. The artist and producer can unite in a studio and create an ecletic sound. In 2016,  Brooklyn producer, Takashi Suehiro, who mostly works with undergound local artists, is seeing an exponential rise in the number of international artists interested in his riddims. His latest riddim, the Slay riddim, caught the attention of Isasha and Yami Bolo. Yami Bolo flew to New York to lay down a track on this riddim, and the result was a lover’s rock tune, “Tell Me You Love Me, ” with a unique and invigorating sound. Audio & Interview After The Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Chronixx “Majesty”

    HEAR THIS: Chronixx “Majesty”

    Chronixx Hails His Empress

     The Steam Ministah pours out his heart in this touching love ballad. With music inspired by the Studio One soul selection “I’ll Be Around” by Otis Gayle, and poetic lyrics that read like an excerpt from the Old Testament’s Song of Solomon, he speaks directly to his empress. “Before I hold you in my arms, I want to hold you in my heart / Before we share our love upon a bed, I want to place this crown upon your head.” Audio After The Jump…

    (more…)