Boomshots

Tag: Leroy Sibbles

  • HEAR THIS: Wild Belle’s Reggae Cover Version Megamix: “Summer Tropical Show N°3: Island Soul”

    HEAR THIS: Wild Belle’s Reggae Cover Version Megamix: “Summer Tropical Show N°3: Island Soul”

    When They’re Not Collabing With Major Lazer, They’re Collecting Reggae 45s

    The cover version is a time-honored art form in Jamaica. Pioneering sound system owner turned record producer Coxsone Dodd used to travel to the United States in search of fresh clothes and rare vinyl to play on the mighty Sir Coxsone’s Downbeat. As his focus changed from spinning records to producing his own, he would sometimes pick up albums with certain recording artists in mind. It’s no accident that The Wailers’ classic “One Love”—which was first recorded at Coxsone’s Studio One—interpolates large parts of Curtis Mayfield and the Impressions’ “People Get Ready.” Throughout the evolution of dancehall culture there was a strong tradition of karaoke-style reinvention as great Caribbean vocalists refashioned foreign soul and pop songs over the latest riddims out of Kingston. Many of those versions were cut on 45, reverberating back through the minds, bodies, and souls of music lovers in the U.S., Great Britain and beyond. Case in point: Wild Belle. The brother and sister band who collaborated with Major Lazer on the touching tune “Be Together”  also incorporate reggae and Afrobeat into their own music. (Their second album, the follow-up to Isles, drops next month on Columbia Records.) They’re also known for their reggae DJ sets. Today Boomshots premieres “Summer Tropical Show N°3: Island Soul,” an all-45 mix of reggae cover versions curated by Natalie and Elliott Bergman, an avid vinyl collector. Audio Afrer The Jump…
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  • Flashback Friday: Red Rose For Gregory

    Flashback Friday: Red Rose For Gregory

    The Unexpected Gift 

    On December 6, 2008,  I arrived at the Hammerstein Ballroom and met  a  large crowd, which gathered together  on a snowy night, for the  Jamrock Magazine, 4th Annual Vintage Fest, promoted by David “Squeeze” Annakie. Unfortunately, the line to purchase tickets  at the door was so long that security announced, “No one else can come in, ”  after a threshold point. A photographer standing next to me said follow me.  As we walked towards a back entrance, she  said “Who do you want to meet, I know everyone.” My first time being back stage at a concert definitely came as a surprise and  I was introduced to several  living legends, including, Frankie Paul,  Sugar Minott,  Brigadier Jerry, Carlton Livingston, Nadine Sutherland and Coco Tea. More After The Jump…

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  • Rototom Sunsplash Available As A Live Stream

    Watch The Biggest Reggae Festival In Europe Wherever You Are

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    Rototom Sunsplash, the biggest of all the European Reggae Festivals, will be taking place this Saturday, August 17th through Saturday, August 24th, in Spain. This year’s Rototom Sunsplash will be the 20th Love Edition and will feature performances by Damien Marley, Anthony B, Leroy Sibbles, Nneka, Richie Spice, U Roy, Third World, Wayne Marshall and many more. In addition to an unforgettable line-up, the festival will also feature the option for fans view the festival via live stream if they aren’t able to make it. Though live stream is is not as good as the real show, having the option to see your favorite Reggae artist perform is definitely a plus. Check out the timeslots for each act and the link to the live stream after the jump. (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Freddie McGregor “Equal Rights”

    A Fresh Take On A Studio Classic Off The New Album, Di Captain—In Stores Today
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    “These songs were very specially chosen,” says reggae stalwart Freddie McGregor of the selections on his latest album, Di Captain. The album’s title refers to Freddie’s signature hit “Big Ship,” also the name of his renowned Kingston recording studio, whose name has been kept hot by his music-making sons Stephen “Di Genius” and Chino. “We took the greatest pains in making sure these would be classic songs that will last for a long time. I chose songs like ‘Equal Rights’ because I love the message and because the youth need to hear it. Featuring live bass and harmonies by former Heptones frontman Leroy Sibbles himself, this remake of a song that was first released in the midst of the Civil Rights struggle is more than a cover version; it’s a celebration. Audio After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Mr. Vegas & Friends “Sweet Jamaica” All-Star Remix Video

    Who Say Jamaica Sweet? Mr. Vegas, Shaggy, Josey Wales, U Roy, Barrington Levy, Cocoa Tea, Christopher Martin, Freddie McGregor, Leroy Sibbles, Marcia Griffiths, Ce’Cecile, Singing Melody, Tony Curtis, Beenie Man, and T.O.K. That’s Who.

    Of all the tunes released in honor of Jamaica’s Golden Anniversary, the people’s choice appears to be “Sweet Jamaica” by Mr. Vegas featuring Shaggy and Josey Wales. Never one to bite his tongue, Mr. Vegas vigorously defended his own tune when another song—”On A Mission,” produced by Shaggy no less—was designated the official theme of Jamaica’s independence celebration. As if the original version wasn’t sweet enough, Vegas just dropped the maddest remix of “Sweet Jamaica” with another Jay Will video to match. When Vegas calls this an “All-Star” remix he isn’t kidding—we’re talking DJs from Daddy U-Roy to Beenie Man, singers from Leroy Sibbles to Cocoa Tea to Marcia Griffiths to Barrington Levy—and many many more. With all this talent on one track, this selection simply cannot be denied. #CertifiedBoomshot. Memo to the tourist board—maybe it’s time for a new theme song.

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