Bigga Haitians ‘Sak Pase’ Released on CD

Last year Walkup Records released Bigga Haitian's ‘Sak Pase’, pronounced "Sock Pah-say", and meaning "What's up" in Haitian Creole, on digital download only format, available at sites like iTunes, eMusic, Rhapsody and Amazon, well it has now been also made available on CD. Due to the popularity of the download Walkup records feel the time is right to give the album a full CD launch, with this also being a first for the label.

The album received great critical acclaim on its original release and indeed it was described by Gibsy on this very blog as “great album, feel good sounds and infectious”, to which I feel I have to concur. It is a very varied sounding album from the dark and brooding "I Am A Haitian", with its Latin sounding trumpets and a guitar lick that by the end sounds almost like a sitar, giving the track a kind of foreboding feel, as the deep almost spoken vocal bemoans the poverty and injustice that has befallen that country over the years and this all before the earthquake.
This is then followed by the excellent White Stripes cover "My Doorbell", which lightens proceedings with its feel good riddim and sparkly brass blasts from the all-star horn section, featuring Clark Gayton (Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Prince, Steel Pulse), Cedric “Im” Brooks (Light of Saba, Skatalites, Bob Marley) and Kevin Batchelor (Steel Pulse, Skatalites, Shaggy), all of whom last appeared together on the multi-platinum Rihanna album "A Girl Like Me"..
Originally recorded in 1983 “Haiti Weh Mi From” is probably Bigga’s best-known song and despite its age it features on here, but as a newly re-mastered version. The dancehall, ragga feel might show its age a bit but this remix gives it a new lease of life and so it doesn’t sound so out of place. To finish things off on the CD is the added bonus of an instrumental version of "I Am A Haitian" featuring saxman Jerry Johnson, recorded in October last year.

Bigga Haitian (born Charles Dorismond in Port au Prince, Haiti) moved to New York at an early age. His father was one of the pioneers of the specifically Haitian dance music known as Kompa and while growing up with these rhythms of Haiti and the influences of both Jamaica and the United States has produced an album of depth and meaning that deserves to be heard.

For the full Gibsy review of the album see
http://springlinejamaica.blogspot.com/2009/03/sak-pase-bigga-haitian-walkup-records.html

Vivian Jackson (Yabby You) - A Cornerstone of Jamaican Roots Music

Last month saw the passing of Vivian Jackson (Yabby You) in May Pen, Clarendon, from an aneurism. He was 63 years old. Yabby You is rated among the great dub artistes of the 1970s, alongside the likes of Osbourne 'King Tubby' Ruddock and Augustus Pablo. While His 1975 debut album, Conquering Lion, has been described as a 'true cornerstone of Jamaican roots music' by British reggae historian, Steve Barrow.

Yabby was born in Kingston, Jamaica in 1946 and his early years make for sorrowful reading. As one of seven children he left home at the age of twelve to find work making Dutch pots in a furnace located near the gully bank in the ghetto district of Waterhouse. Then in only his seventeenth year he was taken seriously ill, suffering the effects of malnutrition, and had to be hospitalized. On his release he was left with severe arthritis which had partially crippled his legs. His physical condition meant that he was unable to return to his previous work, and he was forced into hustling a living on the streets of Kingston.

Although he considered himself a Rastafarian, Yabby did not believe in the divinity of Emperor Haile Selassie and his Christian beliefs were at odds with other Rasta’s he knew. This led to him being given the nickname "Jesus Dread" as a result of his argumentative nature; because his Christian beliefs were markedly different from that of his Rastafarian contemporaries. It often prompted debate on religion and philosophical matters, and it was after one of these discussions that Jackson was inspired, "like a strange ting, inside a my thoughts - like an angel a sing", to head towards a recording studio.

He needed money to hire the studio and the best way he knew how was at the furnace. He had been warned by doctors at the hospital that this could be hazardous to his health and sure enough he was taken sick again and had to go back to hospital where this time they operated on his stomach. Despite this his time at the furnace meant he had earned just enough money to buy a 2-inch tape and hire Dynamic studio for half an hour. Luckily as well musicians such as Leroy "Horsemouth" Wallace, Earl "Chinna" Smith and "Familyman" Barrett were willing to play free. The result of this session was the mighty "Conquering Lion" single, credited to 'Vivian Jackson and the Ralph Brothers'. Cut for King Tubby, the popularity of the song and its distinctive introduction (the chant of "Be-you, yabby-yabby-you") is what earned him his most and best known moniker "Yabby You”.
The next few months saw the recording of several more singles, released under different names on various record labels, (although usually credited to 'Vivian Jackson and the Prophets', and often featuring a King Tubby 'version' on the b-side); culminating in the release of the Conquering Lion album. A King Tubby mixed dub set, King Tubby's Prophesy of Dub, was also issued, albeit on a limited run of 500 copies, helping to establish Yabby as a prominent roots artist.

This success also allowed him to branch out as a producer, and he began working with both upcoming and more established artists including Wayne Wade, Michael Rose, Tommy McCook, Michael Prophet, Big Youth, Trinity, Dillinger and Tapper Zukie, while continuing to release his own material.
Yabby continued to record, produce and perform (often with the aid of crutches) until the mid 1980s. He re-emerged in the early 1990s, issuing both new and old material, and his recordings have been the subject of several high quality reissues in recent years. In 2000 he released a singles remix project with Glen Brown. The album included remixes of "Conquering Lion" by Smith and Mighty, and a remix of Glen Brown by Small Axe and Terminal Head.

Controversial to some, but popular with many, Yabby had a lot of fans around the globe and his passing will be mourned by them, but his memory will never fade thanks to making some of the most incredibly vibrant and spiritual music of the last 40 odd years and I dare anyone not to warmed by his infectious smile.

Lynn Taitt - Rocksteady to The Roots of Reggae

The reggae world mourns another loss to one of its true pioneers as it is reported that Lynn Taitt died in Montreal, Canada on January 20th, 2010 after a long battle with cancer. He was 75 years of age. His name to many, especially outside the reggae world may not be known but without him reggae as we know it may not have been.

A Trinidadian by birth Nerlynn Taitt started his musical journey playing in local steel drum bands, until at the age of 14 he picked up his first guitar. He moved to Jamaica in his twenties where he formed his own band amid the burgeoning ska scene. Their fame grew and in 1962 got their big break when Byron Lee asked them to perform at the 1962 Jamaican independence celebrations. His skill with the guitar in bands such as The Sheiks, The Cavaliers, and The Comets was becoming more and more noted and this led to opportunities to work with Baba Brooks, Tommy McCook, The Skatalites and the Supersonics.
The most successful of his own groups was The Jets, formed in 1966 and which included Hux Brown, Headley Bennett, Hopeton Lewis, Gladstone Anderson, and Winston Wright. It was during one of his sessions with Hopeton Lewis that he suggested the pace be slowed down on the appropriately titled song "Take It Easy." This was done and so it is said Rocksteady was born. It was also during this session that he decided to accentuate the bass line, thus forming the basis for what would eventually become recognized around the world as reggae. This recording proved to be a big hit and it reached number one in the Jamaican singles chart. Various other Jamaican recordings have been cited as the "first" Rocksteady release such as Alton Ellis & the Flames' "Girl I've Got a Date", and the Derrick Morgan's rude boy anthem "Tougher Than Tough" but what is for sure is that Lynn Taitt played guitar on all three!

Taitt's guitar style was inventive and unconventional, with a sharp percussive sound that accented the Rocksteady beat. Lynn Taitt and the Jets played on hundreds of recording sessions for Jamaican producers, forming the solid backbone riddim for the likes of Coxsone Dodd , Duke Reid, Bunny Lee, Joe Gibbs, and Sonia Pottinger, often performing up to five sessions a day. His contribution to Jamaican popular music is not just in his role as a performer but he also an arranged and led many of the session recordings that he appeared on.
In August, 1968, for whatever reason Taitt emigrated to Toronto, Canada, where he took up the position of arranger for the house band at the West Indian Federated Club. Although he left Jamaica just before the rise of reggae, his playing style had made a strong impression and was picked up on by musicians such as Hux Brown who adapted Taitt's approach to the newer reggae style.

In Canada Taitt remained active as a musician well into the 21st century and recorded with acts like The Kingpins ("Let's Go To Work" CD 1999). He was also still performing live with the Montreal Ska All Stars and at the Montreal International Jazz Festival with The Jets in 2002 and with the Fabulous LoLo sings Rocksteady in 2006. It was in this year as well that Taitt suffered from liver failure during the making of Stascha Bader’s film Rocksteady: The Roots Of Reggae and was unable to lead the band who supplied the film’s soundtrack. Also in this year he was the subject of another film the Generoso Fierro directed Lynn Taitt: Rocksteady.

Lynn Taitt may not have received the fame and recognition that he probably should have but I am and I'm sure a lot of you will be eternally grateful for all the hard work and brilliant music he has been a party to over the last 40plus years, his legacy will remain forever as a giant of Caribbean music

I-OCTANE - The Story So Far......

Clarendon has produced a long line of talented artistes such as Everton Blender, Coco Tea, Freddie McGregor, Derrick Morgan and the list continues with the young, vibrant and super talented.................I-Octane

The 22-year-old grew up in Sandy Bay where he attended Palmers Cross All-Age and Garvey Maceo High School. After completing his high school education he went to Knox Community College intending to pursue a career in architecture…but that didn't work out exactly as he planned. Although he excelled in the sciences at school the addictive beat of the sweet reggae music was too much a lure to resist and soon he was giving in to his real love – music. While going to school he was known for his spit-fire lyrics and cutting rhythms to fit any occasion and he was a regular feature at school concerts and barbecues at Knox. Bombarded with encouragement from friends to take his talent more seriously he did just that after a scorching performance when a producer approached him. The producer convinced him to use his raw natural ability and not to wait any longer before getting into the business. I-Octane began to give serious thought to getting deeper with music. He assessed his strengths, and summed up that he had above average talent. With that in mind, he made the decision. He then chose a name that would represent the high energy and consistent work, which he put into his music. He then modified the "High Octane" gasoline concept to become I-Octane. He worked at more barbecues and small stage shows, and tried harder to get his voice on a record. As fate would have it, a friend introduced him to famed Donovan Germaine to do work with Penthouse Records. In 2000, he recorded 'Oh Jah', 'Stepp A Seed' for Penthouse, plus 'Love In The streets' with Beres Hammond, Buju Banton and Assassin. Working with them turned out to be much more than a mere moral booster. A friend introduced I-Octane to Junior Arrows he jumped at the chance to have the record label managing his musical career. Under their management wing he has developed strong confidence under their guidance. At Arrows Recording he developed stronger and better vocals, which led to his soaring confidence on the microphone and on the stage. He landed a slot on Beenie Man's first staging of Summer Sizzle stage show, and represented his craft well, creating an even bigger buzz. Since then he has recorded songs such as 'What's Going On', 'Gun Rise' (with Teflon), 'Stamp Class' and 'Stab Vampire' which plummeted him into the spotlight becoming a hit single enjoying a good run on Jamaica Music Countdown charts and over seas charts. I-Octane has recorded for other labels such as H20Records with 'War No More' and 'Jeans'. He also recorded ''No Love' for Purple Skunk Musik for which a music video medley featuring Stevie Face was shot. I-Octane has performed to rave reviews on shows such as G.T Christmas Extravaganza '06 & '07, Sting '06 & '07, Sizzla's Rise to the occasion '07, All Spice 07, Fully loaded 07, Ocho Rios Seafood Festival 07, Port Maria Independence Gala 07, Red Bull Soap Box Show 07, Cure Fest '07, East Fest 07, Reggae Fever 07 Tru Juice-Rebel Salute 08, and on the international scene he worked up a sweat last September in Canada showing them his capabilities. The cultural singer is reaping the fruits of his hard work as he has been nominated for Best New Artiste and Best Dancehall Collaboration in Richie B's Excellence in Music and Entertainment Awards and is a front runner in Reggae Academy Music Awards in the category of Best Solo Male Reggae Vocal and Best Reggae Video for 'Stab Vampire'. Among the videos that I-Octane has ruling the airwaves are 'Gun Rise' and Stab Vampire which sat in the number 1 position for five (5) weeks on CVM TV's video chart. Stab Vampire did exceptionally well in 2007 and earned the VIDEO of the year 2007 on EME Award and also on the two of the most popular Television Stations HYPE TV and RETV Video charts. I-Octane is now working on completing his album while he continues to build up his catalogue of conscious songs, lovers rock and defense songs as he terms it.

The Dutch Accepts I-Octane

Conscious singer I-Octane returned home on a high after making good on his first ever European performance at the Sundance Festival in Holland on August 10. The singer was surprised at the response he received from the estimated 30-35,000 patrons as he belted out his popular singles such as Stab Vampire, Poverty and Different Page.
He was surprised by how much they knew his songs. He felt that it was one of his best performances yet and was grateful to performed in front of a huge white crowd and hearing them singing his songs word for word.
The songs went over so well, that I-Octane found himself performing each track more than once. When he touched Different Page well in the singers own words, It was a different page all together. He had to do that song three times, before he could eventually satisfy their insatiable appetite for the single.

The singer had every reason to enjoy his first stint in Europe as he was a hot commodity there doing one interview after another for magazines, radio and television stations. That was not the only thing occupying his time as he was also in demand to do dub plates and specials for various sounds in that part of the world.

I-Octane also did a superb performance in Canada on the Toronto International Music Festival which took place last weekend at Oakville Italian Garden, Toronto.
Christmas proved to be a busy time for I-Octane as he appeared first at Island Explosion in Clarendon on Christmas Eve with the following day, he headed to St Elizabeth where he was one of the featured acts on GT Taylor's Christmas Extravaganza, before finishing it all off on Boxing Day at the Greatest One Night Show on Earth... Sting. With its unpredictable crowd, you just have to ensure that you go there prepared and ready to deliver big time and sure enough I-Octane delivered.

Many thanks to Heather at Truckback

Rhetta Hughes - Relight My Fire

Chicago’s Rhetta Hughes "Relight My Fire" LP sounds like it was released on the wrong label, as it bares most of the hallmarks of a Mowtown release, and indeed a version of Mowtown standard ‘Baby I Need Your Loving’ is on here, the album however, released way back in 1969, is actually on Tetragrammaton Records….no never heard of ‘em before either. Still what it came out on doesn’t really matter, just the fact that it did is good enough.
The lightly funky, and ice cool ‘Light My Fire’ is the stand out track for me, though the arrangement does resemble a slowed down version of the Jackie Wilson rendition, but that can be forgiven, also I don’t actually know whose came first! Running it a close second are both the silkily-smooth produced ‘Walk On By’ and the heartfelt “You're Doing It With Her”. There is nothing special it has to be said about Rhetta’s voice that makes her stand out from the crowd, but that in no way demeans it either, maybe she just didn’t get the breaks that others did in era that was full of strong female vocalists. Of the original songs on here “Cry Myself To Sleep” and “Giving Up My Heartaches” are good enough to grace any Northern Soul dance floor, while “Sooky” sees a more bluesy side to miss Hughes and “Gimme Some Of Yours (I’ll Give You Some Of Mine)” finds her back on the funky tip. Maybe not quite a 100% boneified classic, but definitely a lost treasure that is well worth getting sore fingers for hunting in specialist music stores.

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Ernest Ranglin - Jamaican Guitar Legend

Ernest Ranglin O.D. the Jamaican guitarist and composer who is probably best known for his session work with producer Coxonne Dodd at the legendary Studio One and also helping give birth to ska in the late 1950s was born on June 19th, 1932 in Manchester, Jamaica.
As child, Ranglin had two uncles who played guitar and ukulele. After watching them play, he practiced on their instruments, and stood in for one of them when they failed to turn up for a recording session, impressing his other uncle so much that he was given the instrument for his seventh birthday. He built his own guitar using a sardine can and wires, before progressing to a real one.

He moved with his family to Kingston, where he was educated at Providence, Kingston Senior School, and Bodin College. While still in his teens, he began performing live, locally and in the Bahamas, often with the young Monty Alexander. Aged 15, he joined the Val Bennett band, and went on to play with the Eric Deans band and Count Boysie. By the early 1950s, Ranglin had become a proficient jazz guitarist and toured overseas. In 1958, Chris Blackwell recorded a Ranglin single, which was one of the first releases on Blackwell's R&B label. A live album, split between Ranglin and Lance Haywood, was also recorded which was also a first to be released by astute Blackwell.

Around 1959, he joined Cluett Johnson's band the Blues Blasters, recording several tracks for Coxsone Dodd at Studio One, including "Shuffling Jug", regarded as one of the first ska recordings. Some even credit Ranglin with the invention of the core style of guitar play (sometimes known as "scratching") found in nearly all ska music. In 1962, the James Bond film Dr. No was filmed in Jamaica. While Byron Lee & the Dragonaires appeared in the film, the soundtrack recordings were actually made by Ranglin. In 1964, Ranglin played guitar on singer Millie Small's "My Boy Lollipop", the first Jamaican song to achieve international success.
Ranglin recorded two jazz albums in the mid-1960s for the Merritone label - Wranglin (1964) and Reflections (1965), he also worked for Duke Reid as a musical director at the Treasure Isle recording studio during this period.

In 1964 he began attracting international notice and traveled to London, England to perform at Ronnie Scott's jazz nightclub, where he became the venue's resident guitarist for nine months, backing numerous guest artists and appearing in a recording of a Sonny Stitt/Dick Morrissey jam session in 1966. He made several solo records for Island Records, as well as collaborating with Prince Buster and performing with artists such as Jimmy Cliff, whom he also toured with in the 1970’s, Monty Alexander, The Skatalites and the Eric Deans Orchestra. Some of the classic sessions he worked on include, arranging songs such as the Melodians' "Rivers of Babylon" and playing guitar leads in the Wailers' "It Hurts to Be Alone" while working with top Jamaican producers such as Dodd, Lee "Scratch" Perry, and Clancy Eccles.

In 1973 he was awarded the Order of Distinction from the Jamaican Government for his contributions to music. He moved to Florida in the late 1970s, where he performed at jazz festivals and continued to record occasionally. He signed to Chris Blackwell's newly-formed Palm Pictures label to issue 1998's In Search of the Lost Riddim. The albums E.B. @ Noon and Modern Answers to Old Problems followed two years later. Grooving was released in early 2001.
In 2002, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree from the University of the West Indies for his outstanding contribution to the development of music in Jamaica. In 2006, he was the subject of a documentary covering his career - Roots of Reggae: the Ernest Ranglin Story, produced and written by Arthur Gorson. In 2008, he was inducted into the Jamaican Music hall of Fame by the Jamaica Association of Vintage Artistes and Affiliates (JAVAA).

Now in 2010 Ernest Ranglin has just released yet another new album, 'Ranglin & Friends', this time as a download only on the Dubtronic label. It is another mix of funk jazz and reggae styles and you can read my review at

http://www.unitedreggae.com/articles/n307/010610/ernest-ranglin-ranglin-friends

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Roots Revealers – Sweet Jamaica

With an album title like Sweet Jamaica it might surprise you to learn that Roots Revealers in fact originate from Texas and were formed by Caucasian brothers Chris and Josh Mundahl who now reside in Kingston. The Sunday Gleaner featured an interview with the pair last summer in which it was revealed that they had been listening to reggae from an early age, being influenced by the likes of Bob Marley, Culture and Burning Spear, with both also becoming so immersed in Jamaican culture that they grew locks and joined the Rastafarian movement. The locks have since gone, but the Rastafarian belief and sentiment is still there.
The sound they have created here is defiantly a sweet Jamaican rootsy one, a kin to the Mighty Diamonds I would say. Their riddims are original and well crafted and to which they add a clean vocal style with patois edge. The album is gently paced with some of the songs like the title track having a real feel good brightness about them. There are a few collaborations on here from the likes of Ras Goudie, CP Inc. & John TI plus of old style rub-a-dub dancehall from Chak Demus on ‘Sweetie’.
There is a serious side to the Revealers amongst these easy flowing vibes with tracks like opener, the simply titled ‘No More Killing’, the anti-authoritarian ‘Freedom’ and the everyday concerns of ‘Worries and Problems’ plus the acoustic and soulful ‘No Easy Life’. I believe this is their first album although they have been releasing material since 2005, it's been a long time coming, and good things come to those prepared to wait......

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Randa & The Soul Kingdom - A Review

It’s obvious from the start that Randa & The Soul Kingdom have been brought up on a healthy diet of late 60’s and early 70’s funky jam with lashings of JB sauce. The strange thing that surprised me though was that as I listened to it I was also reminded of the vibes given off by those early 90’s Acid Jazz scene heavyweights The Brand New Heavies and their excellent self titled debut. This for sure is the road that they should have travelled rather than to release of the over polished and commercialised ‘Brother Sister’, expanding on the vocal side, picking up the pace but keeping that gritty fat funk vibe.
Jordanian born but raised in Australia singer Randa Khamis, she has also sung with Speedometer, even sounds a bit like N'Dea Davenport who supplied the vocals as the Heavies strutted out way back when. Producer Lance 'Bamboos' Ferguson has done a great job. Nice tight, stunted guitar licks, big bursts of brass and keeps the BPM up with plenty of loose free flowing fire cracker drums. Sure they haven’t ripped up the funk soul book and brought anything new to the table, but are rather paying homage to days when hot and sweaty funk was the new cool and I for one from time to time like to get a bit sweaty…..

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Irie Up! - The Review

Last month I told you about the release of new reggae magazine Irie Up! Well I put my order in, paid using Paypal and after confirming my delivery address via email; my magazine arrived the next day, so its top marks there. When I first saw the magazine I pleasantly surprised by its look. It’s a bit like a 10” vinyl cover, also it is nice and glossy with a quality feel to it. Inside are 38 well laid out pages filled with interesting features, tit bits of reggae news from around the world and not too many ads. The interviews with Calman Scott and UK sound system King Earthquake were informative and the news on how reggae is spreading around the world was good and as I dare say there won’t be much chance of me visiting some if any of these destinations quite educational.

My only gripe was that the piece on Haile Selassie’s visit to Washington DC was too short and I didn’t really get a feel for the event, but I suppose seeing as it was some 47yrs ago it is hard to gauge the magnitude of his visit.
All in all it is a promising start and only time will tell as to how the magazine will grow and develop (noticed there was no review section) especially when up against the seemingly all conquering power of the internet. The price if you buy direct from their website may prove to be a stumbling block. With a £3.60 (€3.95) cover price and then when you add p&p the total was £5.50 (€5.95) it may prove a bit pricey for some. If however you are fortunate to live in a country where one of the distributers is based, like Dub Vendor in the UK it's available through some shops or if you mailorder through them local post rates apply.
I think that this magazine is going to prove to be a hit and if you’re like me don’t like to be sat in front of a screen all-day, but rather like flicking backwards and forwards jumping from page to page at your own leisure then this could be your salvation. The next issue is not until the first week of March so there is still some time left to grab yourself a copy of this opening edition…..sure to become a collectors piece!

If you have anything that you feel the world of reggae should know about whether ideas for an article or news event then get in touch with them. You can find more information about Irie Up by visiting their website

The Beat - UK Tour

The Beat, well the Ranking Roger version, will be out and about on tour from now untill May.
The line up, while predominantly new will however feature original drummer Everett Morton.
No signs yet of a full reunion as Dave Wakeling, original lead vocalist, continues to tour his version of The Beat in USA.
Should still make for a great night out of musical fun, as the Beat were much underrated in my opinion

February
20th Subscription Rooms, Stroud (Box Office: 01453 760900)
21st Sub 89, Reading (Box Office: 0870 264 3333)
26th Komedia, Bath (Box Office: 0845 293 8480)
27th Corn Exchange, Hertford (Box Office: 01992 584322)

March
4th Leamington Assembly, Warwickshire (Box Office: 01926 52300)
13th Sub Club, Luton (Box Office: 01582 743272)
18th Rescue Rooms, Nottingham (Box Office: 0871 3100000)
19th Warehouse, Aberdeen (Box Office: 0844 8472319)
20th Picturehouse, Edinburgh (Box Office: 0844 8471740)
21st Doghouse, Dundee (Box Office: 01382 228496)
26th Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishops Stortford (Box Office: 01279 651746)

April
4th Beacon Court Tavern, Gillingham (Box Office: 01634 853186)
8th Waterfront, Norwich (Box Office: 01603 508050)
9th Junction, Cambridge (Box Office: 01223 511511)
10th TJ's, Leeds (Box Office: 0113 2455570)
16th Concorde 2, Brighton (Box Office: 01273 673311)
17th Electric Palace, Dorset (Box Office: 01308 428354)
23rd O2 Academy, Oxford (Box Office: 0844 4772000)
24th Chinnery's, Southend (Box Office: 01702 467305)

May
1st Pyramids, Portsmouth (Box Office: 0870 2643333)
7th Salsbury Arts Centre, Wiltshire (Box Office: 01722 321744)
8th Thekla, Bristol (Box Office: 08703 100000)
14th Picturedrome, Holmfirth (Box Office: 0871 2301101)
21st O2 Academy, Birmingham (Box Office: 0844 4772000)
22nd Forum, London (Box Office: 020 7437 4370)
23rd Corn Exchange, Ipswich (Box Office: 01473 433100)

http://www.thebeatofficial.com/

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The Slackers Back Out On Tour

One of the busiest and best live acts from the US The Slackers are back out on tour again.
They start in mid March in Japan and are then appaering in England,Belgium, Germany and Holland through May. Catch 'em if you can as a great time is gaurnteed


Fri Mar 19, Logos Fukuoka JP
Sat Mar 20, Unagidani Sunsui Osaka JP
Sun Mar 21, Club Upset Aichi Ikeshita JP
Mon Mar 22, Loft Shinjuku Tokyo JP

Fri May 07, Metropolis, Bristol UK
Sat May 08, O2 Academy, Islington London UK
Sun May 09, Engine Room, Brighton UK
Mon May 10, Trillians, Newcastle upon Tyne UK
Tue May 11, Moho Live, Manchester UK
Wed May 12, The Maze, Nottingham UK
Thu May 13, Ancienne Belgique - AB Box / ABBox Brussels BE
Sat May 15, Werkstatt, Cologne DE
Fri May 21, Hafenklang, Hamburg DE
Sat May 22, Melkweg, Amsterdam NL
Sun May 23, Club Bolwerk, Sneek NL

VERSION CITY PARTY

Saturday, February 6, 2010 Brooklyn, NY
The Knitting Factory 361 Metropolitan Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11211

THE RETURN OF
VERSION CITY PARTY

Celebrating Bob Marley's Birthday
ALL AGES, $10 in advance, $12 day of show

King Django Septet

Hub City Stompers

Outernational

Royal City Riot

Wareika Hill

plus late-night

Version City All-Star Bob Marley Tribute Jam Session

Directions: The Knitting Factory is a 4 minute walk from the L/GTrain (Lorimer-Metropolitan) and a 7 minute walk to L Train (Bedford Ave).
http://bk.knittingfactory.com/

Reggae Got Soul Valentine Showcase

February is the time for all you lovers out there with the

7th Reggae Got Soul Valentine Showcase

at the O2 Academy Brixton.

It is of course on Sunday 14 Feb,when else! with Doors opening at 7.30pm [Over 18’s Only]
The show will Feature:

Freddie Jackson

John Holt

Tarrus Riley

Marcia Griffith

Luckie D

Bitty Mclean

Duane Stephenson

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