RAS MIDAS - WORLD BLOCK PARTY
PLUS DUB
DUBROOM MUSIC REVIEW
WWW, January 2021 - In what is his first
release after ten years, Jamaican Reggae Veteran singer RAS MIDAS comes with an
upfull One Drop style, both vocal and dub. From the studio's of Harry J's in
1970's Jamaica to a digital release at Bandcamp, Ras Midas a.k.a. The Rastaman
In Exile been through it and that's a thing you can definitely hear.
For this release, he hooked up with producer
Mike Lorello, who has worked with US based Reggae Band Morgan Heritage but also
with ones like Cher and Whitney Houston. The music was provided by Larry Lange,
another well known name in the general music business given the fact he's had
his notations at the Billboard charts. Two veterans in their own way.
About the track, Ras Midas said in an
interview: "This is a new evolution of my music. Everything cannot remain
the same. I am just turning a new page in my song writing and composing and
arranging. World Block Party is more contemporary reggae, at the same time
keeping with my rootical message that people have known me for over the
decades." Well, that actually quite the case with "World Block
Party". It has the contemporary sound, but with positivity you don't always
get with some contemporary music. And that definitely has to do with Roots.
AISHA WITH MAD PROFESSOR - JAH VENGEANCE
PLUS DUB
DUBROOM SINGLE REVIEW
WWW, August 2014 - It has been quite, quite a while since we've heard
anything comming from Sister Aisha, especially from Ariwa's studio. This has now
changed, even though it's a single we talk about. Complete with a heavy, heavy
Dub mix by Mad Professor this is a heavyweight release that should not miss out
in your catalogue of conscious Roots Reggae.
Yes, this is a re-make of the Yabby You classic. And what a remake it is!
Just like Yabby You, sister Aisha is known to have her spirituality well
connected with her musical output, both on stage and in the studio. Just like
Yabby You, Mad Professor knows how to capture this spiritual determination on
the tape machine or whatever it is they use nowadays in the legendary Ariwa
studio.
The classic riddim has not lost one inch or ounce in this 2014 remake. It's
arguably stronger, and definitely more contemporary which has it's advantages.
As Aisha sings the oh so important lyrics in a way that demands an ear, the
music is more than illustrative of the words. It's the riddim itself, sure, but
it's the sound of Ariwa as well. A sound that is driven to the fullness in the
accompanying Dub, mixed by the Mad Professor.
For a Dub Head like yours truly, the choice between a the Vocal or the Dub
version is more often than not, well, just not a choice. It's about the Dub and
too much lyrics can become like too much gunshots in a bad western movie anyway.
Not with his one, though. It's not just the fact that ones who like Aisha (and
who doesn't) will gladly pick up her latest tune simply because it has been too
long. No, it's also the fact that in itself, this single stands so strong in
it's message, the words are so serious where you hear that yes it's a good
singer but there's something more. Yes, much more.
Perhaps that is the reason why the Dub version is so outstanding as well.
This is definitely not just a B-side or however you want to call the Dub
versions in their digital releases. This is a more than crucial Dub, it's almost
like the Mad Professor knew that with such a vocal version you kind of need all
you have in your studio to give it at least a balanced counter-weight.
WWW, June 2014 - She's been involved
somehow with "Destiny's Child" back in the days, but since this is a
thing that is completely irrelevant for the promotion of (DUB) Reggae let's deal
with what is. After she's livicated time to be with her family, trained and
skillful singer Aysha Loren is now working with John Holt, Frankie Paul and even
Luciano while she has just released what can only be described as a true,
authentic Lovers' Rock track called "Keep it Like it Is". Yes, please
do!
Lovers' Rock is that other side of UK Reggae
which may have nothing to do with heavyweight Roots and Dubwise but is
nevertheless very much a part of the many styles the big island in front of the
European continent has provided the world with. Lovers' Rock: Smooth and silky,
yet with a tight riddim or skank section (the guitars etc) and a solid drum and
bass line. In other words: Reggae for lovers. Nothing to do with Dancehall and
it's outbursts, just niceness and a very pleasant rhythm.
Well, it's a description of Lovers' Rock and it
is a description of Aysha Loren's new single "Keep it Like it Is".
This sistren has a beautiful voice that suits the silky style of Lover's Rock
perfectly. Keep it like it is, indeed, keeping Lovers' Rock exactly like it is.
Because it is the way it should be.
The single in fact is taken from an upcoming EP
called "Back to You" and when it's representative of this EP, you can
say that UK Lovers' Rock has been given an impulse that will help making the
genre known to a wider audience, which it should. And for which we pay respect
to this sistren.
WWW, April 2014 - The first batch of vinyl was sold out quite easily,
and not without reason: here are four tracks by the great producer DON FE by
Steppas Records and they have a story to come with the music!
The opening, "Jericho" has server as an exclusive for the well
known Channel One Sound System for quite a while. They've used the tune during
festivals like Nottinghill Carnival, a highly popular event for the lovers of
Roots Reggae Music. Listening to the tune, you can imagine it going through the
speakers of one of the best Sound Systems and shaking the place.
It's an instrumental tune and it needs a Dub counterpart. Yes, it is given:
"Walled City". Slightly more dubby than the first take.
The second riddim, or B-side of the 12'' is another massive one by the
spanish producer. It has a different vibe but is nevertheless equal as a
Dubrockers riddim. Like in "Jericho", there's a flute which is there
but not in a boring way at all. This is a good addition to the solid drum and
basslines.
These four upfull tunes, joyous and solid in the same time. Again,no wonder
why the first vinyl batch was sold out. A fine release by the relatively new STEPPAS
RECORDS LABEL.
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