We live in a world that accepts American hip-hop as authentic but American reggae as flaccid. Sort of like looking for french fries in Chinatown--sure you can find it, but it's not the best, so why bother? American reggae has had a hard time finding an international audience that deem their music as authentic and as real as Marley, Tosh, or Beenie Man. There are subtle yet reinforced reminders that only real reggae comes from Jamaica, and no other place has the ability to produce talent that competes with the homegrown originals of Jamaican music. The charts, DJs and journalists constantly remind us of whose riddim and whose song is ..1 in Jamaica. The award shows always hone in on strictly Jamaican reggae artists and therefore omit a great market and talent that is out there, pumping out great reggae music just the same. The time has come, for the many who thought only good authentic reggae comes from Jamaica-- to bite their tongues.
"Time is not counted from daylight, but from Midnite"
As an avid listener of reggae music, I am certain and definite when I hear true reggae that is thought provoking, heartfelt, and just damn good. It has been said that not everyone can play reggae, and I truly agree with that--it takes a certain vibration and sensibility to get the rhythms and timing right. Many times American bands lack the complete formula to provide consistent and full music and this can leave audiences limp. After all, many average bands have to avert to Marley tunes in between their own to keep the momentum. There is a need to keep covers on their playlists or their albums. For once I have come across a band who uses no filler, no derivatives and no covers to create an original sound of their own, and the st.Croix-based Midnite is that band.
Midnite's founders are ñGaindeî Ron Benjamin, keyboardist and musical director and his brother, Vaughn Benjamin, lead vocalist and principle songwriter. Together they have created a musical entity that has transformed reggae music and how we think about it. St. Croix, in the US Virgin Islands, is not necessarily American, and not at all Jamaican, but close enough to both coasts that the influences of each land is apparent upon first listen. Midnite does not "try" to be a reggae band, but instead they succeed where many others have not and that is in their originality and their determination to stay true to roots music. It's a very daunting task to find in these days of overdubbing, hip-hop and dancehall remixes into practically every modern reggae song that you hear. Midnite's resilience shines in their music because they have designed their songs to be raw and rootsy.
The band has produced four solidly superb albums that showcase their ability to go toe to toe with the very best out of Jamaica. "Unpolished," "Ras Mek Peace (before Reverb without Delay)," "Jubilees of Zion," and their most recent offering "Seek Knowledge before Vengeance" & ñIntense Pressure (Dub)î are all very strong efforts.
Midnite's sound has many Jamaicans wondering what parish are they from, and if they are not from Jamaica, then how dem a do it? How did they capture reggae so profoundly? A lot of that detail comes through in Midnite's steadfastly strong lyrical content with smooth yet simplistic melodies. Their message is clearly Rastafarian, and their devotion to spreading that message is firm and musically inspirational. They delve deep into subjects that are specific to these times and can address the distinct social problems of today. To complete their formula, they encompass heavy use of drum and bass patterns that are - reminiscent of the 70s classic period keeping a harmonious weave in their music. As an avid listener, their music is refreshing.
The band spent roughly six years in Washington, DC, testing out their brand of reggae on whomever would listen, and before long, they had a consistent following that trekked wherever the band played. Their DC shows mirrored going to church--getting cleansed by their music in some of the raunchiest clubs. Most nights the clubs would overflow with people to the point of crowd control--sweat dripping, elbow pushing, and toe stepping. There was always a sincerity in their approach to please the audience, despite the struggles they were going through to break the mold. The regulars and non regulars alike would come just to hear the band, and often the crowd would be singing and dancing so much, they'd be begging for an encore before closing their set for the evening. Every night was like that and it became apparent to the band that in order for them to graduate to another level in this business they would have to leave DC.
In 1999, Midnite left DC to return to St. Croix. DC has not been the same since--no other band has come on the scene to replace or fill their shoes; it became apparent to the reggae regulars that we had witnessed a star rising. And as frequenters of their shows, their absence left a deep impact on the reggae scene here. It's not often talent comes along and you're able to spot the essence of stardom when it appears.
Fast forward to 2002 and Midnite has successfully produced their third and fourth & Fifth album "Jubilees of Zion" and "Seek Knowledge before Vengeanceî & ñIntense Pressure." They have regrouped their promotion and marketing departments and are now re-introducing themselves to the larger world. No longer a "local" talent, they are a God-given talent that will go wherever the Most High will carry them. The band has been able to transcend to this level through sheer word of mouth, for their music speaks for itself.
Midnite will embark on a 2004 West Coast Tour starting Feb 5th in honor of Bob MarleyÍs Birthday & Black History month. Check the Midnite official web site, for more information.
*Courtesy Jahworks.org
DOUBLELION AND HASO LIVE IN ASSOCIATION WITH DISCOVERY KINGDOM VALLEJO PRESENT BEST OF THE BAY REGGAE FESTIVAL...NOVEMBER 7TH FROM 10AM TO 6PM. 29.99 FOR A ALL DAY PASS FOR RIDES AND YOUR WRIST BAND FOR THE SHOW. 5.00 PARKING. TICKET AND PARKING SALES AT ALL STREETLIGHT RECORDS..SAN FRANCISCO, SAN JOSE, SANTA CRUZ AND AT DIMPLE RECORDS IN SACRAMENTO, ROSEVILLE AND CITRUS HEIGHTS. IF YOU HAVE A SEASON PASS, COST FOR SHOW IS 10.00 AT THE PARK GATE. ANY QUESTIONS CONTACT DENISE AT 916-607-6995 OR AT 916-613-3984.... HASOEVENTS@ATT.NET . AFTER PARTY AT OZCAT RADIO IN VALLEJO. http://www.kinghopeton.com/home.htmlhttp://www.sixflags.com/discoveryKingdom/events/ReggaeFestival.aspx PROCEEDS GO TO THE OMEGA BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB IN VALLEJO.... GIVE KIDS SOME HELP ALONG THE WAY
HailUp,Idrenz&Sistrinz.. New Tune&New Artist inna mi world sound. Plz come check "CHANT FROM MORNING" by EAZY WAYNE. Thx fi give yur opinion . Blessingz.
Nouveau Tune&Nouvel Artiste dans ma famille de son. Merci de venir check"CHANT FROM MORNING" de EAZY WAYNE. Et merci de lacher votre opinion. Bless.
Fresh Poulp is proud to present the third album from portuguese dubmaster Bandulu Dub, good vibes and musical collab addict ! After his appearence in our compilation "Dub Tentacles vol.1", he strikes back with a full album, "Spiritual Evolution". Between Global Beats, Electro-Dub and Roots Dub, "Spiritual Evolution" will bring you lots of musical pleasures. Listen calmly and enjoy the trip!
01. Bandulu Dub meets Zeki Ali and Isidora Lazarevic - Ayurveda 02. Bandulu Dub meets Australopthecus and Daia - Brilla El Sol 03. Bandulu Dub meets ALPHADUB Project and Dacal - Planeta Terra 04. Bandulu Dub meets BaNdula - Moringa 05. Bandulu Dub meets Jiang Liang - East Dub 06. Bandulu Dub meets Pop-I & Obed Brinkman and Junior Echo - Long Hair Man 07. Bandulu Dub meets Takanishi Tomoyasu - Mechanisms and Processes 08. Bandulu Dub meets Hornsman Coyote - Changes 09. Bandulu Dub meets Russtafarian Sound System and Natural Son Corporation - En la Piel 10. Bandulu Dub meets Roots Ista Posse and Obed Brinkman - Roots Mi Tourist Dub 11. Bandulu Dub meets Jah Billah and Haji Mike - Flag 12. Bandulu Dub meets Trianguli Australis - Spiritual Evolution 13. Bandulu Dub meets Isaac Maya - Dub Comet (Bonus Track)
Blessed, I give thanks for the friendship, and the love. I just finshed an album bout to drop..sept.09.. called "Break Free" . with My family Man-I-fest. click the pic to hear us.
Blessings and Love... Just wanted to share this Video with you of DoubleLion .DoubleLion will be have a show case of bands on Sept 6th Labor Day Weekend. This is a Free event show casing 6 different bands from the sacramento and bay area. Bring your chair out and enjoy the day. Lion Soulutions Car Detailers will be there Detailing cars on the spot.Bring your soccer shoes there will be a DoubleLion Soccer tournament. Location DISCOVERY PARK IN SACRAMENTO..One ..
