ZonaReGGae BEST of 2011 – FEVEREIRO Choices

Checka as escolhas anteriores @BEST of 2011 Monthly CHOICES
——-

Check the previous Choices & @ BEST of 2011 Monthly CHOICES

!!!!Fevereiro/February!!!!

ZonaReGGae´s ALBUM of the MONTH #2

ZonaReGGae Playlist 23 Fevereiro 2011 – Interview JOSHUA ALO

!!!DOWNLOAD SeSSion!!!

01_Joshua Alo – Senses - Orchid Unknown mp3 pre-release 25 feb 2011 World SoulJah Music

Courtney John ID
02_Courtney John-Every Way – mp3 promo single from ‘Made in Jamaica’ 2011 Joe Fraser Records

03_Alpheus – Call It a Day – From Creation 2011 A-Lone, FAK Records
Alpheus – When You Call Me

04_Papa Michigan – Empress By My Side – mp3 single advance from ‘Bad and On The Go’ 2011
The Slickers – Johnny to Bad – Break Through 2007 Makasound,Massala Records

05_The Uniques – Stand Up And Fight - Absolutely Rock Steady(mp3 promo) 2010 Pressure Sounds

06_Atarras – Brimstone And Fire – 7’’ (mp3 promo) 2010 Pressure Sounds

07_Two Rasta Man – False Rumour - Life Goes in Circles ‘sounds of the talent corporation 1974-1979′ 2006 Pressure Sounds

08_Junior Dan - Jah Foundation - Hi Try 2006 Honest Jon Records

09_Bunny Lee – Jamaican Roots Dub - The Version Master presents ‘Creation of Dub’ ’75 2011 Jamaican Recordings

10_Prince Jammy – Interboro Dub – Strictly Dub 2010 Pressure Sounds

11_Matic Horns – Roots Message – Increase The Peace 2009 Coptic Lion

12_ Himperial Rockers - People Power Dub – New Dub Evolution 2011 Springline Records

13_The Soul Agitators - Free Dub On Time - mp3 promo from ‘Free Us On Time’ 10inch 2011 KA Records
14_Earl Wonder – Them a Run

15_Lion I Levi - False Ruler dubmix - Univershall Version ‘Flow Prods riddims’ 2011 Springline Jamaica

-ZonaReGGae Reviews…Joshua Alo – Orchid Unknown (2011 World SoulJah Music)-

16_Joshua Alo – Be Free Be True - Orchid Unknown mp3 pre-release 25 feb 2011 World SoulJah Music

17_Joshua Alo – Paradise – Answer Your Calling 2007 Joshua Alo
-ZonaReGGae Interviews…Joshua Alo part I-

18_Joshua Alo – Feel it in the Air - Orchid Unknown mp3 pre-release 25 feb 2011 World SoulJah Music
19_Joshua Alo – Orchid Unkown
-ZonaReGGae Interviews…Joshua Alo part II-

20_Joshua Alo – Keep – Orchid Unknown mp3 pre-release 25 feb 2011 World SoulJah Music

21_Zion – My Roots – Strictly Roots (mp3 promo) 2010 Skank Records

22_Zion – No More Violence – Crying for Freedom bonus disc 2011 Skank Records free download
[ZonaReGGae´s Free Download of the Month #14]

DOWNLOAD of The MONTH #14 – ZION – ‘Crying Freedom’ bonus disc

Depois do lançamento em 2010 Strictly Roots, o artista da Dominica, Zion (considerado o artista revelação 2010 pela ZonaReGGae) prepara para breve novo álbum de Roots Reggae intitulado Crying Freedom.

Mais uma vez providenciado pela label norte-americana Skank Records, Crying Freedom será uma nova amostra da impressionante vibe roots reggae com que Zion surpreendeu em Strictly Roots.

Para sugestão de download gratuito deste mês, propomos o bonus disc disponibilizado pela Skank Records em antecipação do novo álbum!

Música Roots num estado puro e cru, onde o sentimento e as líricas de Zion são o grande destaque.
8 temas que não entraram para o alinhamento final de Crying Freedom, e onde músicas como I Try, No More Violence ou Really Want to Know fazem prever um grande novo disco pela parte deste talentoso ‘novo’ nome da música roots reggae, Zion!

DOWNLOAD Zion – Crying Freedom bonus disc
Zion Myspace
SKANK RECORDS

ZonaReGGae Reviews…JOSHUA ALO – Orchid Unknown (2011)

If I would to highlight a roots reggae newcomer into this Millennium’s first decade, it would have to be Hawaiian born, Joshua Alo.

With a raw and uncut, 2007, debut release album, Answer your Calling; Joshua, alongside Italian tribal roots band Zion Love, brought out one of the best independent releases of that year. Produced in only two weeks, Answer Your calling was certainly a powerful moment. Answer Your Calling also revealed one of the most original younger voices in worldwide Reggae Music, as Joshua Alo’s sweet and original vocals genuinely delivering his humble, conscious and devoted messages.

After many praises for the album, both from his home island, and worldwide places like Brazil, Unites States, Belgium, Netherlands, Portugal and West Africa, Joshua returned to Hawaii in 2008 for some heavy performances throughout the islands. He then made a move to Europe where he teamed up with hard hitting musicians from Burkina Faso, Congo and Belgium, to record the new album, Orchid Unknown (Coming out next 25th February, 2011 on his independent label World SoulJah Music).

Joshua says “Orchid Unknown is an album that was a long time in the making. Many trials were endured in the 2 1/2 year long process it took to write, record and produce this album”.

Unlike his debut release, Orchid Unknown, displays a more vibrant and updated Roots Reggae feel; filled with Jazzy grooves, hard drumming, beautiful harmonies and exquisite horn arrangements, as Joshua says, ‘the music is marinated through time contrary to my first album which took only 2 weeks produce. The effects on the album are minimal and hardly any editing was done by the engineers as they adopted an old school recording method of ,”If the take is not right, do it again”, as editing the music will only minimize it’s true essence and vibe. ‘

The result is a work that truly brings joy and insight! Since the opening tune, Feel it in the Air, Joshua delivers strong messages throughout warnings and signs towards empowerment, faith, feelings, dreams and Love.

Highlights forward for his warnings about a New World Order in the amazing Senses; calls for freedom from the system and its deception in Be Free, Be True; the rockers skanking to a Rhythm So Divine, with appeals for love & strength to give all to the Lord and the single release, Keep, where Joshua moves away from the distress and sadness of life’s path, over a powerful roots rock reggae beat. (go to www.joshuaalo.com to get this free single.)

Joshua’s life and experiences are often shared in his lyrics, and one of the most beautiful of the feelings expressed comes from his past military experience: “I still render much due respect to the plight of the service members and their families as told in the track “Hold On”. A message for service members and families to persevere, amidst extremely long durations of separations and trials.”

Other highlight tune is the title track Orchid Unknown. A beautiful Roots Reggae tune where we listen to Joshua calling for the holy guidance to hold on to humanity, ‘The song resembles the holy place of the father deep down that is so buried within us, but calls out and guides us amidst all struggles, trials and tribulations in life.’

A true devotion to the Creator and Christ as stated in Psalms 146. The powers where Joshua gets his motivation are a constant presence in his words, ‘All songs in Orchid Unknown were written out of what I was experiencing. Some songs took minutes and others took 3 years to complete. But all songs were written out of inspiration’.
Finishing this all strong, 12 track intimate album, the acoustic Essence, shows us where he draws the inspiration from…The heart.

Music for open minded people and a chance for enlightenment is what Orchid Unknown offers, bringing an amazing musical effort all over great Roots Reggae influenced tunes, uplifted by Joshua Alo insights, warnings and callings for a change.
Word, Sound and Power! And no matter in what time, part of the world or language spoken, that´s what Reggae music should be all about.

Joshua´s words….
“You got to know what you’re searching for,
you won’t find it, should you refuse to open your door
so step out come out, see what life is all about,
your hopes and your dreams are blocked by fear and doubt.
Don’t let that new world order control your mind.”
Senses

STARTING THE 1st MARCH UNTIL 31st – SUPPORT JOSHUA ALO MUSIC AND VOTE IN THIS YEARS ROTOTON REGGAE CONTEST EUROPE!

+INFOS
JOSHUA ALO.COM
JOSHUA ALO MYSPACE

ZonaReGGae Playlist 16 Fevereiro 2011

!!!DOWNLOAD SeSSion!!!

01_AlDubb feat.Jah Seal –Roll With You Dub – Let There Be Dub 2010 One Drop Music/Irieland

02_Rod Taylor – Open The Gates – Hold On Strong 2009 Nagona Music Records

03_Dubkasm feat.Dub Judah – From the Foundation – Transform I 2009 Sufferah’s Choice Recordings

04_WebCam Hi-Fi feat.Madu Messenger - Grace of Jah – Livity is My Temple 2009 Tube Dub Sound Records
05_WebCam Hi-Fi – Grace of Dub

06_Ruben Da Silva – Jah Reign – The Reuben Rhythm 7’’ (mp3 promo) 2011 Roots Garden Records
Manasseh – Good One version

07_Bob Skeng – Tek Caution - the People Rhythm 7 ’’ (mp3 promo) 2009 Roots Garden Record

08_Bob skeng – The Lion - Roots Garden presents: ‘Showcase Part 1’ EP mp3 promo 2008 Roots Garden Records

09_Brother Glen - Lost Identity – Joy of Life EP 12” (mp3 promo) 2011 Kibir La Amlak
Maya – Joy of Life

10_Dub Caravan – Dub Pipe – Peace Pipe 2011 Dread Camel Records free download @http://www.dubcaravan.com/

11_Dub Saloon – Twisted dub – mp3 single promo 2011 www.soundclooud.com/dubsalon

12_Davey Roots meets Johnny Fife - Callous Heart DUB – mp3 promo 2011 Dread Instead Studios

13_I-Plant feat.Ras Martin - No corrupt version – Rockerstyle! 2008 I-Grow Records

ID Dan I Locks
14_Dan I Locks – Ital Vital – dubplate mp3 promo 2011 Ital Thunder

15_Vibronics feat.Rob Symmeon – To the Fulness – 2010 12X7inch 2010 (mp3 promo) Scoops Records http://www.vibronics.co.uk

16_Ras Teo – Get Away – mp3 single promo from ‘Show I the Way’ 2011 Forward Bound Records

17_Cologne – Riches – 10inch (mp3 promo) 2010 Taitu Records

18_Dubmatix feat.Dennis Alcapone – Struggle – System Shakedown 2010 Renegade Media

19_Aldubb,Dubmatix & Mighty Howard – Rock The Night Away & Dub – The Berlin Sessions 12” (mp3 promo) 2011 Irie Ites / Renegade Media

AlDubb - Let There Be Dub 2010 One Drop Music/Irieland

20_AlDubb – On a Mission
21_AlDubb feat.Ras Perez – Let There Be Dub
22_AlDubb feat.Caster – One With Life

23_AlDubb feat.Brother Culture – Thanks and Praises – single mp3 promo 2011 One Drop Music/Irieland

24_Sattatree – Babylon - single mp3 promo 2011 One Drop Music/Irieland

25_Mungos Hi-Fi feat.Junior Dread – No Time Fi Run – Under Arrest Riddim (mp3 promo) 2009 Scotch Bonnet records

26_Mungo’s Hi Fi feat.Ranking Joe – I love Jah – Belly Ska Riddim (mp3 promo) 2007 Scotch Bonnet Records

27_Tippa Irie – I Love Ska – Digitup riddim 12” (mp3 promo) 2011 Torreggae & Suonivisioni Records
Torreggae – Digitup riddim
ID Solo banton
28_Solo Banton – Make You Groove

19 FEV@LX Factory- ROOTS SESSIONS – Roots Dimension feat.PRINCE WADADA

O soundsystem nacional Roots Dimension continua em alta, na promoção e dinamização da cena Roots e Dub em Portugal! Paralelamente às mensais NATIONS IN DUB Sessions, surgem agora as ROOTS SESSIONS, e próximo dia 19 de Feveiro, o LX Factory em Lisboa acolhe mais uma mais destas noites de cultura soundystem, sob o mote Reggae Consciente e positivo!
Desta feita Selecta Alpha no warm-up, e Prince Wadada no microfone são os convidados, numa festa onde Roots Dimension apresenta também os últimos upgrades ao sistema de som personalizado! A não perder!

 

Fica aqui um exemplo do que foi a última das Roots Sessions,no passado 29 Janeiro, com os convidados DubWeedRoots & Riddim Culture!

::::press infos::::
Após a primeira internacionalização, Roots Dimension regressa às festas em Lisboa para mais uma sessão de Reggae consciente e positivo!!
Será a oportunidade para apresentar as colunas recém construidas para que o massivo disfrute da melhor qualidade sonora.
Nesta sessão Roots Dimension convida a referência do Reggae nacional Prince Wadada para acompanhar a selecção de riddims e dubs ao longo da noite.
O veterano Selecta Alpha (Highvibes Sound),será o responsável pelo warmup.

A entrada é apenas 3 roots, para que todos se possam juntar a mais uma sessão que se antecipa explosiva!

PRINCE WADADA
ROOTS DIMENSION SOUNDSYSTEM
SELECTA ALPHA (HIGHVIBES SOUND)

ZonaReGGae Playlist 09 Fevereiro 2011

!!!DOWNLOAD SeSSion!!!

01_Panda dub – Who Am I – Highvory 2011 King Dub Records/Original Dub Gathering free download @ http://odgprod.com/wp/2011/02/highvory/

02_FC Apatride UTD – Firing the Truth – Firing the Truth 2010 Urban Sedated Records

03_Groundation – Beating Heart – Here I Am 2009 Groundation Music

04_Joshua Alo – You´ll Never Know – Orchid Unknown mp3 pre-release 25 feb 2011 Joshua Alo

05_Andru Branch & the Halfway Tree All Stars – Pure Love in Your Heart – mp3 promo single from ‘Step Into The Light’ 2011 Halfway Tree

06_Positive Roots Band & Bob Wasa feat.Big Youth - Africa – Rainbow 2007 Positive Roots Band

07_Big Youth – Feed A Nation – The Congos & Friends - Fisherman Style 2006 Blood&Fire,Musica Activa

08_Brother Joe Pilgrim – Giving Some Praises – Strenght of I Pharao 10’’ (mp3 promo) 2010 KA Records

09_The Mighty Lions – Free Us On Time – mp3 promo from ‘Free Us On Time’ 10inch 2011 KA Records
The Soul Agitators - Free Dub On Time

10_The Ratazanas – Zé Manel Gonna Jail – Ouh La La 2009 Grover Records

11_The Ratazanas – Family Issues – mp3 promo single advance from ‘Lick It Back’ 2011 Groover Records

12_Courtney John-Every Way – mp3 promo single from ‘Made in Jamaica’ 2011 Joe Fraser Records

13_Glen Washington-In the Distance – Dirty Dozen Riddim 7 inch (mp3 promo) 2010 A-Lone Records

14_Alpheus – Dem To Wicked – Everything for a Reason sampler 2008 Special Delivery Music

15_Alpheus – Do the Ska - From Creation 2011 A-Lone, FAK Records
16_Alpheus – Call It a Day
Alpheus – When You Call Me

17_R. Sanchez - Mankind – Mankind riddim 10” mp3 promo 2008 A-lone Records
Earl 16 – Holy Land

Earl 16 Jingle Greetings
18_Earl 16 – Fittest of the Fittest – Collie Weed Riddim (7”) 2010 Not Easy At All Prods/Jah Solid Rock

-BEST of 2010 – THE SELECTOR CHOICES ‘Albuns of The Year Choices’-

Apple Gabriel –Teach Them Right 2010 JahSolidRock & Not Easy At All Productions
19_Apple Gabriel – Hypocrites & dub version

Ossie Dellimore – Reggae Music (mp3 promo) 2010 Skank Records
20_Ossie Dellimore – Secret to Success & success dub

The Manor – Revelation Congo 2010 Jah Urban Sound/SpringlineRecords
21_The Manor – Peace In The Community
ID The Manor
22_The Manor – Congo

-BEST of 2010 – THE SELECTOR CHOICES ‘Albuns of The Year Choices’-

23_Dub Caravan feat.NRG_D – Peace Pipe – Peace Pipe 2011 Dread Camel Records free download @http://www.dubcaravan.com/
Dub caravan – Pipe Melody

Various Artists – Highvory 2011 King Dub Records/Original Dub Gathering free download @ http://odgprod.com/wp/2011/02/highvory/

ZonaReGGae´s DOWNLOAD of the MONTH #13 Choice

24_Dubatack & Shaky Norman – Jupitah
25_Lord Hissayas feat. Jonny clark – Uojah
26_Odg Artx – Heavy

27_Kanka feat.Bigga Ranks – Make it this Time – Sub.mersion 2009 Hammerbass Records

28_Biga Ranks – Tragedy – single (mp3 promo) 2011 Heartical / www.myspace.com/bigaranx

DOWNLOAD of The MONTH #13 – ODG & KDR present: HIGHVORY

King Dub Records & Original Dub Gathering present: Highvory 2011 ODG net label

A primeira sugestão descarga gratuita 2011 da ZonaReGGae, propõe o primeiro lançamento do ano pela net label francesa Original Dub Ghatering, a compilação Highvory; também o 1º lançamento em colaboração com a King Dub Records.

Do encontro entre estas duas net labels ligadas á promoção do Dub & Steppers, resultou Higvory, compilação com 10 temas produzidos por nomes bem com conhecidos do underground francês como Tsunami Wazahri, Panda Dub ou a própria crew da ODG; bem como de presenças internacionaispara os brasileiros Dubatack ou os Italianos Lab Frenquency.

Num, todo ele, forte alinhamento, destaque também para a presença do Jamaicano Johnny Clarke em conjunto com Lord Hissayas, o britânico Brother Culture, ou o francês Shaky Norman.
Uma muita boa compilação de Steppers e Electro Dub, onde, apesar dos denominadores comuns: Dub e linhas de baixo pesadas; cada tema assume uma identidade muita própria e criativa, tudo complementado com um alto nível de produção.

Mais um download grátis de alto nível para ouvir e descarregar@

OriginalDubGathering

King Dub Records

BEST of 2010 – THE Selector Choices

(intro)

After 2010 ZonaReGGae BEST of People Choices, that topped FC Apatride UTD powerful ‘Firing the Truth’ album, here are ZonaReGGae´s Selector Choices awards
A personal view in different categories, of the tunes and albums that played nonstop, all over the year, on my home stereo and mp3 player; as also a couple of other things I would like to highlight.
For your enjoyment! Have fun! (remember to click on the logos & covers for some more infos:)

(Take in mind: BEST of at ZonaReGGae Voting Poll and The Selector Choices feature ONLY albums and tunes provided (between Dec’09/Nov’10) by the labels, artists and promoters that choose to support ZonaReGGae with promotional material.)

 

::::Online Magazine Reggae Resource of the Year Choice::::

 

UnitedReggae.com – United we Stand Divided We Fall -

Starting on the resources area (a very big deal for anyone in the radio activity, or at least for those concerned with ‘broadcasting’ accurate infos), 2010 most serious crew were UniteReggae.com! Online since 2007, there´s a worldwide sense of union on this online magazine that is making it top everyone else:)
On da clock news, personal reviews, in depth and serious interviews and articles, pre and unreleased samples and full tunes, and lots of CD competitions; there´s something of everything in worldwide reggae music to check and learn here!
2010 also brought their PDF styled Magazine, and I guess it´s just a matter of time you will be able to find it next to newspapers and magazines on your local stores. Good Work!

 

::::Printed Magazine Resource of the Year Choice::::

 

Irie Up Magazine – Rastafari Makes the news –

Some could argue this is a bit of promotional convenience, once Irie Up were ZonaReGGae BEST of 2010 Voting Poll friendly partners…(oh yes!, and that I´m also distributing it in Portugal …But for a rookies year, Irie Up did an amazing work in 2010!
With just 6 issues they have already spanned all over the World, wid distribution points in Japan, North America and more than 20 countries in Europe.
Being an ‘underground’ Do it Yourself tradition publication, and favoring Roots Reggae, Dub and Soundsystem Culture, provides Irie Up with a light and uncompromised vibe, and that is surely it´s most welcome and strongest point! Personal and real views, a willing to promote the unknown forces in Dub music, amazing photos and unique interviews are just a few of the many great features, in a magazine where even the publicity is interesting! 5 stars!

 

::::Online Reggae Social Network/Community Choice of the Year::::

Talawa.fr

A kind of forum and free podcasting platform, Talawa.fr is the place to share your music, radio shows, videos, news, events and thoughts. You have to be registered to make part of it, and really, that´s was one my first favorite things about it:)
Created in 2008, they are also a actual registered non-profit association…well, many of those out there right?…but Talawa crew really do what they proposed and are supposed to!
Getting close to 5.000 users, and to 5.000 hours of audio available there!
Talawa.fr is unique, free and unlimited! They aim to promote, share and help spreading the word with no commercial advantage in mind; and if for that they have to limit their content upload policy to strictly roots reggae and Dub music, so be it!

and now..the music

::::Portugal Album of the Year Choice::::

 

Freddy Locks – Seek Your Truth 2010 V&A

Although many Jamaican artists have considered Portugal to be the ‘European Jamaica’, mainly for the weather and the powerful vibes the audiences provide when they visit and perform; our country reggae scene, movement and ‘industry’ still has a lot to grow and learn.
But if there´s one artist that keeps faithful to the roots and original reggae vibes, that man is Freddy Locks.
Seek Your Truth, is Freddy´s second album alongside his backing band Groove Missions, and my choice for best Portugal album released in 2010. For anyone out there in search for modern revival roots reggae music, filled wid revolutionary words, check it, you won’t be disappointed!

 

::::Free Download of the Year Choice::::

 

The Grasspoppers present-Dub inna Week

Free downloads are a blessing dis days! Standing out against the big labels commercial bullshits that are in no way helping the artists and the music, it´s the proper way for musicians to state: the Music is ours!
ZonaReGGae plays and promotes a lot of dis monthly free vibes; and 2010 choice for the Best free download release, comes also outta Portugal!
The Grasspoppers, a collective of musicians and artists from different projects, pay tribute to Dub Music wid Dub inna Week. Relaxed and uncompromised homemade production in one week only, there´s nothing to dislike in this conceptual venture, so go on and grab it!

 

::::Mixtape of the Year Choice::::

 

DJ Chicus presents Rootzstep

Popping out monthly on the internet like popcorns, mixtapes are DJ´s addiction! Also, a very hard category to select the best one! But dis one from Brooklyn based, and RedBud Records crew member, DJ Chicus surprised me:) It´s a heavy 100% vinil mix for sure, wid a perfect mixing technique and showcasing what I consider to be, the proper way to dubstep reggae music!
Listen and get it for free!

 

::::LIVE! Album of the Year Choice::::

 

King Django Quintet – Brooklyn Hangover 2010 Stubborn Records

My choice for Live recording of the year, was actually recorded in 2007. Consisting of 18 tracks spanning US Ska master King Django career, Brooklyn Hangover ‘it’s the closest you can get to having a King Django Quintet concert in your living room!’In this first ever live release from Django, the sound is so amazing, that you will doubt it´s a live recording!

 

::::Tribute Album of the Year Choice::::

V.A. – Shatter The Hotel ‘A Dub Inspired Tribute to Joe Strummer’ 2010 Shatter the Hotel/Strummervile

Celebrating the 30th year since the release of landmark album London Calling by The Clash, and also remembering the 7th year passing since Joe Strummer death, ‘Shatter The Hotel’ is a very well accomplished project, to pay tribute to Joe Strummer´s music and also further explore what he once described as a ‘punk-rasta interface’ music.
There´s reggae, there´s dub and there´s even some electro approaches! Shatter The Hotel as so much of unusual as it as of original, and one of the few resources for you to listen to bands like Creation Rockers, Dubcats, Dub Antenna or Infantry Rockers. Still, just for Dubmatix´s amazing rework of London Calling, it´s a must listen album!

 

::::Reggae Song / Lyric of the Year Choice::::

Chezidek – Live and Learn

Releasing a good reggae tune is one thing; writing a touching lyric is another….when you combine both…boom tune!
Taken from Judgement Time album, Chezidek´s Live and Learn is my 2010 best Reggae Song/Lyric choice. Not Easy At All players crew roots revival trademark all over the One Blood Riddim (soon come!), and Chezidek cry outs for righteousness and justice, showing that we definitely need to Live and Learn…

(just a sample…)
‘Oh what a hypocrite world
the leaders they are lying
everything is not ok
…even the rivers are drying
take a step across the border
where thy living it is harder
people running away from war
bomb and disease and hunger
some sail across the ocean in a couple of pieces of lumber
‘live and learn
live and learn…’

 

::::Dub/Steppers Song /Lyric of the Year Choice::::

Vibronics feat.YT – I Wish

On the Dub scene, and released by Scoops Records, in the amazing Vibronics 12X7inch ’10 monthly series, the song/lyric combination recipe was masterly achieved in veteran YT tune ‘I Wish’.
An Amazing wish list for mankind to think over! 2010 BEST soundsystem Deejay style lyric!

(just a sample…)
‘I wish we could turn back the clock and take it back
to when trenchtown rock,them a rock di block
to when it was easy skanking, positive vibration,dat a higher meditation!
…I wish Bob was here, to sing us a redemption song
ah Dennis could a sing about the revolution.
Life is one big road with a lot of sign
I wish I could hear Tenor saw singing one more time!’

 

:::: Production/Recording of the Year Choice::::

 

Dubmatix – System Shakedown 2010 Renegade Media

Ok, some of you may ask: ‘what on earth, kind of category is dis one?!?’ or probably say: ‘You’re just making up awards for everyone!!’
And that may be true because Dubmatix‘s System Shakedown, just had to feature on this list!
Not my favorite album or even compilation of the year; but if you listen to this, musically diverse, album carefully, you will understand what I mean!
There are so many different styles presented; and so many singular vocal styles featuring, that whether in the digital approaches or in the more instrumental favored tracks, every tune in this album seems to be crafted personally for the artist providing the messages!
Between the high demanding production level, and the efforts made to feature artists like Mighty Diamonds, Dennis Alcapone, U Brown, Brother Culture or Tippa Irie, System Shakedown is the work of a Dub master reaching the King status!
MORE on the Review!

 

::::Rewiring (Remix album) of the Year Choice::::

 

Pama Intl meets Mad Professor – Rewired in Dub 2010 Rockers Revolt

Easiest choice for me this one:) An extraordinary reconstruction of Pama International 2009 Outernational release, by the vanguard´s dub master Mad Professor! Rewired in Dub is a unique dubwise trip(ping), that only Mad Professor could pull out from what was already a groundbreaking album!
The crowning of an amazing 10 year career, for Pama International, who are now taking an extended break, but will keep on surprising the revival scene, with releases on their Rockers Revolt label!
Oh yes! And the art work gets my vote for BEST Cover of the Year also!

 

::::Roots Reissue/Compilation of the Year Choice::::

 

Lee Perry – Sound System Scratch ‘Lee Perry’s Dubplate mixes (73-79’) 2010 Pressure Sounds

Jamaican roots reggae, reissue labels have always been a must play and support at ZonaReGGae. The downfall in the market and digital biz, have been crushing them for years now…and 2010 was a very difficult year for all. Still, from the ones we got, Pressure Sounds ‘Sound System Scratch’ was the most surprisingly of them all! When you think nothing else new can be released from Black Ark golden era; they bring a massive 20 track album featuring exclusive unreleased soundsystem dubplate mixes! Never heard before material!! (Unless you were able to catch a Jamaican or British dance in the 70T´s:)

 

::::Dub/Instrumental Album of the Year Choice::::

 

The Red Earth Collective & Soothsayers Horns – Red Earth Dub 2010 Red Earth Records

Another groundbreaking release from London based Soothsayers & Red Earth Collective; Red Earth Dub is one the most creative Dub ventures listened in the latest years!
Bringing back reworked themes from 2009 One More Reason album, and a couple of new ones, this is a perfect blend of roots reggae with funk, jazz and afrobeat.
The live mixing from Nick Manasseh deserves also much credit, in this mystic dub journey; wid Soothsayers once again foreseeing another (of the countless!) futures for the Dub phenomenon!

 

::::Dub Debut Album of the Year Choice::::

 

The Manor – Revelation Congo 2010 Jah Urban Sound/SpringlineRecords

Following the footsteps of Black Ark, Tuff Gong and Channel One, The Manor is nowadays underground reference. Hailing from East London and working alongside an amazing crew of original roots lovers, his debut album, Revelation Congo, is definitely out of dis world and one of those destined to…future acknowledgment.
The mixing is amazing, the sound is vintage and the vocals a new style without definition, only tried once upon a time by Lee Perry himself!
Music is made of cycles (like everything else in existence actually), and when someone remembers to theorize about a ‘new foundation’ in reggae music history, 2010 and Revelation Congo will be the starting point!

 

::::Dub/Steppers Compilation Album of the Year Choice::::

 

Cultural Warriors present – Classic Reggae Recut Chapt.1 2009 Cultural Warriors Music

Any compilation release featuring artists like Michael Rose, Eek A Mouse, Ras Michael, Leroy Smart, Cornell Campbell, Johnny Clarke, Earl Zero and Rico Rodriguez, should immediately be recognized and praised. They are not just all present on Classic Reggae Recut, as they are singing new recordings of timeless classics they released on the 70Ts and 80Ts!
Russ D, Steve Vibronics, Gussie P and of course Cultural Warriors mentor Lion Paw, did the rest, rebuilding the classic tunes and mixing them wid a warrior steppa touch!
An amazing work presented in a kind of, showcase tradition, featuring the Dub version on the ‘B side’.
Will Chapter 2 top dis one? Let´s hope so!

 

::::Deejay Debut Album of the Year Choice::::

 

Solo Banton – Walk Like Rasta 2010 Reality Shock Records

One of the Best UK releases in many years, Walk Like Rasta, presents veteran soundsystem deejay Solo Banton for the first time in a long play release.
In a unique and unusual style, Solo Banton mingles oldschool deejay style, British rub-a-dub and toasting wid an original fluent flow, that surely amazes many hip-hop ‘stars’.
Kris Kemist and Reality Shock players do the rest, over powerful pure Roots Reggae sounds, some Dub and digital Steppers pearls, and lots of UK Roots, displaying an ability to create modern music inspired by the many influences reggae offered over the decades, always featuring a desirable Heavy bassline!
A welcomed debut featuring nowadays best British Deejay, Solo Banton! Whom humbly, righteously and truthfully, walks and talks like a Rasta!

 

::::Reggae Debut Album of the Year Choice::::

 

Toussaint- Black Gold 2010 I Grade Records

Even though Toussaint is no novice in music, this is a reggae debut for a well known voice in US soul music. I-Grade records, Zion High & Lustre Kings productions teamed to present dis remarkable blend of roots and soul music; and the only thing above it is Toussaint´s vocal range and sharp lyrics. Roots in a modern time, introducing to the reggae fans one of the finest voices in present time, Toussaint ‘The Liberator’!
I-Grade Records keep on going in the vanguard of modern reggae music, to bad this was the only 2010 release made available for I to support it.

 

::::Revelation Artist of the Year Choice::::

 

Zion – Strictly Roots 2010 Skank Records

Every album with the words Strictly and Roots combined in the title, will go straight into my player. Sometimes it´s a disappointment…other it´s a joy for times to come!
Not easy to find out whom Zion is, and I’m still not certain about the number of albums he released, but Strictly Roots is the work of a talented and faithful Rasta, which was 2010 revelation artist for me.
The instrumentals, the recording and the mixing; everything was made by this young artist hailing from Dominica Island, and everything is perfectly arranged to fit his oldschool singing style.
Words of wisdom, faith and consciousness from a modern times struggler, ‘discovered’ by Professor Skank from Skank Records, always bringing the best, crucial modern reggae music from the islands!

 

::::Reggae Compilation Album of the Year Choice::::

V.A. – Foundation Compilation ‘Reggae Series Vol. One’ 2010 MusicLifeMovements/Not Easy At All Prods

The veterans compilation! Released by veteran Vernon Maytone, Canada based MusicLifeMovements label, this is a Reggae´s Best role of singers like Leroy Sibbles, Sugar Minnot, Ken Boothe, Linval Thompson, U-roy or Tony Tuff (just mentioning half of the line up!)
Not Easy at All, Fyah Beat & Music Life Movements crews provide the riddims, in this vibrant collection of original conscious roots music! Volume 2 will be coming soon, dis time featuring younger artists.
In the 70T´s, there was a famous migration movement from Jamaica to Canada, with artists looking for some freedom in their work (mainly alongside Jerry Brown, Summer Studios); with the current lack of freedom and creativity going on in Jamaican industry dis days, it was about time someone decided to take it to Canada once again!

 

::::Roots Riddim of the Year Choice::::

 

Collie Weed Riddim 2010 JahSolidRock & Not Easy At All Productions

The beginning of the amazing 2010 cooperation between Not Easy at All & Jah Solid Rock, Collie Weed riddim was the best way to start the year and take this partnership aim, to bring back original roots reggae vibe, very seriously!
Based in the Jamaican 80T´s heavy drum n bass roots music, Collie Weed brings different vocal styles wid the likes of Earl 16, Chezidek, Benaissa and Wild Life, in a riddim that will surely last for years to come!
More on the REVIEW!

 

::::Labels of the Year Choice::::

Impossible for me to distinguish dis trio! Not only the 3 labels supporting ZonaReGGae to the maximum, as also the ones that brought more original reggae music in 2010!

-Not Easy At All & Jah Solid Rock, are ready to show the world what reggae music is all about, with the powerful production & playing quality in their Roots Revival music;
-Rockers Revolt, keep on promoting and spreading the Ska,Rocksteady & Soul vibes tradition like no one else;
-Springline Jamaica, produces and promotes music in a vintage way, and are rulers on the beloved and much necessary underground circuits.

More important than all, the Do It Yourself tradition is reaching new boundaries wid the work of these 3 labels; and everyone else thinking about selling out to the Big Fish, should instead be looking at the efforts developed by these crews.

 

::::ALBUMS of the Year Choice::::

Apple Gabriel –Teach Them Right 2010 JahSolidRock & Not Easy At All Productions

The Manor – Revelation Congo 2010 Jah Urban Sound/SpringlineRecords

Ossie Dellimore – Reggae Music 2010 Skank Records

And last, the BEST Album category:)
-Teach them Right, is the return of a forgotten legend in Roots music. Apple Gabriel is a struggler, coming back with the proper teachings in his everlasting unique vocals. Not Easy At All crew did the rest!
-All said about The Manor’s Revelation Congo in the previous mention…but I will say it again! Underground Ruler! And be aware for his 2011 brand new album ‘C.A.F. Studio 7′s’! Just click the cover above for some tuff previews!
-For those not aware of Ossie Dellimore career, I just have to say that you are not listening to Reggae music! Roots Rock Reggae to the bone in his latest Reggae Music, provided by a true backing band, Soldiers of Justice. Ossie Dellimore is for me, the best voice in Reggae music these days!

(outro…a word, I would like to share with you, that in portuguese means ‘other’:)

To finish, I would also like to share:
that I really don´t care if the music comes out in vinil or CD format (I have little money to buy it anyway), and don’t get me started on the digital mp3 market thing, because that´s only a modern babylon way to make other people earn money… not the artists;
and that I really dislike the DJ´s, selectors & soundsystems that perform a kind of arrogant attitude, when stating that their music is the best, because it´s spinning in the original fashion…traditions are important; paying tribute to the original styles also; but the important thing to keep in mind all the time, is the Music, the message and the vibes we are putting out there!
Said this, try and enjoy this selections without any prejudices, fundamentalist or radical preconceptions you may have; because that´s just another tool Babylon found to divide us…
Hayah Love!

ZonaReGGae Playlist 02 Fevereiro 2011

!!!DOWNLOAD SeSSion!!!

01_Rod Taylor – African Soldiers - Hold On Strong 2009 Nagona Music Records
Rod Taylor – Soldiers Dub (bonus track)

02_Clinton Fearon – John Jones - Me Deh Yah 2010 Boggie Brown Productions

03_Clinark – Heal The World – Tribute to Michael Jackson’A Legend & A Warrior’ 2010 Nurture Projects Music

04_Benaissa fest.Benjah – Anybody (Anybody riddim) - Cultural Vibes Vol.1 2010 Not Easy At All,Jah Solid Rock
Not Easy crew - Dub version (Anybody riddim)

05_SugaRoy & Conrad Crystal feat. U-Roy – High Grade – mp3 single from ‘The Great Reggae Icons’ 2009 Fireball Records

06_Jah Turban – Africa is Our Home – mp3 single from ‘Africa is Our Home’EP 2010 Sky Juice Records

07_Johnny King & Askaar crew – Reality of Life - Babylon Invasion 2005 Mama Music Records,Nagona Music Records
Johnny King & Askaar crew – Dub of Life

-5 FEV–BOB MARLEY B-Day CELEBRATiON @ Teatro Sá da Bandeira (Porto)-

08_Mo’Kalamity – Sitting on This Rock – mp3 promo from Warriors Of Light 2006 MK
09_Mo’Kalamity – Reggae Vibration

10_Queen Omega – Hypocrites & Parasites - Reggae Songbirds 2004 Jet Star
11_Queen Omega - Footsteps (Discipline riddim) - Joyfull Noise 2009 I Grade Records
12_Soul Majestic feat. Queen Omega – Tonight – Better World 2010 free download @ http://soulmajestic.bandcamp.com/

-5 FEV – BOB MARLEY B-Day CELEBRATiON @ Teatro Sá da Bandeira (Porto)-

13_Fredlocks Asher & The Ultra flex Crew-Rain – single mp3 2010 free download @ http://www.reverbnation.com/fredlocksasher
Fredlocks Asher & The Ultra flex Crew-Rain Dub

14_Steve Steppa – Full Circle - Univershall Version ‘Flow Prods riddims’ 2011 Springline Jamaica

15_The Mighty Lions – Free Us On Time – mp3 promo from ‘Free Us On Time’ 10inch 2011 KA Records

16_The Ratazanas – Nefertitties – mp3 promo single advance from ‘Lick It Back’ 2011 Groover Records

17_Alpheus - Keep The Faith – From Creation 2011 A-Lone, FAK Records
Alpheus Jingle
Alpheus - Keep The Dub

Rod Taylor - Hold On Strong 2009 Nagona Music Records

18_Rod Taylor – Nyabinghi
19_Rod Taylor – Reggae Feelings
20_Rod Taylor – Open The Gates

21_Diaspora feat.Bob Andy – Running for Cover – A Jamaican in Cairo 2010 GreenQueenMusic

22_Celt Islam feat Dan Man – Jah Rain – Al Mizan (mp3 promo) 2010 Urban Sedated Records

23_Mark Wonder –Explanation - 7inch (mp3 promo) 2011 Charlie Records

24_Errol Dunkley – Live Upright – Live Upright 10inch (mp3 promo) 2011 Reality Shock Records
Errol Dunkley Jingle
Kris Kemist – Dub Upright

25_Joshua Alo – Rhythm So Divine – Orchid Unknown mp3 pre-release 25 feb 2011 Joshua Alo

26_Cas Haley – Connection – Connection 2010 Easy Star All Stars

27_Sativa – Razão - Caso Sério 2010 Sativa free download