Reggae International

[James]

Some Reggae/Ska outfits from Japan I like (in no particular order):

Junior Dee, Shindounihyaku (Vibration 200), Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, Dub Station, Fishmans, Audio Active, Nanjaman, Kemuri, Mute Beat, Dry & Heavy--to name a few.

There's a surprisingly big Reggae/Ska scene in JP.

Peace,

James

[pf]

also from Japan the female trio Dreamlets, wonderful.

[pf]

found this video of the Dreamlets

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOiWIrw8NO8

[James]

pf,

Hadn't heard the Dreamlets. Thanks!

I'm at work and the quick listen I was able to catch proves once again that it's hard to feel down when you're listening to Ska!

Peace,

James

[selecta bing]

Hey James nice choices.
I lived in Japan 88~2000 and saw the "boomu" in SKA and Reggae begin,
but it is twice as big now.
A good friend of mine is the founding member of the SILVER SONICS
a nice Trad Ska sounding group,
I used to translate & transcribe lyrics for them.

Did you live there?
Where are you now (I'm in Australia)

I saw MUTE BEAT (now DUB STATION) in 89 and Dry&Heavy support Lee Perry in 2000 along with several Ska/Reggae events in between.

DETERMINATIONS and ROCKING TIME (both now split) were/are a couple of my fav bands, too many others to mention.

mata

[JahBenI]

If you curious about french roots have a try to my band : www.myspace.com/wareikahills
Please don't try pierpoljak it's really commercial. That's true that we have good dub in France, like High Tone or Zenzile, also good ska and rocksteady like Jim Murple Memorial (although it's my prefered style). Good roots band are most often local and unknown, the big ones are quite boring in my opinion. Tiken Jah Fakoly is worth listening.
Bless

Benjamin

[James]

Local bands always seem more vital. They're playing because they want to, not necessarily for the money. About the only shows I go out for any more are locals.

Mata,

Haven't made it to JP yet. I have friends there, so I hear some of what's up from them. Also, I'm in Santa Cruz, CA--we get a lot of bands from all over the Pacific rim. Kemuri reminds me of a local ska band, Slow Gherkin. Must be more than a coincidence since Kemuri always give them a "thanks to" credit. It's a small world, as they say.

Peace,

James

[James]

oops! double-posted by mistake

[Le_Lipou]

There is an exelent group from Czech repubblic- Hypnotix nowadeys they are playing rather electronic stuff but the first albums are extremely good piece of roots music ("new world order" especially). I recomend it to all. I must also promote some bands from Poland like Izreal, Bakshish or Jafia Namuel also very important piece of music for me.

[James]

Late reply to selecta bing,..

Just got the Authentic Train and Rainbow albums from the Silver Sonics. Great '60s ska sound they've got going there. Thanks for the tip!

Peace,

James