Modern Roots Reggae

[Henrik]

Ras Michael is not dancehall. Interesting remark; I even begin to think that the later black ark stuff was not focussed on reaching dancehall succes anymore, but had a more worldwide or even cosmologic focus. If you listen to titles such as:
- Superape/Return of the Superape;
- Congo's "Heart of the Congo";
- Lee Perry's own material (Roastfish, Cornbread..);
- and of course the stuff Ras Michael was recording in the black ark (Disarmament e.g..).

Fact is that by the end of 70's this resulted in sounds that really added some interesting perspectives to the great material produced by Glen Brown, Bunny Lee, King Tubby's...

The result of smokin' too much Ganja or were some people eager to spreading the message all over the globe instead of to the JA Dancehall only?

[dmille]

Dave,

When did that album get released? 1980? How is that MODERN Roots?

Gotta agree with John. It isn't about heckling UB40. It is about telling the truth.

[dmille]

What is "Nyabinghy"?

[joe]

http://www.rhythmweb.com/jamaica/nyabinghi.htm

[Dave]

haha heckling, I'm just discussing music.
no worries.

[dmille]

"for JOHN PUBLIC, sizzla is more like ragga dancehall schwagg. **YOU HECKLE UB40**, and I agree their later music is quite comercialized. But if you listen to their first album Signing Off, than you would change your mind about their music. Exceptional music.

Dave"

[John Public]

Yeah I already listened to it. It's their best one. But the later stuff sounded to me more pop than reggae. The later sound I do not like.

Sizzla is more part of the dancehall, but he recorded some nice roots albums. "Praise Ye Jah", "Bobo Ashanti", "Black Woman & Child" are some of his best. Just like Capleton who also recorded some nice Roots tunes. If you know the Nyabinghy Drummer Bongo Herman from the 60ies. He is his percussionist. But of course when Capleton, Anthony B. or Sizzla record an album it never sounds 100 % roots because all of these 3 persons are Singjays. I think that is the connection between dancehall and roots.

[Kolonji]

I guess the connection between dancehall and roots was the one and only Garnet Silk. R.I.P. Yesterday would be his birthday.

[Alan]

Hey, I know this is an old post but I just want to say one or two things.

I don't know Midnite at all, but from what I've read on other boards and from three or four threads on this board, they seem to have a large following among the west coast reggae massive in the US, and I would not turn down the chance to see them live in sunny old Ireland.

But I must admit (and I am open to criticism of this fact), I feel there is more "realness" among the original roots reggae from Jamaica. There is something about that Island, something about the culture, history and political climate that appeals to me deeply. I acknowledge that other places in the world bare similar traits, yet Jamaica to me stands out above all.

Reggae music to me is as much a cultural experience as the enjoyment of a good tune. It is a study of a period of history on a small island in the Carribean, and that is why Jamaican music will always hold a special place in my heart.

Nevertheless, 'nough respect due to all who put a rhythm guitar or piano on the two and four. Irie and all that.

Bless up,

Alan

[Alan]

P.S. I hadn't read the last page, sorry for missing that. Henrik, good post (your last one), I agrree with your sentiments to the fullest.

I also want to acknowledge that my attitude is somewhat "snobish", but what can I say, I just like what I listen too.