Difference between Rockers and Steppers?

[Jahson]

I agree these terms were probably invented by collectors and fans and not the musicians themselves, but the period in question ('75-79) is down to really one drummer: Sly Dunbar.

Sly was certainly aware of the variations he came up with, so for us to differentiate between "rockers" or "steppers" is simply acknowledging the variations IMHO.

[jahsteppa]

Rockers is just a 1 drop speeded up a bit and the groove is tightened, i.e no swing so its tight...

4 example:

BMW - One Drop = 1 DRop

Johnny Clarke - Rockers = Rockers

!! :]

thats the distinction for me between the style, rokers style began around 75 - 76, after the flyers ting eased down abit.
steppers style been around for time, like early regga '69 you will hear some of the steppers, likw upsetters - Dollar in the Teeth..but the style really kicked off proper in around 75...complimentary to the roots dread culture of the time and militancy..

One drop

[mourdub]

Rockers, steppers and one drop all belong to Reggae (Reggae: to dance in a happy feeling even though things and times are ragged but the sound is so sweet, I feel, things and times don't matter).
Why rock steady? Because the Ska music was to fast for some. Not everyone wanted to dance at that tempo. So, along came rocksteady, plus, black music and dance doesn't stand still, there is always a new dance to a new tune and vice versa. There is no way you are going to dance to a lovers rock tune the same way you dance to a steppers tune. Your not going to move the furniture out of the way to dance to a lovers rock tune.
Like someone posted ealier in the thread, the musicians and producers who make Reggae are, on and in a vibe. Lyrically and musically in and on a vibe.
Listen to JAH Stitch - Raggamuffin Style and then listen to Maytals - Do The Reggae. They are singing/talking while dancing the same aspect about Reggae but, on and in differant vibes.

[mourdub]

Jamaican Music has a history of telling the news. Way way back before my grandparents were born, the daily news came in a musical form. Reggae does the same thing as pre Mento and Calypso in communicating to the people what is the new dance and the new style or vibe. The musicians and singers are integrated with the people to characterise the new style, the new dance and vibe every day. The characteristics are updated every day but the over and inner lining remain (harsh living in a beautiful land but me irie still).
Typical 70's steppers tune Keith Hudson - Rasta Country.
Typical 80's steppers tune Sowell Radics - Caution
Typical 70's rockers tune Barrinton Spence - Don't touch I dread
Typical 80's rockers tune Dennis Brown - Steady Rock or even Sandra McFarlane - My type of guy.


godeh