Buy Now Listen Hooked
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Tight roots reggae riddims mixed with sweet Motown-like harmonies underlie the lyrical genius of Ras Jammie and highlight the "star quality" of his third release. Reggae like no other. Related to late jazz great Charlie Rouse, Ras Jammie continues in the avante garde mode with his own style of homegrown American reggae. His music draws heavily from traditional reggae to honor his Jamaican roots, yet is distinctly his own. New strength is brought to Ras Jammie's band by guitarist John Marcus (aka Markiss), who has played with the likes of Buddy Guy, Miles Davis, Al Green, Muddy Waters, The Wailers, and Judy Mowatt. Returning band members include Los Angles reggae band Boomshaka founder Owen Rose on drums/percussion and Panamanian-born Monte-V (Lamonte Arthur) on keyboards. Local musicians Tony "Falcon" Davies on second guitar and Jamie Cerrito on bass complete the reggae vibe. The well-blended backup harmonies of Ras Jammie, Markiss, and Monte-V provide extra depth to the driving riddims. With smooth Motown-like harmonies, insightful lyrics, and the powerful baritone voice of Ras Jammie, this music is a unique voice in reggae. Working out of the Rouse Your Spirits Recording Studio in Tucson, Arizona owned by Jammie, the RoV Roots Creations label is quickly proving that reggae is no longer just an island phenomenon. Check it |
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Original roots reggae with homegrown riddims showcases powerful topical lyrics for today's flavor. Hear why others consider Ras Jammie a unique voice in reggae. Ras Jammie’s unique music is reminiscent of Israel Vibration’s fresh sounds peppered with smooth Motown-like harmonies and Prince Fari spiritual lyricism. The singer’s unusual gruff-yet-sweet baritone voice has been compared with that of the great Barry White. This CD is a departure from the more eclectic mix of Ras Jammie's earlier 2004 release. The artist currently lives in the desert city of Tucson, Arizona, where he also owns Rouse Your Spirits Recording Studio and RoV Roots Creations. “I’m writing more about stuff that’s happening in society that everyone can relate to, but at the same time keeping my spiritual beliefs and vibes in the music,” notes the recording artist. All the songs are original Ras Jammie creations. Tracks such as “Holy Ground” and “Genesis” have obvious biblical roots, yet many of the tracks on this CD have a spiritual message about social norms, expectations, and actions. Steven Foster writes in The Beat magazine: "Most unusual track is his retelling of the nursery rhyme Little Miss Muffet as “Natty Spider.” From the political protest of “War Monger” to the inner-city social commentary of “Bump De Time,” Ras Jammie writes powerful lyrics that forever lodge in your memory with music that is always alive and danceable. The Man Alive Band that backs him sports a new drummer/percussionist, Owen Rose, that was an early member of the acclaimed L.A. reggae band Boomshaka. Monte “V” adds a different dimension to the CD as the recording engineer and keyboardist. Southern Arizona reggae musicians Jamie Cerrito on bass and Tony “Falcon” Davies on guitar round out the Ras Jammie vibe. With melodies that are never repeated, and a range of quality songs, this CD offers the best of traditional roots reggae blended with homegrown rhythms to create the unmistakable Ras Jammie sound. Listen for yourself and hear why others consider Ras Jammie a "unique" voice in reggae.
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Buy Now Listen Holy Ground
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Founding member of L.A. reggae band Boomshaka hits hard with this dub mix that leaves you hanging from a cliff before reeling you back in for more. “O-Dub Meets Ras Jammie In A Lion’s Den” is destined to become a classic in the dub genre. O-Dub has created a hard-hitting dub album that is inspired by the likes of King Tubby, Scientist, and the Mad Professor. Each track is a performance piece – done without automation – live and direct. He makes no apologies about the rough edges, stating “I want my dubs to be in your face and powerful. Sometimes things get a little out of control, as if my dubs are on the verge of flying apart into chaos.” The album is a dub remix of fellow RoV Record artist Ras Jammie’s “Hungry Lion” CD (also available on CD Baby). The CD starts with “In The Beginning There Was Dub,” a spiritual dub on top of fat drum and bass. Distant planets are visited in the ethereal “Time Out Dub” while “Guess Who’s Dubbing” maintains a mellow classic dub vibe. Listen for the powerful horns in “Your Woman’s Gone Dub” gliding over trance-inducing backing tracks and thumping bass and drums. A soaring synthesizer track overlays an infectious drum and bass line on “ Ho Down Dub.” “ Holy War Dub” is a brooding track that weaves many elements into a dangerous dub. When Ras Jammie heard “ Do Right By Me Dub” he commented, “You’re gonna mash them brains,” which was in reference to the ripping guitar and keyboard tracks that cut right into you. “Lion’s Den Dub” floats over a steppers beat with killer keyboard and dancing bongo tracks. The kick will pound you into submission on “Watching You Dub” while you are then soothed by the floating guitar licks. Clean dub and smooth vocals culminate in the final track, “Groundation Dub,” which brings you back down to earth. You won’t want this album to end. O-Dub believes that “magic moments are created in my dubs – moments where things all come together perfectly.” “As you can hear,” O-Dub continues, “I’m not afraid of a little echo here and there. I also like to create spaces where you drop off a cliff and then the music grabs you and reels you back in.” O-Dub, alias Owen Rose, was a founding member of L.A. reggae band Boomshaka. He has hooked up with Ras Jammie in Tucson, Arizona and plans on pumping out one killer dub after another, so watch for more from O-Dub.
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Buy Now Listen In The Beginning There Was Dub |
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