New Reggae Album: Dean Fraser – Melodies of D.E.B

DEAN 2webFor over Forty years, Dean Fraser has made outstanding contributions to the Reggae Industry through the sounds of his saxophone. Leading or partaking in hundreds of Reggae recordings since his entry in the music industry, Dean Fraser is a renowned musician and Jamaica’s finest Brass player with international recognition for his Jazz-toned Reggae sound.

Melodies of D.E.B (Dennis Emanuel Brown) was conceptualized and recorded primarily to please his fans globally, while encouraging aspiring musicians to use their talents to showcase the sounds of Reggae, through their own unique interpretation of the Jamaican genre of music.

Melodies of D.E.B. comprises of twelve original Dennis brown tracks and three cover tracks made popular by the Crown Prince of Reggae. This album showcases another epic result of a true champion saxophonist offering high quality renditions of a few Dennis Brown tracks and making them his own. The late Dennis Brown would have been honoured to have his lyrics translated into such pulsating keys and tones by a magnificent sax player who is a legend in his own right.

Fraser has worked with some of Jamaica’s legends of Reggae music including Bob Marley and The Wailers, Dennis Brown, Sly & Robbie, Jacob Miller, Tarrus Riley and Luciano. For his tremendous service to the music fraternity he received the Musgrave Medal by the Jamaican Government.

Tad’s Record has done it again, taking reggae music to the world in a melodious and superb style.

Written by: Garcia Clarke

The 2017 Aarhus Reggae Festival – Full Lineup

AARHUS REGGAE FEST 2017 OFFICIAL POSTERThe 3rd annual Aarhus Reggae Festival takes place on Friday, September 29th and Saturday, September 30th at Voxhall, located at Vester Allé 15, 8000 Aarhus C in Denmark. It is being presented and hosted by Jam Link International Association, Aarhus’ leading Caribbean event organizer.

On Friday, September 29th, the Aarhus Reggae Festival will give patrons a lesson in the history of Dancehall, as the night will be centered on the foundation of the genre. The intent is to recreate the energy, vibe and feeling of the authentic Jamaican dancehall experience from the early seventies. To help facilitate this vision, Jam Link International has confirmed: Mwakenya, Hiya Flames, Lappa Luma, Papa Dee and Norris Man. Supporting all the aforementioned artists will be selectors: Tiger Moth, DJ Mads and Riddim Fex. Each DJ was invited because of his specific knowledge about, and connection to, dancehall music, history and culture.

On the following night, Saturday, September 30th, the organizers will change gears and focus entirely on original roots reggae music. Unlike on Friday, where all the artists will be supported by a selector, on Saturday it will be 100% live music. The backing band for the evening will be the highly energetic ‘Splif Click Crew’ from out of Denmark. Confirmed artists for reggae night includes: Omar Perry, Teacha Dee, Donna Marie, Lirical D Mirical and Jessica.

Prior to doors opening at 20:00 on both nights, there will be “reggae, dub and acoustics under the tent” on the lawns, by the river outside Voxhall. There will be finger foods (Caribbean patties and Reggae Grill), info on Caribbean vacations and advance tickets available to the public. On Friday the reggae wagon will be rotating some of the best reggae mixes, while on Saturday Papa Bongo will be spinning dubs and Jamee will do an acoustic performance. The tent will be up at 16:00 on both days.

Admission for dancehall night, Friday, September 29th is only 85 DKR. On reggae night, Saturday, September 30th, the cost to get in will be 150 DKR; while entrance for both nights is 175 DKR. That being said, persons who wish to secure their place may do so now by purchasing tickets online via the following link: http://fondenvoxhall.dk/koncerter/aarhus-reggae-festival-2017

THE AFTER PARTY

On Friday and Saturday nights, immediately following the performances at Voxhall, Jam Link Intl. will ask all patrons to head over to Casa V58, located at Vestergade 58P, 8000 Aarhus C, for the official After Party. Entertainment at the After Party will include special performances by: Mwakenya, Hadji, JJ Paula and Vibz Star. Additionally, there will be DJ sets by the dancehall King, Riddim Fex and the only female dancehall selector in Aarhus, Ida-I.

Entrance for the After Party is absolutely free for everyone with an armband from Voxhall. Persons without an armband will be asked to pay only 30Kr.

Damian Marley Produces New Single & Album For Third World Band (@ThirdWorldBand @damianmarley)

Damian Marley & Stephen Cat CooreCelebrating over 40 years in music, one of the most pivotal reggae bands of all time, Third World, has dropped a new single, Eyes Are Up On You off their upcoming full-length album. The song and album are both produced by Damian Marley and will be released on the Ghetto Youths International label.

The song, which will be accompanied with a lyric music video to follow, is a reminder that actions speak louder than words. “Eyes are up on you, careful what you do, someone is watching you” states the melodic chorus.

Freddie McGregor Confirmed for Jamaica’s Sharkies Seafood Festival (@BigshipFreddie)

Freddie posterFreddie McGregor will join Agent Sasco, Tommy Lee, Tanto Blacks and others on the 2017 Sharkies Seafood Festival. It takes place on Heroes Monday, October 16th, at Sharkies Beach in Salem, Runaway Bay, St. Ann, Jamaica.

The organizers are promising activities for the whole family: Kiddies Village (ft. Rides, Clowns, Magicians, Face Painting etc.), Fire Dancers, Treasure Hunt and lots more.

Admission cost are as follows: Adults $1500, VIP $2000 (pre-sold) , Gate $1800, VIP $2500. Children under 12 only pay $1000 and they enjoy free rides and activities all day.

New Video Release: Nesbeth – Success Story (@NesbethReggae)

NesbethReggae artist Nesbeth releases the official video to his new hit song Success Story. Produced on the Foota Hype Music (FHM) imprint and featured on the Motherland Riddim, the song tells a tale reminiscent of Nesbeth’s formative years underscoring his trials and triumphs.

The video was directed by RD Studio. Click here or the image above to watch.

I-Octane Inks New Management & Label Deal (@Realioctane)

i-OCTANE-2017International recording artist I-Octane recently announced his signing with Miami based management company, Beautiful People MGT, and a recording deal with San Francisco based label “Independent Distribution Collective” (IDC). The latter set in preparation for his upcoming 2018 album.

Fans of I-Octane have been eager for a full length album since his 2014 hit filled “My Journey” which topped #4 on the Billboard Reggae Chart. Since then, the reggae star has delivered numerous worldwide top charting singles, while continuing to tour extensively.

Donna Marie’s Bio

Donna MarieDonna Marie was born in the UK, although her formative years were spent in Jamaica. It was while living in Jamaica that she demonstrated her talent singing lead in her local Pentecostal Church choir. After leaving the choir she joined a band performing lead and backing vocals.

By 1989 Marie began recording as a soloist with the Pioneers, heralding her emergence in the UK as a lover’s rock singer. She released her first single, ‘On The Outside,’ which was a cover version of the theme to the Australian soap opera Prisoner Cell Block H. She then released four neglected albums with the group before concentrating on sessions with Delroy Wilson, which resulted in the enticing ‘Dance With Me.’

Marie maintained a credible profile within the industry for a number of years, including notable sessions with vocalist Don Campbell. By July 1994 her performance at the Intermezzo nightspot in London inspired Jeff Peart of the Boiler Room production team to sign the singer. With Peart and the crew she recorded “Now,” which featured the chart-topping song ‘Think Twice,’ a version of the Celine Dion hit. Marie’s interpretation of the song sold particularly well in South America, topped the Italian charts and held the number 1 position in the reggae charts.

In 1995 she continued to maintain a high profile, appearing alongside Bunny Wailer at his prestigious concert in Finsbury Park, London, as well as performing with Beres Hammond in the UK and Shabba Ranks in Jamaica. In 1997 Marie toured Brazil and other parts of South America, where her arrival was greeted with rapturous enthusiasm. She was featured on television shows, the streets were adorned with banners detailing her tour and her face appeared on the front of the daily nationals. The unprecedented welcome showed Donna Marie as the Queen of Reggae in South American eyes.