The Wolf Trap is closing out the spring with a massive two-day concert that stars reggae royalty Zigga Marley, the big easy’s best musicians, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, as well as blues legend Mavis Staples.
The dates are June 17th and 18th, at the Filene Center – 1551 Trap Road – in Vienna, Virginia. Tickets start at $49 USD. Get ticket and additional info here.
One of Jamaica’s most soulful singers – Anthony Cruz – has emerged with a mellifluous eighteen-track album, titled Under The Covers. The self produced project was released this past Friday, April 28th, via Tad’s Record, the imprint for which it was exclusively created.
Cruz, who is always a leader in his field, has led again by doing something quite unique. He has done a full-length reggae-remix studio album that includes favorites like: R. Kelly‘s Step In The Name Of Love, Alexander O’Neal’s If You Were Here Tonight, Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway‘s The Closer I Get to You, as well as several other chart-topping grown folk music.
Musicians and producers that contributed to this masterpiece are Donald ‘Danny Bassie’ Dennis, drummer Kirk Bennett, keyboardist Paul ‘Wrong Move’ Crossdale, Bobby Digital, King Jammy, Donovan Germain, Chris Knight, Tad Dawkins Jr., and Mark HoSang.
In a recent interview, an excited Anthony Cruz made the following prediction about the LP: “I know it’s going to create history, because it’s never been done before — a full cover version album. Jamaicans love it, people love it across the world, they love when you sing over their songs in Reggae, ‘cause Reggae have the power.”
Under The Covers is now available on Apple Music, Spotify, iTunes, Tidal, and all other streaming platforms. It is being distributed by Tad’s Record Inc.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD “UNDER THE COVERS”
The official video for Triston Palma‘s We Poor is out now! the song is featured on the Ina Struggle Riddim, released in late March via Irie Ites Records and Evidence Music. If you have not yet seen the visuals, click here or on the image above to check it out, and remember to like, comment and share.
Woodland City Fest presents Sizzla Kalonji live at Sunrise Lawn in New Market, St. Elizabeth on Saturday, May 20th. He will be supported by King Tafari Sound System. Admission at the gate is $1,500.
The Rise & Vibes Festival is an annual music and camping festival that unfolds in the natural beauty of the Animas River Valley. It’s held at the magical Tico Time River Resort – 20 Road 2050 – in Aztec, New Mexico, just twenty minutes south of Durango, Colorado.
The event promises three days of roots reggae music from May 19th to the 21st. And it stars Kabaka Pyramid, Anthony B, Sister Nancy, Del The Funky Homosapien, and many more. Get additional info here.
Every so often a song comes along that has the power to completely upgrade our mood to better, regardless what state we find ourselves in at the time. This means that if we are down it lifts us up; and if we are already in a good mood it puts us in an even better mood.
The preceding is an accurate depiction of Macka B‘s latest single, Give Thank For Life. The ska tune – released on Friday, April 28th, via Big Feet Records – is a collaborative effort by and between producer Josh Harris (who is also the CEO of the aforementioned imprint) and veteran British toaster Macka B.
Give Thanks For Life is literally a two minutes and forty nine seconds inspirational speech, presented in a rhythmic style, on top of a ska beat. As the song starts, the first thing that grabs our attention is the sweet-sounding instrumental, which can be credited to Santo Davis on drums, Jallanzo on guitar, with Josh Harris on both bass and keyboard. Mixing and mastering engineers are Tommi Tikkanen and Earle Holder, respectively.
The dulcet rhythm is immediately enhanced when Macka B begins to deliver his masterfully crafted message, in a manner that perfectly compliments the track. Give Thanks For Life is now available on all streaming platforms.
Reggae legend Richie Spice will headline the Good Vibes Festival at the KICC (Kenyatta International Convention Centre) Grounds in Nairobi, Kenya on Saturday, May 27th. This is Spice‘s second concert in the African nation.
The festival – which will see Richie working with his personal band – is being presented by Roots Vibes Promotions and One Voice of Africa. Entrance fee ranges from 1,500 to 7,000 Ksh, depending on time of purchase and seating/standing location.
