So, I'm sorry folks. I've been locked in the hyperbolic time chamber and have now emerged with some more biscuits(2) to share...I graduated from Oklahoma State University. There I met many of the folks that would eventually become my extended family. We were part of a small tightly-knit pan-African community that inadvertently responsible for my diverse and densely populated musical palette. One friend, in particular, was(and still is) largely responsible for developing and deepening my appreciation for reggae music--Ermias Wondimu. He helped me to understand the transcontinental importance of this expression, he helped me discover the political agency in the music, and lastly he helped me situate reggae in the dual consciousness of the African living and breathing diaspora. Now, before I met Ermi I listened to reggae, but did not realize the breadth nor the depth of the art form. From Wondimu I learned how to hear the difference between dancehall and ragga, roots and rocksteady, lover's rock and dub, and I'll be forever indebted to him for that. So courtesy of my Habesha brotha please, enjoy these biscuits from the Yard!
Gregory Anthony Isaacs (born 15 July 1950) is a Jamaican reggae musician. Isaacs was born in Fletchers Land, Kingston, Jamaica. In the 1970s, he emerged as one of the most prolific and popular recording artists in Jamaica. He released a number of self-produced singles on his African Museum (JA) record label, formed in 1973 with Errol Dunkley. Much of Isaacs' output reflected the 'conscious' themes of roots reggae, but Isaacs is probably better known for his lovers rock material. The 'Cool Ruler' never fails to creatively inject romance and tenderness into a tune with his honey-laced vocals. These tracks capture Issacs' ability to be delicate and firm. Gregory Isaacs - Special Guest Gregory Issacs - Body Language
Steel Pulse is a well-known roots reggae musical band. They originally formed at Handsworth Wood Boys School, in Birmingham, England and comprised of David Hinds (lead vocals, guitar), Basil Gabbidon (lead guitar, vocals) and Ronald McQueen (bass). Hinds, as songwriter, has always been the engine behind Steel Pulse, from their early days establishing themselves in the Birmingham club scene onwards. Formed in 1975, their debut release, Kibudu, Mansetta And Abuku arrived on the small independent label Dip, and linked the plight of urban black youth with the image of a greater African homeland. Their first release for Island was the Ku Klux Klan 45, a considered tilt at the evils of racism, and one often accompanied by a visual parody of the sect on stage. By this time their ranks had swelled to include Selwyn 'Bumbo' Brown (keyboards), Steve 'Grizzly' Nisbett (drums), Alphonso Martin (vocals, percussion) and Mykaell Riley (vocals). Handsworth Revolution was an accomplished long playing debut and one of the major landmarks in the evolution of British reggae. Pulse has always struck a chord with me because of their musical clarity and ability to perform fiery protest material. Hopefully these tunes will convey, in part, their profound impact on the genre. Steel Pulse - Ku Klux Klan Steel Pulse - Blues Dance Raid
Stay Sucka-Free Y'all,
f.negro
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