Reggae bands ~ Selectas ~ Vibes ~ Canada ~ crw blog

6/18/2015

Yes I have been around the reggae scene for a long time now and love MANY aspects of this game. Drum and bass is the key shot, yet brass, keys, gits and flutes aint too bad neither. I may be a generational thing that I grew up with live music. The 60s into the 70s had many young folks gigging in their parent’s basements and or garages, writing and producing some really good music as well as some real crap but when it is done well, one can listen to a good band play all night.

Reggae music has many facets. Here in Canada, there seems to be a real division of things. One is either into roots and culture, into dancehall or into live music. There seem to be several lines drawn to the consumer where some only go to certain shows and certain artists or certain styles of music. What is evident is the lack of cohesiveness of the reggae fans, DJs, Selectas, bands and artists as it pertains to the education and knowledge of tons of talented people promoting and performing reggae music in Toronto.

Growing up in the home and birth place of reggae music, Kingston, Jamaica, I am more used to “Reggae” as one, all encompassing thing where DJs and live musicians garner the same respect and play on shows together, from roots, to lovers rock to dancehall, all in the same spot with adoring crowds at all of the events.

Not always too sure of all of the whys and wherefores except to say that here in Canada, the strong colonial presence encourages elitism and keeps good folks from fulljoying the music together, as it was meant to be, so I believe it then boils down to education or the lack of it. I will take the time to show some of the performances and events that I have been to and was able to get a little footage to show some of what I saw, yet I leave it to the consumer to decide what they would like to feel.

My hope / goal is to find a spot where reggae in all of its forms are celebrated on a weekly basis with all kinds of good people coming by to support / share in the positivity of the music and the performers.

Starting last night, Thursday, 11th June 2015 with. Rosco Christie one of the early days reggae contributors in Toronto, is the driving force The Memberz Band holding a live vibe together and morphs the band through SEVERAL personnel changes to continually bring their flavor of reggae vibes. It is nice to watch the emergence of Mavriq Brown as a lead vocalist express his vast range with this talented group behind him.

In no specific order, I introduce you to all styles so my next vibe is The Fugative Minds, a band that I have been watching for a while, gigging in all kinds of small spots and venues. Always liked the snippets that I heard and had an opportunity to work with them at The Tranzac location. I was well pleased to witness them doing their thing as they presented several styles from rocksteady, ska, reggae, original tunes as well as some Afrobeat. Raspect to Mike Tanner for introducing the Tranzac to CRW (me) as we work together to bring reggae music to many audiences, and bridge the gap to fans all over the Tdot.

Raspect to to this band for their versatility and their musicianship!

Long time performing act Fujahtive has been doing it since they were all in high school together, back in the 80s, loving the ability just to play music which shows in all of their performances. Juno nominated and played significant shows over the years, took a break and came back, bigger, stronger and ‘badder’ than before. “We are living the good life...”

This clip a bit bassy but it was perfect on the night...

African Star is a reggae icon... Responsible for busting out supreme talents like Ninja Man, Shabba Ranks, Capleton, Leroy Gibbon as well as Stuart Brown as the African Star, he brings the music on a level. I have had the honor and pleasure of Star playing in the Lion’s Den and have had great vibes and fun at his spot on Eglinton west called Sankofa, just west of Oakwood.

Come see Star work at Island Soul @ Harbourfront Centre, 1st August, 2015 http://www.harbourfrontcentre.com/islandsoul/2015/events/index.cfm?id=6943&festival_id=199

Kaisha Lee is an artist that deserves much encouragement based on her hard work and talent. In her CD release party, with help I’m sure but with her drive and vision, she also invited other ladies in the game to come perform and showcase their talents as well. Jahsmin Daley, Ammoye Evans, Auresia & Tanya P had amazing performances as well all on the same Youtube channel.

Freedubstar is a band that was cofounded by Michael Cooke as well as drummer icon, the late Raffa Dean. Michael continued on after Raffa’s passing and this 3 piece unit brings their own style of rock, reggae, R&B. Love how willing they are to gig, any place and time.

The Human Rights are a big force in the reggae music scene. Playing their own unique vibe and music of singer, DJ, live horns and nuff energy! Awesome live show! They have been around it seems for about 5 years now and have been growing from strength to strength.

The Rebel Vibez Charts are an integral part of the growth of reggae music in Canada. For most of the years we have been playing reggae music, there has never been a charting system. While with CHRY 105.5FM Carrie Mullings created this chart on her all Canadian reggae program. Since the end of the CHRY experience, the charts have been hosted on CRW.

This week’s latest chart:

This next piece is the One Love Concert, held in Regent Park this past February 2015 which brought several musicians from all bands to create this vibe. In this clip are RaLion, Dizzy Minott, Oniel Fuller, Neil Braithwaite, Paul Corby, Rev blazing this fun track.