ARAWAKROOTS NEWS
Vol. 7; No.5
E-Mail/Internet Edition
Sept., 2009
EDITOR'S NOTE:
Over the past few weeks, entertainment news has come across our desk, either through e-mail or over the internet. This special edition covers the best of them.
First, to our Master of Dubstep, JuaKali, who e-mailed me recently about a video project he's doing through KICKSTARTER. (www.kickstarter.com) Here is the press release concerning the project: "JuaKali needs your support to create a video for DEM CITY, a track from his 2nd featured EP, "Come From Yard". Armed with heaps of ideas, directed by willpower and bubbling with raw talent, all Juakali needs now is your financial support to make his video a reality and to further promote his lyrical stylings. Help this dub vocalist make his video DEM CITY. Besides the treats offered as a 'thank you' for your donation, you will be supporting one of the finest MC's of the international underground electronic music community."
Presently, there are 8 backers of this project (including Arawak Promotions) that have brought in about 1/3 of the $3,000 needed. This project will only be funded if at least that amount is pledged by Oct. 4, 11:41 PM(EDT). To get the full details concerning this video project, go to: www.kickstarter.com/projects/juakali/produce-a-video-for-dub-vocalist-juakali. To help with your decision, go to our MUSIC STORE or PATO'S MARKETPLACE to hear sample's of JuaKali's works.
Next, this e-mail arrived in our box from Daryll Dobson, the CEO of ROCKERS TELEVISION INC. This company was formed by Dobson and noted Jamaican TV Producer, Earl Chin for the purpose of promoting, producing and releasing Reggae and Caribbean music DVD's from Mr. Chin's vast video library and new content for his current cable network shows. Chin's video library- collected over 30 years of reggae performances and interviews- is extremely rare. Over that time, his legendary television show, ROCKERS, has been on the air. It was the first reggae music TV series- and the most authentic one. After Bob Marley told Earl to bring reggae to American TV, he was the first media personality to bring Bob to a mass audience via TV in the late 1970's. He has done the same for such stars as Peter Tosh, Jacob Miller, Gregory Isaacs, Toots and the Maytals, Rita Marley, Shabba Ranks, Beenie Man, Shaggy, Capleton and many others.
On Sept. 1, ROCKERS TELEVISION is releasing the DVD, "Bob Marley - Live And Unplugged". Go to: www.rockerstelevision.com to place your order. Wholesaler inquiries are welcome!
Soon come- "Dennis Brown - Larger Than Life", "Burning Spear - Rootsman" and "Peter Tosh - High Life".
This reporter can attest to the power of the ROCKERS TV program. For years I've owned a copy of the VHS tape "ROOTSMAN ROCKING" released by Earl many years ago. It was a 35 minute compilation that includes the cream of reggae music at that time- Jacob Miller, The Meditations, Gregory Isaacs, Leroy Sibble, Roman Stewart, Ras Michael and Bob Marley doing a simple acoustic rendition of "Redemption Songs", one of the tracks that appears on this new release. I've hoped and prayed that somebody someday would release this TV series on DVD and that time has finally come!
This DVD is a digitally remastered program that includes 2 versions of Redemption Songs, Coming In From The Cold, Jah Live, Rastaman Chant and Roadblock- all done with just a 12-string acoustic guitar- plus 2 rare interviews with Earl. A must for all collectors.
Another new venture being launched on Oct. 1st is REGGAENETLINK (www.reggaenetlink.com). Paula Bragg, from reggaenetlink, sent an e-mail with this simple statement for the purpose of the project: "It broadens the scope of Reggae - offers a level playing field for all." After viewing their preview page: www.reggaenetlink.com, I can attest to this. A well-organized homepage, complete with web-radio playing randomly the artists associated with this project- everyone from superstars to up-and-comers, awaits you.
Check this site out whether an artist searching for a fresh, new outlet for your music or a reggae music fan tired of the "same old, same old". REGGAENETLINK is part of the MUSICNETLINK group. To see EVERYTHING they do, go to: www.musicnetlink.com.
The UNITEAM Music Group sent out a press release announcing the new CARLTON LIVINGSTON/ECHO MINOTT 7" vinyl single. The A-side,"Mix Up Maggie" is by the great Carlton Livingston. The B-side, by Echo Minott, is a version titled "Summertime" done to the same riddim by the Uniteam All-Stars. We all know Carlton from the classic album- "100 Weights Of Collie Weed" and Echo for his album- "Echo Minott Meets Sly & Robbie" and the #1 single "Love Problems".
Listen to short samples of each song and other great material.
Visit: www.uniteammusic.com to check out all the great music offered up by UNITEAM Music!
Lately, I heard a fantastic radio station coming from the island of Vieques, off the coast of Puerto Rico. Known as "Radio Joe", WVIS broadcasts at 106.1 FM and is easily picked up from Puerto Rico throughout the Virgin Islands. Not in the broadcast zone? No problema. Radio Joe has a live stream on the internet at: www.ustream.tv/channel/radio-joe-106-1fm. Be prepared- these guys have an ear for EVERYTHING!
