REGGAE RUNNINGS -- 7 November 2007

By Jesse I

Sadly, reggae as a genre has forever been plagued by violence, with legends such as Peter Tosh, King Tubby, Prince Fari and Tenor Saw just a few of many artists to die by the gun. South African reggae star Lucky Dube became the latest to join this list on October 18, when he was gunned down in front of his son during a bungled carjacking in Johannesburg . His career spanned over 20 years, and over 20 albums, as well as multiple visits to Australia where he has long been a favourite of the local audience. He will be greatly missed, but will live on through his great body of work; as he himself sung on his first reggae album in 1984, "Rastas never die". RIP.

Likewise, Bob Marley continues to live on decades after his death, and nobody has done more to preserve and document his legacy than US radio host, dj, writer, lecturer and archivist Roger Steffens. Roger returns to Melbourne this week with his presentation "The Life of Bob Marley", tonight and tomorrow night at the Northcote Social Club. His previous shows in 2004 were first class, and I recommend this one highly to any Marley fans - as well as the amazingly rare film footage of Bob Marley in action, it's almost worth it simply for Steffens' excellent speaking and story-telling.

This Saturday 10 November brings the latest More Fire reggae/dancehall session at Brown Alley, with Chant Down residents Ras Crucial, Damajah and I joined by "the Zimbabwean shotta", singer/MC/DJ Dizzy Dee. Dizzy has worked with reggae soundsystems in Zimbabwe since 1998, where he released two albums before moving to Melbourne earlier this year. For More Fire #76 he'll be performing a special vocal showcase set, including songs from his forthcoming album "International Scene" (due for release in early 2008). Also on the night will be selection from Binghi Fire (Redder Red), Systa BB (PBS-FM), Kammo, and Sister Sara, plus Diwali celebrations in a Jamaican style, and giveaways of Mavado's Gangster For Life album.

Chant Down & More Fire will be back again this New Year's Eve for another massive party at Brown Alley. Full details next month, but lock this one in for pure reggae and dancehall vibes to welcome 2008 in fine style!

Also, don't forget Junior Reid at Brown Alley on December 15. Known for his work both as a solo artist and with Black Uhuru, Reid is a true legend of Jamaican music, responsible for hits such as Original Foreign Mind, John Law, Fit Yu Haffi Fit, Rappa Pam Pam, and the seminal One Blood - one of the most-sampled songs in reggae music. Pre-sale tickets are $35, on sale now.

Housewife's Choice and Rise Up Sound's monthly session Riddim Method is now well established on the third Friday of every month, which means they're on again November 16 at Croft Institute. Guest selectors for this month include Bass Bin Laden (direct from Europe with a suitcase of new tunes), Tempa, and Troublemaker, as well as Kammo and Shikung downstairs.

Saturday 24 November is Pressure Drop at Laundry, with residents Natty Sistren Sound and Nich Power, alongside guest sound Housewife's Choice, selectors Binghi Fire and Dr Fil, and mic blessings from el gringo Vibesman. Bass Bin Laden can also be found downstairs at Laundry on the night, so it's nuff niceness on every level.

Heartical Hi-Fi's monthly Basement Session continues next month at the Night Owl bar on December 1st . Residents Derek M, Steve Austin, and Cassawarrior will be joined by singer/MC Jornick (from French Guiana ) plus DJ Delay and Dangerous. This night features Melbourne's only custom built reggae soundsystem, so it's well worth checking just for the intense basslines - If you haven't heard Heartical yet, make sure you do!

Acclaimed producer and musician Jake Savona begins a Tuesday night residency at the Evelyn this month, featuring members of his band Mista Savona, and Rootbound System. He'll be joined on stage by Jornick, and I'll be on the decks spinning tunes between sets from 9pm.

Thursday nights in November you can also get your fill of reggae, along with primo Mexican food from Gingo Vibes, at the Idgaff bar (160 Hoddle St, Abbotsford). "Rice, Beans & Roots Rock Reggae" features tunes from Redder Red's Binghi Fire and Redbelly, plus guests. Go deh!

Local dub and roots collective Sine have been presenting Sunday evening dub sessions at Laundry for a few months now, and appear to be going from strength to strength. Catch them live, along with guest DJs, every week from 5-8pm - or check www.myspace.com/sinedub and have a listen.

Respect to Comrade Dubs for the first Higher Ground session last Sunday at Workshop, a nice mellow night of upful reggae vibes. This night looks set to continue all through summer on the first Sunday of every month - next month catch Comrade Dubs again, plus A13, Andy Ites, Night Nurse, Mista Savona, and Sista Sara.

Looking at new 7" single releases... Alborosie continues to show that 2007 is his year, with another handful of crucial tunes on his Forward label - Sound Killa, Police, Meditation (with Sizzla), and Precious (with U Roy). Sitting somewhere between roots and dancehall is the Spanish-influenced sound of the St Jago de la Vega riddim on Mac D, named after Lutan Fyah's JA-hit of the same name - wicked vocals on this one, not only from Lutan, but also Jah Mason, Jr Kelly, and Vybz Kartel (under the name Addi The Teacher). Some strong bashment riddims for recommendation also this month, including Blue Tooth on H20, Spii Whare on HK, and Stock Track on Big Yard.