REGGAE RUNNINGS - 27 August 2008

By Jesse I

It’s a huge month coming up for reggae in Melbourne, starting with Bushman tomorrow night at the Corner Hotel. One of the best roots singers of the last decade, Bushman is often compared to Luciano, but his rich baritone really owes more to the great Peter Tosh. Although best known for his massive hit Fire Pon A Weakheart, Bushman boasts a deep catalog, with countless 7” singles, and albums for producers including Jammys, Steely and Cleevie, Stingray, and Kings of Kings – more than enough material to play nothing but killers all night! Support on the night comes from Rastafari Rhythms, Heartical Hi-Fi, Rugged, and Flavio.

Saturday night it’s all about Chaka Demus and Pliers live at Miss Libertine. These guys were absolutely huge in the 90s, with chart hits including Tease Me, She Don’t Let Nobody, Twist and Shout, and of course the seminal Murder She Wrote. Balancing the smooth and soulful vocals of singer Pliers with the gruff deejay styles of Chaka Demus, this duo definitely know how to rock a dancehall, and it will be great to see them playing one for the hardcore fans. Chaka Demus & Pliers will be joined by up-and-coming artist E-Saw, and Jamaica’s Untouchable Sound System, as well as Melbourne’s own Chant Down Sound, Sista Itations, and Andy Ites.

Only a couple weeks later on Saturday 13th September, the reggae returns to Miss Libertine in force, as Jah Mason performs live with selector Lenny Roots. Bias aside, last year’s Jah Mason show at Brown Alley was one of the greatest gigs I’ve ever seen in Melbourne – pure energy from start to finish. For those that don’t know, Jah Mason represents the younger breed of Rastafarian artists out of Jamaica, mixing melodic singing with hardcore deejay delivery in what has been dubbed “singjay” style. The last decade has seen Jah Mason rise to prominence as one of the leading artists in the new-roots movement, and now Melbourne will get a second chance to feel the fire – plus support from Redder Red, Troublemaker, Night Nurse, and Chant Down.

Jamaican music lost another legend this month, with the passing of trumpeter “Dizzy” Johnny Moore after a battle with cancer. A founding member of the legendary Skatalites, Dizzy learned to play at the famous Alpha Boy School for wayward youth, after he deliberately caused enough trouble to be admitted there. Following graduation, he played with the Jamaica Military Band (he was discharged for not amenable to military discipline) and the Mapletoft Poulle Orchestra (he was forced to quit on account of his Rastafarian faith) before helping form the Skatalites in 1964 with Tommy McCook, Roland Alphonso, and Don Drummond. Dizzy was 70

On the local front, soundclash returns to La Di Da on Thursday 4th September, following the success of the recent 45 Shoot-Out earlier this month (congratulations to the winner Night Nurse, who defeated Ranking Yoni in the tune-fi-tune final). Battling it out this time will be Nich Power, Armagideon Time, Bellyas, and Redbelly; plus warm up selection from Binghi Fire and Ras Crucial. Heartical Hi-Fi celebrate the first anniversary of their Basement Sessions at the Night Owl bar on Saturday 6th September, with special guests Secret Masters playing a live dub set, as well as Cool Hand, and residents Derek M and Cassawarrior. Friday 12th September at Amber Lounge it’s time for Melbourne’s dancehall girls to shine, as Infamous Fridays and Make It Clap present the Dancehall Queen contest for 2008, the winner proceeding to the Australian final in November. For more information on entry, email soundboy@pacific.net.au. Music on the night will come courtesy of Surgeon General Sound (Sydney) with K-Note and Nick Toth, Kay-Z, Nukc, and I.