REGGAE RUNNINGS - 1 June 2009

By Jesse I


Reggaetown (Australia’s premier reggae festival which happens annually in Cairns) has announced their line-up for this September. Headlining is firebrand Jamaican deejay Anthony B, plus local favourites Blue King Brown and Katchafire. A Melbourne Anthony B sideshow should also be on the cards - watch this space for details.

Byron Bay-based Israeli reggae artist Raz Bin Sam has released his latest album, Own This Life on the Blaze Fire Music label. While his vocal style may be an acquired taste, this album is very well produced, featuring production by Israeli producers Sabbo & Kuti, English producer Jah Warrior, and Melbourne’s Mista Savona (who is currently putting the finishing touches to his own new album).

Sydney’s King Tide have also released a new one, Roots Pop Reggae. Ironically, despite the title, this is probably their least poppy album, with enough straight roots reggae to keep even the purists happy - good stuff.

Sicilian reggae star Alborosie has released his second album, Escape From Babylon. Like his previous Soul Pirate, the production harkens back to the early foundation dancehall sound. Unlike that album, this one is more than a collection of previously released singles, and while it may not contain as many proven hits, it should keep his fans very happy.

The biggest news on the local gig front this month is the return of Melbourne’s original reggae night More Fire to its original venue, Deep 11 (Mercat Cross Hotel basement). Chant Down Sound blazed up Deep 11 for five years from 2001 to 2006 when the Mercat unexpectedly closed down, and while the night was just as successful at subsequent venues Brown Alley and Miss Libertine, people continued to talk about the Deep 11 days with reverence. On Saturday 11th July, More Fire will be finally be coming home. With today’s anti-smoking laws, the atmosphere will never be exactly the same (no thick cloud of smoke at the bottom of the stairs) but for anyone who still talks about the “good old days”, this will be pretty special. Chant Down will be joined by guests Troublemaker, Andy Ites, Bellyas, Torty and Damajah on the mic.

This Friday brings another I Love Dancehall party to First Floor, with hosts Lady Banton and So Fire joined by Housewife’s Choice, Twist, Mexi, Mars E Pan, Major Krazy, plus Ras Crucial and Andy Ites going head-to-head.

Friday 17th July is all about the Heartical Hi-Fi, and their monthly Basement Session at the Night Owl bar. Core crew Stryka D, Cassawarrior and Boover Banton are joined by guests in a dubwise style, and it’s all presented on the massive Heartical rig – Melbourne’s only custom-built reggae soundsystem.

Saturday 25th July it’s Pressure Drop at Laundry, Sista Itations joined by Nich Power, Major Krazy, So Fire, and MCs Presyse Riff-Raff and Jinja Jamboo.

Finally, Ring The Alarm has survived the onset of winter and is still going strong every Thursday night at Laundry, with residents Major Krazy, Ras Crucial and I, plus weekly guests. While the music played ranges across the full reggae spectrum over the course of the night, this is definitely a night to check to hear the freshest up-to-the-time dancehall - uncut and undiluted until 3am every week.