J Boog

Rose Petals Winter Tour 2019

The Catalyst

1011 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

7:00 PM

J Boog (Jerry Afemata), a reggae singer of samoan descent was born in Long Beach and raised in Compton, CA. He is the youngest of seven brothers and one sister who come from hard working parents that relentlessly instilled a strong cultured household.

Currently residing back and forth between Hawaii and California, J Boog has been working incessantly since the release of his debut album "Hear Me Roar" (2007). He followed that up with his sophomore album "Backyard Boogie" (2011) which topped the US Billboard Charts and iTunes charts in numerous countries. J Boog has shared his craft & has toured around the world: Europe, Africa, Dubai, New Zealand, Australia, The US & Japan all have felt the authenticity of J Boog. 

Jerry helped pave the way for many Polynesian artists with the help of island music pioneer George "Fiji" Veikoso. The two met in 2005. They immediately clicked and created a sound that opened many doors for the Polynesian community. In 2008, J Boog joined Hawaii/San Francisco based recording & record label, Wash House Music Group Inc. Together they've been on a journey thats most promising with endless limits.

Shortly after that, J Boog teamed up with Yami Bolo & Gramps Morgan of reggaeʻs royal family, Morgan Heritage. They embarked on a journey to have J Boog witness the culture of Jamaican music & history. This being Jerryʻs first visit to Jamaica, he was completely overwhelmed & found himself working in historic studios: Bob Marley's "Tuff Gong Studio", Don Corleon's "Hit Maker Studio", Bobby Digitals "Digital B Studio", Shaggy's "Big Yard Studio" & Sugar Minott's "Youth Man Promotions". All very prestigious recording artists & compounds. He was constantly surrounded by several artists he had been influenced by and many of these artists where featured on his 2011 release Backyard Boogie. Backyard Boogie entertained a wide spectrum of reggae fans, old & new. It gave a variety of roots, r&b, lovers rock and good vibes. Hits included: Lets Do It Again produced by Don Corleon and Sunshine Girl produced by Gramps Morgan featuring Morgan Heritage front man Peetah Morgan. 

The success of Backyard Boogie earned J Boog Best Entertainer Award at the 2012 Irawma Awards held in Chicago, IL. A year later, he dropped a 5 song EP called "Live Up" & a mix-tape collaboration with fashionista powerhouse Diamond Supply Co. His most recent EP "Rose Petals" (2016) peaked the US Billboards & iTunes Charts at #1 & was nominated for Best Reggae Album of the Year at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards. It featured hip hop mogul Snoop Dog & six time Grammy Award winner Stephen "Ragga" Marley. The Rose Petals EP was just a little foreplay to what would become his next full length album called "Wash House Ting".

A true student of music; you can catch J Boog on world wide tours across the globe, on radio interviews or in the studio working on new material. His humility has gained him true fans everywhere he goes while exercising, MUSIC IS THE ONLY UNIVERSAL TONGUE. Stay tuned....

What: 33rd annual Reggae On The River
Where: French’s Camp- 657 US Hwy 101, Garberville, CA
When: Thursday, August 3 thru Sunday, August 6, 2017
Why: A benefit for the non-profit Mateel Community Center and one of the best parties on the planet
How: Tickets available online at http://www.reggaeontheriver.com

Reggae On The River #33- August 3-6!  Line-up Announced/ Tickets Available
On the weekend of August 3-6, the non-profit Mateel Community Center will present the 33rd year of Reggae On The River- one of the world’s iconic festival experiences.  Set on the banks of the majestic Eel River and delivering the best in reggae and world music to the hills of Humboldt County, CA since 1984, the 2017 event will offer the next chapter in the ROTR legacy with global luminaries…
Slightly Stoopid, Assassin, Walshy Fire w/ Kabaka Pyramid, J Boog, Stick Figure, Lutan Fyah & The Riddem Rebels, Junior Kelly, Kabaka Pyramid & The Bebble Rockers, Ibibio Sound Machine, Dezarie, Culture featuring Kenyatta Hill, Ken Boothe, Perfect Giddimani, Warrior King & The Rootz Warriors, Nkulee Dube, Nattali Rize, Winston “Flames” Jarrett, Marla Brown, Prestige, Keida, Ojo de Buey, Sensimilla Dub, Mighty Mystic & The Hard Roots Movement, Yogoman Burning Band, Tatanka, Mystic Roots Band, Irie Rockers, Altar Tones, and a very special showcase with Woven Roots featuring JahDan Blakkamoore, Messenjah Selah, Army, Winstrong, Luv Fyah & Travis B- plus lots more… including DJs, sound systems, red hot guest artists, and one more highly-anticipated headlining act TBA!!!
The event will also showcase more than 60 vending/ non-profit booths, a lively KidLandia, and the camping, community, and irie vibes that made Reggae On The River famous.  Discounted 3 and 4-day tickets are available now at reggaeontheriver.com- plus the Ambassador Pass for the ultimate in perks and access.  You can also plan do things in style with an RV. RV space is limited, so act fast. Or, if you just crave some extra comfort while tent camping, consider making a reservation in our new Premier Campground, which offers grassy and mixed shade camping with direct access to the concert bowl.
Visit the festival website for the full story and start planning your Reggae On The River pilgrimage today.  It’s happening August 3-6 at French’s Camp, in Garberville, CA- heart of the Emerald Triangle- and your higher vibration destination!  http://www.reggaeontheriver.com

Conscious, Sexy Dancehall Singer Fyakin Makes Reggae on the River Debut Aug. 7 By Shelah Moody

Photos Courtesy of Fyakin

Fyakin performs with Anthony B and also at a late night/early morning dancehall set on the South Beach Stage at the 32nd Annual CAReggae on the River Festival, French's Camp Piercy, . www.reggaeontheriver.com’

Have you ever wondered what it’s like for an artist to perform at a massive, historic event such as the famed Reggae on the River for the first time? For Fyakin, a conscious young singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist, the journey is well worth the wait.

Fyakin, a.k.a. Nicholas Levy, was born in Kingston, JA in 1988 and is currently based in Miami, FL. He derived his moniker from the Yoruba name Akin, which means “valor awakes.” A favorite on the Jamaican music scene, Fyakin created a buzz by performing at events such as Sizzla’s birthday bash, Sting, East Fest and Island Explosion to name a few. During the summer of 2015, Fyakin released his acclaimed full-length album, “Child of the Nile” on Nyle Banks Music. This year, Fyakin released his fiery single, “Warrior Ways.”   A devoted father and former professional soccer player, Fyakin describes his music as soulful, uplifting, cultured and truthful.

“You can expect a passionate performance and you might see me playing some Congo drums here and there; maybe a little keyboards,” said Fyakin. “You never know what can happen. Expect the unexpected when it comes to me. I keep growing and finding new talents each day.”

Shelah Moody: How do you feel about performing at Reggae on the River for the first time? What are some of the stories that you've heard about Reggae on the River from other artists?

Fyakin: I’ve just heard the show is a well-organized and properly promoted; it's huge has a lot of people there. It's my first time at Reggae on the River and my first time in California. It's quite an elated feeling for me to be a part of one of the greatest reggae festivals so to speak. My plan is to give the people a great performance--one to remember. I will be performing with Anthony B doing a song we both collaborated on for his tribute to the legends album.

SM: What do you have in store for the ladies in the dancehall?

Fyakin: I’ve got a lot in store for the ladies-- some sweet soulful lovers’ rock music that I am sure the ladies will enjoy. Tracks like “Sweet Music,” “I Miss Your Love” and “You are My Lady.”

SM: How do you feel about sleeping amongst the majestic California redwoods?

Fyakin: I've never experienced camping out before so I will see how that works out for me.

SM: Will you take a dip in the Eel River?

Fyakin: Not sure but I just might do so!

SM: Speaking of the Reggae on the River experience, I was gonna ask you about the myth of Humboldt ganja.

Fyakin: LOL. Nope, never heard of it!

Follow Fyakin on the web: www.fyakin.com

YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/realfyakin

TWITTER: www.twitter.com/darealfyakin

FACEBOOK:  www.facebook.com/darealfyakin.

ITUNES:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/fyakin/id272012773

INSTAGRAM: darealfyakin

5th Annual Island Reggae Festival

                                        

July 9, 2016
5th Annual Island Reggae Festival
Santa Clara County Fairgrounds
344 Tully Road, San Jose, CA 95111
Festival hours: 10am-11pm
General Admission: $60 (ticket price increase to $70 on 6/1)
VIP: $150  (ticket price increase to $160 on 6/1)
VIP includes: exclusive front row seating, VIP tent, 2 free drinks, 1 free meal
Day of show ticket price, General Admission: $80
Kids 5 and under free
islandreggaefest.com
Tickets 
Artists:   Common Kings, Collie Buddz, Fiji, Anuhea, Sammy J, Tenelle, Jordan T, Makisi, Mango Kingz, more artists to be announced

The 4th Annual Island Reggae Festival Returns to San Jose for 2016
Event celebrates Pacific Islander Culture, Music and Arts

San Jose, California, April 26, 2016  -  Rudebwoy Entertainment presents the 5th annual Island Reggae Festival held at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, 344 Tully Road in San Jose, California.  The event offerings in 2016  include activities on three stages with live music on the Main stage, the Oasis stage will host a DJ sound clash and the third stage will feature the Polynesian Dance Showcase.  The event also features carnival rides for children, the USO Car Club Showcase, a Rugby tournament for both adults and children and a Tattoo Showcase.   The gates open at 10 am and the event concludes at 11pm.  

Artists on the lineup for Island Reggae Festival consistently include some of the Pacific Islands’ greatest talents and those that have been embraced by the culture. In 2016 the lineup includes the Common Kings who will perform the closing set at Island Reggae Festival 2016.  A band with cultural roots in the South Pacific and based currently in Costa Mesa, California, they tour the world and rule the airwaves with their high energy island style reggae flavored by R&B style vocals and polished production.  Representing the island nation of Bermuda on the Atlantic side of the globe is the artist Collie Buddz  who gained popularity after exploding on the scene in 2007 with his chart topping-“Come Around”, he continues to tour extensively with his unique brand of reggae influenced by hip-hop.    Returning to the Island Reggae Fest 2016 stage is the legendary Fiji whose stage name reflects his cultural background and whose golden voice has made him a pioneer of the Pacific Island sound and its most well-known artist and pave the way for the careers of many others whom he has personally mentored throughout the years.  

Female singer-songwriter Anuhea returns to the festival in 2016, born and raised on Maui in Hawaii, although she is of Caucasian descent she has ruled the live music scene and radio waves for the past several years with her own brand of pop influenced hits sung over reggae rhythms. Sammy J from New Zealand returns to Island Reggae Festival 2016 with his sweet vocals influenced by R&B and reggae.  

Pacific Island reggae music receives a great deal of attention both at traditional broadcast radio and online as those that have moved from their birthplace or those that represent the next generation maintain a strong cultural connection through music.  Some of the most well-loved artists in the genre today will be at Island Reggae Festival including  Tenelle, Jordan T, Makisi and Mango Kingz. 
 
After presenting the festival for the first 3 years at Great America, in 2015 the organizers began hosting the event at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds a venue that allows for expanded space for an all-ages event that the entire family can enjoy and one that provides an appropriate concert setting to attract music lovers from varied backgrounds.  As event organizer Danny Perez notes, “In 2015 what stood out were the various ethnicities that were in attendance.  We are predominantly a Pacific Island crowd and to see to our demographic expand to include many different groups is great.  I’ve envisioned the Island Reggae Festival as an event that we as Polynesians can call our own but also as an avenue to expose our island culture and music to others.”   

A family-friendly event, this year there will be free carnival rides and games for ages 13 and under.  The event will feature over thirty merchandise and food vendors with Polynesian food as well as some of the best in festival food favorites. 

Returning in 2016 is the Youth Rugby 7’s Tournament.  Rugby is a popular sport in the South Pacific Islands.  This year in addition to the adult Rugby 7 teams coming from Hawaii, Utah, Sacramento and the Bay Area, teams will come from Southern California and Arizona and  the tournament will invite youths from the ages 8 to 14 known as U8-U14 to participate.  The tournament will take place from 8am to 3pm and the winners of each age group will be announced on the main stage and receive a hand-crafted Island Reggae Festival plaque inscribed with their team name. 

The USO Car Club will host the USO Car Club Showcase.  For the past 10 years this group has been led by CEO Kita Leao.  Mr. Leao is of Samoan descent and has instilled elements of the Samoan culture with his car club members.  The meaning of the word USO is “brother” in the Samoan language and this is the shared sentiment between all of the car club members.  Cars will be showcased  as a reminder to the Polynesian youth that hard work and dedication can result in a car that is ready to be presented in a showcase.  The Car Club Showcase is  an opportunity to spotlight the lifestyle and interests of Polynesians in the United States.  

The Polynesian dance showcase and competition will present dance groups and styles from various islands in the South Pacific including Samoa, Tonga, Hawaii, Tahiti, Fiji and New Zealand.  Groups will come from  Southern California, the Central Valley and Northern California as well as local groups from within the Bay Area.  Dance groups will be presented with a hand-crafted Island Reggae Festival 2016 plaque and with the opportunity to dance on the festival's main stage for the group with the winning dance performance.  

The Tattoo Showcase will  be featuring some of the most popular Polynesian Tattoo artists who will be tattooing live at the festival and giving tutorials on traditional Polynesian tattoo patterns and what their symbols and origins derive from.  

The 4th Annual Island Reggae Festival will also include a Diabetes Awareness initiative and the Red Cross will be on hand as part of a blood drive.  As to how these community-health oriented aspects of the festival come into play Danny Perez explains, “This festival is a platform we created to celebrate our Pacific Islander culture through music and dance.  We are also bringing awareness as to the diabetes epidemic our people face.”

Tickets are available on line through the Island Reggae Festival website islandreggaefest.com or at 24 regional ticket outlets in the Peninsula Area, San Francisco, North, East and South Bay, Sacramento, Stockton and Monterey areas.   

Contact:  Justine Ketola (323)251-0542 amadoriartists@gmail.com

Attachments area

New Music From Ziggy Marley

  


Los Angeles, CA (Monday, February 22nd) – Seven time GRAMMY award winning recording artist Ziggy Marley will release his sixth solo studio album, Ziggy Marley, on May 20th through Tuff Gong Worldwide.  Recorded in Los Angeles and produced by Ziggy, the new self-titled album marks his first release in 2 years, following 2014’s critically acclaimed Fly Rasta, which took home the 2015 GRAMMY award for Best Reggae Album.  A digital pre-order will be available beginning February 26th exclusively on iTunes that will include an instant gratis track of the album’s first single “Weekend’s Long.”  On the same date, a physical album pre-order will be available at ziggymarley.com.

Ziggy is set to guest star in the hit action television series Hawaii Five-0 which will air on Friday, February 26th on CBS.  In the episode, Ziggy will star as Bones, friend of reoccurring character Odell Martin played by Michael Imperioli.  Three Ziggy songs will run during the episode including two new album tracks “Weekend's Long” and “Ceceil.”  “Forward To Love,” from Ziggy’s fourth studio album Wild and Free will also be included in the episode.

This summer Ziggy will embark on a major North American tour (official dates TBA).  Confirmed dates so far include shows at the Spotlight 29 Casino on May 27th in Coachella, CA, BottleRock Festival on May 28th in Napa, CA and the Magic City Blues Festival on August 6th in Billings, MT. For additional concert and ticket purchase information, please visit ziggymarley.com.

ZIGGY MARLEY Links:
ziggymarley.com
facebook.com/ziggymarley
twitter.com/ziggymarley
youtube.com/ziggymarley
instagram.com/ziggymarley
ziggymarleyorganics.com
marijuanamancomic.com

Da’Ville

Sitting here on a cold Tuesday morning in San Jose, California listening to Reggae artist Da’Ville’s music and to my amazement really enjoying it. I know Reggae fans are probably wondering why listen if you don’t like Reggae. I was ask by DJ Michael Ealey of Streetwise Radio to write a blog on this singer from Kingston Jamaican. What I like about Da’Ville is, you can understand what he is singing about not like some other Reggae artists. I had not heard of Da’Ville until this day. I can’t believe I was sleeping on this Jamaican Reggae singer. Who is a wonderful R&B Reggae singer, producer that has a soulful sound with songs and lyrics to match? Checkout some of my favorite songs by Da’Ville, “Always on my Mind”, “Can't get over you”, “In Heaven”, “Yesterday”, “Give Thanks”, “Steal My Girl”, “This Time I Promise” and “Mirrors”, to name a few. If you’re not into Reggae listen to Da’Ville and you just might become a fan like I did. Don’t sleep on Da’Ville! Check him out on Streetwise Radio. You also can listen to Streetwise Radio on, Pandora, MyGen365, Live365 and iTunes.

By LM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puRIHIOxcIM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HYLi4ko7RA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFtXVz9Br9Q

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRERLBNXkAA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lAjG98-GI8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16fLuHnHeSQ&list=RD16fLuHnHeSQ#t=22

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yKMJGV3dpA&index=2&list=RD16fLuHnHeSQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2roccu__eU8

September Reggae Music In Concert

IRATION & STICK FIGURE

TOURNENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS CONSCIOUS REGGAE ARTISTS I WAYNE AND BLACK AM I ON TOUR THIS FALL

                                                                   Black Am I

Oakland, CA—TourNentertainment is proud to announce the I & I U.S. Tour 2014, featuring two of Jamaica’s hottest roots/reggae performers, acclaimed reggae/dancehall singer I Wayne and Ghetto Youths International protégée Black Am I. The two fiery Rastafarian performers represent the past, present and future of reggae music.

The I & I U.S. Tour 2014 kicks off in southern California on Oct. 22 and wraps up in Tampa, FL, on Nov. 30.

                                                                I Wayne

I WAYNE BIO

I Wayne is a DJ’s dream. His VP Records produced hits, “Can’t Satisfy Her” “Living in Love” and “Lava Ground” have moved the masses with intoxicating beats and militant lyrics while inspiring love and romance in the dancehall. Throughout his career, I Wayne has demonstrated the ability to touch people at large scale music festivals as well as intimate night spots.

Born Cliffroy Taylor in Portmore, JA, I Wayne was raised by his aunt and her husband, legendary keyboardist Ansell Collins, known for his work with Jimmy Cliff and other artists. I Wayne remembers singing along while Collins played the keyboards. According to the singer, his moniker, I Wayne, derived from his childhood nickname, Dwayne, given to him by his parents.

In Rastafarian culture, I & I represents the oneness between the human and the divine.

I Wayne is also known for his expansive vocal range, which can soar from low tenor to falsetto.

“I would classify myself as a chanter, a singer and a singjay,” said I Wayne. “I don’t limit myself. Sometimes, I blend the three styles on one riddim to create a new sound. I can blend reggae with R&B.”

With his chart topping, soul-infused dancehall anthem, “Can’t Satisfy Her,” I Wayne brought to light the rampant sexual exploitation of women in Jamaica. Partially based on news reports and actual events that took place in his community, “Can’t Satisfy Her” tells the tragic tale of a young woman who went into prostitution to escape poverty and lack of opportunity.

As a photogenic artist with a huge female fan base, I Wayne does not consider himself a reggae sex symbol per se. But he feels that it important to create a balance between being hard core and sensual in his music.

“With females, you know, you have to put some of the harsh vibes aside and deal with it calm,” said I Wayne. “You haffi move like the lava.”

According to I Wayne, his hit politically charged hit, “Lava Ground” is a metaphor for the power of nature and the Most High, and warns people against committing injustice.

“I’m just reminding people that the lava; it’s nature; it’s more powerful than the gun and the knife,” said I-Wayne.

I Wayne glorifies the regenerative power of volcano, which can cause mass destruction when spewing fire, but is also a fertile ground for vegetation; lava rocks can also be turned into beautiful glass and gems.

On the I & I U.S. Tour 2014, I Wayne is looking forward to going back on the road, sharing his energy with his fans and generating new ideas.

                                                                Black Am I

BLACK AM I BIO

Rising star Black Am I is a protégée of Damian Marley and Ghetto Youths International. In the summer of 2014, Black Am I performed as one of the opening acts for Damian Marley, performing at large scale music events such as the California Roots Music and Arts Festival in Monterey, CA.

Along with embarking on the I & I U.S. Tour 2014, Black Am I will perform with Shaggy, Etana, Wayne Marshall, Christopher Ellis, Tarrus Riley and other reggae greats on the Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise, hosted by Damian Marley, from Oct. 20-25.

Black Am I was born Owen Davis on Nov. 17, 1984 in Nine Miles, JA, the birthplace of reggae icon Bob Marley. In honor of Robert Nesta Marley, Black Am I received the nickname I-Nesta from his father. He began writing lyrics at age 16 and recorded his first demo CD in 2005. He derived his moniker from his song “Black Am I” the first track he recorded for Ghetto Youths International. The song promotes black pride, solidarity and self-determination.

“The song says that I am black and I won’t be doing certain things like bleaching my skin; and I will stick to my roots and culture,” said Black Am I.

Other notable tracks by Black Am I include “Modern Day Freedom,” and “Sound System.”

Vocally, Black Am I considers himself a singjay; his influences include, naturally, Bob Marley as well as fiery roots reggae artists such as Damian Marley, Tarrus Riley Sizzla Kolonji, Jah Mason and Jah Cure.

“I’ve always wanted to do music could inspire people and could have the kind of impact that Bob Marley’s music has,” said Black Am I. “My message to the youth is to take life serious, and make sure that you know that education is the key. Do what you love and love what you do, and do it to the best of your ability.”

ABOUT TOURNENTERTAINMENT

TourNentertainment, a “meeting place for artists, bands and promoters,” was founded by Albert “Pretty” Cooke, Tressa Wells and Alreca Smith. Cooke, an AR agent, also works as tour manager for P. Diddy, Stephen and Damian Marley, Michael Franti and Spearhead and others.

“The first part of our name says it all-TOUR,” said Cooke. “We book tours. We are focused on cutting wasteful spending, from which neither the artists or the promoters benefit. By being on tour, bands are more accessible. More people hear and see them perform. They have opportunity to sell their records and other merchandise that brings in additional income and keep promotion. Promoters are encouraged to stay in the business of bringing good music to the masses while the bands and artists have the opportunity to deliver their music and other wares. We are the meeting point between the point of origin of music and the point of consumption; our mission is to satisfy the souls and soothe the savage beasts of music lovers and promoters.”

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tournentertainment

I WAYNE/BLACK AM I TOUR CONFIRMED DATES AND VENUES

WORLDBEAT CULTURE CENTER	SAN DIEGO, CA	22-Oct	www.worldbeatcenter.org
NEW PARISH	OAKLAND, CA	23-Oct	www.thenewparish.com
MOE'S ALLEY	SANTA CRUZ, CA	25-Oct	www.moesalley.com
ZODIAC	PETALUMA, CA	26-Oct	www.zodiacspetaluma.com
MATEEL CENTER	REDWAY, CA	27-Oct	www.mateel.org
NECTOR LOUNGE	SEATTLE, WA	28-Oct	www.nectarlounge.com
JAZZ BONES	TACOMA, WA	29-Oct	www.jazzbones.com
HAWTHORNE THEATER	PORTLAND, OR	30-Oct	www.hawthornetheater.com
FOX THEATER	BOULDER, CO	2-Nov	www.foxtheatre.com
BLUEBIRD	DENVER, CO	3-Nov	www.bluebirdtheater.net
BELLY UP	ASPEN, CO	4-Nov	www.bellyupaspen.com
THE STATE ROOM	SALT LAKE CITY, UT	6-Nov	www.thestateroom.com
BOTTLENECK	LAWRENCE, KS	8-Nov	www.thebottlenecklive.com
JUANITAS	LITTLE ROCK, AR	9-Nov	www.juanitas.com
RECORD BAR	KANSAS CITY, MO	12-Nov	www.therecordbar.com
POOR DAVID'S	DALLAS, TX	14-Nov	www.poordavidspub.com
CANTINA	AUSTIN, TX	15-Nov	www.flamingocantina.com
CLUB 47	HUNTSVILLE, AL	16-Nov	www.clubforty7.com
MOJOES	JOLIET, IL	17-Nov	www.mojoesofjoliet.com
THE POUR HOUSE	RALEIGH, NC	18-Nov	www.thepourhousemusichall.com
CANAL CLUB	RICHMOND, VA	19-Nov	www.thecanalclub.com
WILD HARE	CHICAGO, IL	20-Nov	www.wildharemusic.com
ALBANY MANOR	BROOKLYN, NY	21-Nov	www.clubplanet.com
BB KINGS	NEW YORK, NY	23-Nov	www.bbkingblues.com
CLUB FETE	PROVIDENCE, RI	26-Nov	www.fetemusic.com
REVOLUTION	FT. LAUDERDALE, FL	28-Nov	www.jointherevolution.net
FREEBIRD	JACKSONVILLE, FL	29-Nov	www.freebirdlive.com

XXXXX

Sultry Reggae Singer Maxi Priest to Deliver the Gospel of Soul at Yoshi’s Oakland By Shelah Moody

Sultry Reggae Singer Maxi Priest to Deliver the Gospel of Soul at Yoshi’s Oakland

By Shelah Moody

 London-born singer/songwriter Max Alfred Elliot could not have chosen a better stage name: Maxi Priest. 

The name “Maxi” suits him because, since his first album, “You’re Safe: Caution” was released in 1985, he has taken reggae music to the maximum heights, to the top of the “Billboard” charts, to adult contemporary radio, to late night television, to the San Francisco Symphony. 

The last name “Priest” is fitting because it reflects his spiritual side and his belief in a higher power. Priest draws from his experience growing up in a Pentecostal church to create his unique blend of gospel, Jamaican reggae, British lover’s rock and American soul that inspires love and romance. 

There is something about a Maxi Priest song that moves you. It is no coincidence that Angela Basset and Taye Diggs shared their first dance while Priest’s song, “Art of Seduction” played in the background in the film adaptation of Terry McMillan’s novel “How Stella Got Her Groove Back.” 

Maxi Priest is known for his international string of hits including “Close to You,” “Housecall” (with Shabba Ranks). “Set the Night to Music” (with Roberta Flack), “That Girl” (with Shaggy) and remakes of Cat Stevens’  “Wild World” and Van Morrison’s “Crazy Love.” Whether performing at a large scale music festival or an intimate night spot, Priest always gives 110 percent. In a rare appearance,  Maxi Priest and his band will perform two shows on Wednesday, Oct. 16 at Yoshi’s Oakland. 

 Maxi Priest is particularly proud of his latest releases “Maximum Collection,” which includes 36 songs from the beginning of his career to the present. Another recent album close to his heart is “Time of Year,” a compilation of his favorite Christmas songs. (Hint: This may be the perfect gift as the holiday season approaches). 

 

During a press conference at the 17th Annual Monterey Bay Reggaefest last year, among other insightful topics that were discussed, Priest gave the media a preview of “Maximum Collection.” 

 “I look at it as a giving the younger generation a fast lane to catching up with  who Maxi Priest is,” said the golden voiced singer, who is recognized by his long, cascading dreads and megawatt smile.

 Although Priest and his siblings grew up in south London, he hails from hardworking Jamaican parents who immigrated to England in search of opportunity and success for their offspring. Priest draws from a regal bloodline, the late reggae icon Jacob Miller was his uncle and rapper Heavy D his cousin. 

 Priest’s obvious musical influences include Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, Cat Stevens and Sting, whose material he has covered. Since Priest covered Golden Lady” on his 1999 album “Combination,” I asked about Stevie Wonder’s influence. 

“I think that Stevie Wonder has influenced everybody in music— musicians and non-musicians—in some way or another, said Priest. “He is very much a freedom fighter, always looking to spread the word of equal rights and justice.” 

 While headlining at the Monterey Bay Reggaefest in 2012, Priest joined the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Jamaica’s independence. There tone of the press conference took a serious turn.

“We know how to party, but we need to get a little bit serious sometimes,” said Priest. “(Jamaica) has survived for the last 50 years; and I can only hope that we learn from the 50 years of struggle that we’ve been through. There have been some highs and some serious lows. I only hope that our beautiful little island can look at those 50 years and make the next 50 years a better place, a better situation, for the younger generation. They are going to survive based on the foundation that we put down.”

Priest is particularly proud of his band, a multitalented, diverse group of musicians including Richard "Goofy" Campbell (keyboards), Paul KasticK (drums), JJ Sansaverino (guitar) and Taddy P. Camp (bass). When Camp approached the press table, Priest was more than happy to give him the spotlight. “He plays a mean solo bass and you should check out his CD, “Gimme Di Bass,” said Priest. “I had to say that, because it’s not good just to promote yourself.” 

 

In fact, Priest heaped praise on all of his band members, including DJ Beniton the Menace, a New Yorker who jams with Priest on “Housecall” and “That Girl.” Priest even invited his road manager/engineer, Steve Locke, to join the group at the table. 

Drummer Paul KasticK has been working with Priest since 1989; in fact, Priest’s was the first international band that KasticK played with. KasticK went on to play with the 809 band and other prestigious reggae artists. 

“In 1986, when I was a youth playing in the hotels six nights a week in Montego Bay, I heard Maxi Priest for the first time,” said KasticK. “I remember exactly where I was when I heard “Wild World” debut on the charts for the first time. Maxi’s music has had a profound effect on musicians. Maxi, to me, is one of the top five vocalists in the world.” 

Priest approached stellar guitarist JJ Sansaverino 12 years ago and ended up becoming a mentor. 

“I have the opportunity to work with one of my favorite reggae singers—Maxi Priest,” said Sansaverino. “I knew about Maxi Priest way before he knew about me. I was a fan; and I got the call to work with this brilliant artist. It’s been a learning experience. He’s groomed me from a shy guy on stage to a maniac—with a lot of constructive criticism along the way. He’s become my brother, and he’s taught me so much. I’m so happy to be doing my own project, but one of the happiest times for me is being on stage with this group of musicians. This is an all-star line-up and we’ve been all over the world, we’ve experience the best and the worst.” 

Priest’s attention turned to the 6’4 keyboardist Richard “Goofy” Campbell, a devout Seventh Day Adventist.

“There’s a lot more to Mr. Humble, Richard Campbell,” said Priest. “He has produced  quite a number of people; he continues to support a lot of the younger generation. In Montego Bay, he opens his doors to young people and helps them learn to play keyboard and play instruments. I am honored to have the opportunity to work with him, and that goes for all of my band members.”

During the end of the press conference, the conversation circled back to Maxi Priest’s inspiration on the younger generation. When I was in my twenties, my grandmother, the strong woman who raised me, had undergone brain surgery at age 90—and survived. During those critical moments, I played Priest’s album “Bonafide” over and over for comfort. Nowadays, I listen to Priest’s composition “God Watches over Us,” when I need an uplift. 

“Well, personally, I would say to a young person, first, find God,” said Priest. “When you find God, you will find yourself. When you can check out yourself, then you will know where you are going. It’s a support system. Faith is a key. Love is also a key. I’m a strong believer in faith, because it’s not everything that we know and understand. In traveling the world, my strongest asset has been faith, and belief that there is a God. I was brought up in very religious surroundings. I was raised in the Pentecostal church; my mother was a missionary in the Pentecostal church. So for me to create and sing a song like “God Watches over Us” is natural for me.”

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Common Kings

I first heard the song “No Other Love” on Streetwise Radio and loved it. I knew I had to hear more from this amazing band. As I listen to and found out more about this group of fantastic musicians, I knew this talented band was going on my playlist. The Common Kings makes me want to listen to them while sitting on the beach sipping on a cool drink. The band consists of Bass Player Lui Kirimaua (Ivan), Lead Singer Sasualei Maliga (Junyer), Drummer Jerome Taito (Rome), and Lead Guitar Player Taumata Grey (Mata). All the members of the Common Kings heritage are from the islands of Samoa, Fiji, Tonga and Hawaii but they are from Orange County, California. Some of my favorite tunes are “Wade In Your Water”, “Alcoholic”, “Fly” and “Fall In Love”. If you like good Island soul music tune into Streetwise Radio and listen to the Common Kings you will become a fan. You can also listen to Streetwise Radio on MyGen365, Live365, Athena365, iTunes and Pandora.

LM

http://commonkings.com/band/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsXFy3tD0eE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExJx5qeOooY&list=RD02qsXFy3tD0eE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTiXz1Em0BM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkOgVYUqE90

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MipXsR_plJk