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Friday, May 25, 2012

Zvuloon Dub System "Freedom Time" Review (Medtone Records)

They've been called "Israel's top reggae band."  But, Zvuloon Dub System is more than that....they deserve more than that. Their sound is organic, fresh, and reminiscent of classic 70's roots-reggae, yet uniquely their own. Scratch Perry and King Tubby are obvious influences, but Zvuloon manages to go beyond the confines of 'influences' to create a sound that is original, all the while remaining true to their reggae roots.  All their tracks were produced, recorded, and mixed in the band's studio, representing a unique blend of a rich cultural heritage, which can be heard in the debut album, "Freedom Time".
While the album has a laid back and soulful vibe to it, with a special sound that developed during years of live performing. The band achieved great success in the reggae scene, but also amongst many music lovers from other genres. 
Zvuloon Dub System is an 8 piece band with some of the cream of Israeli underground musicians. The lead singer, Gili Yalo, who was born in Ethiopia, walked through the desert at the age 4 on an exhausting journey with his family to the promised land - Israel. Going through dramatic and extreme situations, he sang all the way to his beloved, and from that moment Gili's parents knew he was going to be a singer.
On stage, the band brings a fresh breath of vibes from around the world.
With a powerful lead singer, groovy rhythm section and an eccentric brass section, Zvuloon Dub System creates a heavy Dub experience and gives a new meaning to the word reggae.
The message of the band is peace, love, solidarity and equal rights to all,
which, coming from such a controversial country, is spot on!
"Freedom Time" kicks off with the lyrically-familiar Lion of Judah. You may have heard the hook before, but rest assured the music is new and exciting. Gili's raspy vocals flow perfectly over a bass-heavy, melodica-tinged backdrop of pure reggae soul! Tell Me Tell, complete with politically charged lyrics and a pulsating beat,  is a wonderful reminder of old-school roots. Freedom Time slows things down, but again, Tal Markus' bass is thunderous, complimented with precisely placed horns from the brass section. 
What would a reggae record be without a Hendrix cover? Voodoo Chile has to be the supreme highlight of the record! It's slow, groovin', and simply put...incredible! 
Again, the lyrics/message on tunes like All Over the World, Go Down Moses, and Going to Zion are typical of roots-reggae. Yet, it doesn't feel like you've heard it before. The combination of Gili's delivery, and the incredible musicianship ever-present on the album, makes for a truly unique listen. No One But You is another tune that stands out.  The poignant lyrics "Tell me what your dream is....I hope you don't dream about rage and hate. War is not the answer. Only love can captivate" segues into a choice horn section/bass-thumping outro. Ranking Joe features on the closing track Nah Give Up. He is still on his game, toasting with precision. Close your eyes and you will be transported to another era- 1970's Jamaica, when the reggae-dub movement began sweeping the world. Ranking Joe is at his speedy, tongue-twisting best!
Zvuloon Dub System has produced a wicked debut album! "Freedom Time" shines from beginning to end. They may be "Israel's top reggae band", but rest assured, they are much more than that... They are a group that you need to hear, wherever you are.

Track Listing:
1. Lion of Judah
2. Tell Me Tell Me
3. Good Sensi
4. Freedom Time
5. Voodoo Chile
6. African Drums
7. All Over The World
8. Go Down Moses
9. Going to Zion
10. No One But You
11. Nah Give Up featuring Ranking Joe

Friday, May 11, 2012

Mr. Vegas Set To Release Double-Disc Album "Sweet Jamaica" May 29th


2012 is a milestone year not only for Jamaica, which celebrates 50 years of independence, but also for international Jamaican reggae dancehall artist Clifford Smith, aka Mr Vegas (“Bruk It Down”, “Gallis”, “I Am Blessed”, "Heads High", “Hot Wuk”). In the spirit of togetherness, Mr Vegas’s new album, ‘Sweet Jamaica’, set to release May 29th in digital and hard copy, unites reggae and dancehall in an unprecedented double-disc set. From 15 tracks of real roots reggae to 16 more of electrifying dancehall, ‘Sweet Jamaica’ is not only a complete listening experience, it’s a visual one too, just check the cover and album art done in retro event poster style. Including guest spots by Grammy winner Shaggy, roots standard bearer Luciano, the 'General' Josie Wales, Nadine Sutherland, sax maestro Dean Fraser and pop sensation Jovi Rockwell, the album presents a seamless mix of up-to-the-time dancehall (“Bruk It Down” - #1 on MTV Base chart, #1 in Jamaica, #1 on BBC 1 Extra in the UK) foundation one drop hits and unreleased original interpretations of reggae classics (“Sweet & Dandy”, “You’ve Made Me So Very Happy” and more). Backed by crucial production from Mikey Bennett, Sly & Robbie, Steelie & Clevie, Adde, not to mention the mixing and mastering skills of Rohan Dwyer, ‘Sweet Jamaica’ is ready to simultaneously satisfy the most discerning tastes of reggae and dancehall as well as world music fans everywhere. ‘Sweet Jamaica’ is the debut release from Vegas’ own label imprint, MV Music and is distributed by VP Records (CD) and INgrooves (digital).

Presenting reggae and dancehall like it’s never been done before, ‘Sweet Jamaica’ will undoubtedly be a milestone. “I want to be around in twenty years,” says Vegas, “and ‘Sweet Jamaica’ is the best way I can think of to put my stamp on the future, one in which real foundation reggae and dancehall both play a part, just like real life”.

Mr. Vegas is a former MOBO award winner, in 2010 was nominated for Soul Train ‘Reggae Artist Year’ and performed at the Soulfusion Soul Train Awards in early 2011 and has performed live on the CBS Morning Show in New York. In 2011, in collaboration with Shellian McBayne, Mr. Vegas initiated the Save Foundation Reggae campaign with a petition appealing to radio disc jockeys to include more reggae pioneers like Alton Ellis, Gregory Issacs, and Cynthia Schloss in their daily playlists. People from as far away as Kenya, Australia, and Qatar have signed the petition. Mr Vegas will be touring extensively though out Europe, the Caribbean Islands and North America summer 2012. “Sweet Jamaica” its a true musical enjoyment for music lovers & dance fans.

SWEET JAMAICA – disc one - Reggae
A Little Love (That’s All I Want From You)
You’ve Made Me So Very Happy
Alive & Well (ft. Lucicano)
Things Ruff
Sweet Jamaica (ft. Shaggy & Josey Wales)
Gimme A Light
Take It Easy
Roses In My Garden
Magical (ft. Nadine Sutherland)
Whenever Your Lonely
Can’t Stop: Love You More Everyday (ft. Jovi Rockwell)
Say Yuh Bad (Johnny You Too Bad)
Sweet & Dandy
Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da
Above The Water

SWEET JAMAICA – disc two – Dancehall
Beautiful Life
Champagne Rosé
Certain Law
Let The Music Play
Bruk It Down
Dancehall Queen
Party Tun Up
Whine For Me Baby (ft. Patrice Roberts)
Call Me
Something About You
Talk Is Cheap
Black & Proud
Honey Girl
Get Ready (Hmmm)
God On My Side
I Am Blessed (Live Version)