2006’s Chicago Massive was perhaps a bridge too far for the Drastics, a sprawling two-CD set that, while eminently entertaining, was at times a study in excess. Waiting, in contrast, returns the group to their roots, a sharp, tight set that’s a potent reminder of the band’s power to thrill. Every number within is a fascinating aural journey, with Anthony Abbinanti‘s studio wizardry as crucial to the trip as the Continue reading THE DRASTICS “WAITING” CD (JUMP079)
Tag: REGGAE
THE DRASTICS “CHICAGO MASSIVE” 2xCD / 12″ EP (OUT OF PRINT) – (JUMP076)
THE DRASTCS have set the world a blaze with their unique style of heavy roots dub reggae, taking inspiration from past masters (King Tubby, Lee Scratch Perry, Augustus Pablo) and blending in afro-beat, jazz, hip-hop, dancehall, and R&B. Formed in 2003 from the ashes of rock-steady soulsters The Zvooks, The Drastics quickly made a name for themselves with the release of their 2005 debut album “Premonition”, featuring guest vocalists and musicians from Chicago (Vandell Harris, Prince Gonzalez), Boston (Westbound Train members and Craig Continue reading THE DRASTICS “CHICAGO MASSIVE” 2xCD / 12″ EP (OUT OF PRINT) – (JUMP076)
Various Artists – “Still Standing – North American SKA Uprising” CD (JUMPMEG050)
Don’t call it a “COMEBACK” or “FOURTH WAVE”! Don’t believe what THE MEDIA tells you. SKA never died. Didn’t hear it on the radio much? Did the SKA SECTION disappear from your local store? Music industry CONSPIRACY! They wanted YOU to believe that SKA was a TREND, so they could discard it conveniently when a new “alternative poster-child” came along! If SKA was a TREND – why does it continue to thrive in 2003? Why has it existed since the early 60’s? Why has SKA music become a part of every youth culture across the world? LIES! The music industry has been telling you LIES! And you believed it! You Fool! Continue reading Various Artists – “Still Standing – North American SKA Uprising” CD (JUMPMEG050)
LADY ANN “Bad Gyal Inna Dance” LP vinyl / CD {OUT OF PRINT} – (JUMP080)
Barbara Smith, better known as Lady Ann, began sneaking into local dancehall sessions circa 1975-1977, featuring sound systems like Black Harmony and Soulatonie. Lady Ann’s closest musical cohorts in these early days were Little John and Ranking Toyan, but at the same time she was influenced by Clint Eastwood, Ranking Dillinger, Trinity, Barry Brown, and Sugar Minott. Lady Ann began her professional music career in 1978, recording her first songs, Plan Your Family (a combination with Ranking Toyan), as well as Shine Eye Boy, for Don Mais’ Roots Tradition Label. Continue reading LADY ANN “Bad Gyal Inna Dance” LP vinyl / CD {OUT OF PRINT} – (JUMP080)
DR RING DING – “Back and Forth” CD – (JUMP074)
DR RING DING’s began his professional career in 1987 playing trombone with EL BOSSO & DIE PING PONGS, one of Germany’s most famous ska bands. His experience in EL BOSSO lead to his life long love for Jamaican music. By early 1993 he had formed his very own band, DR RING DING & THE SENIOR ALL STARS, and over the next ten years they would release five albums, numerous singles, and two albums backing legendary Jamaican vocalists DOREEN SHAFER and LORD TANANMO. American releases on MOON SKA and JUMP UP helped solidify his fan base in the United States, and soon DR RING DING was enjoying a worldwide audience for his snappy vocal style and tremendous Continue reading DR RING DING – “Back and Forth” CD – (JUMP074)
MR SYMARIP – “The Skinheads Dem a Come” CD – (JUMP072) (OUT OF PRINT)
MR SYMARIP is ROY ELLIS – the legendary voice behind the original skinhead reggae band SYMARIP…and he is back from the moon! Fourteen tracks of classic Jamaican ska and reggae backed by an all star European band! Nothing watered down here – pure skinhead delight! Tight riddims, ruffneck energy, and catchy lyrics that could have been penned during the late 60’s when the skinhead movement was in full swing. That was when the driving beat of reggae was taking Britian by storm, and a little known group by the name of SYMARIP recorded Continue reading MR SYMARIP – “The Skinheads Dem a Come” CD – (JUMP072) (OUT OF PRINT)
DEAL’S GONE BAD – “The Longest Happy Hour” CD – (JUMP069 – OUT OF PRINT)
Deal’s Gone Bad has been many things to many people. Watching numerous waves of ska, rock steady, and reggae music rise and fall before them, this is the band you count on to keep going, despite all the odds, membership changes, trips in and out of substance dependence, marriages, and even the birth of a child. For 11 years, DEAL’S GONE BAD has been the reggae pride of sweet home Chicago, evolving with new personnel and new ideas, but never losing the love Jamaican and American soul music, piracy, and the art of intoxication. Continue reading DEAL’S GONE BAD – “The Longest Happy Hour” CD – (JUMP069 – OUT OF PRINT)
