First Listen: Dubbest – “Better With Words”
There are some bands within the current reggae scene that take a while to grow on you, and there are others that immediately grab hold of people. Dubbest is one of the latter. My… Read More
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Editor’s Note – “The List of Jamaican Living Legends”
Thank you to Carter Van Pelt for his contributions to the Jamaican Living Legends list.
So many of Jamaica’s foundational artist are no longer here on Earth. All too frequently we read that another legendary singer, musician, or producer has passed.… Read More
Roots Record Showcase #4: Jah Frankie Jones – “Satta & Praise Jah”
I Looovvveee this record. I love Frankie Jones! If my experience means anything, his name is one that often rings no bell for even serious reggae heads. Why? Who knows. I’m sick of asking that question to be honest. Maybe he’s no good and I just like bad music.…… Read More
The Black Keys: A Big Record Deal Can Destroy You
Wow. I just watched this. Laughed out loud at 11:34 and wanted to cry at 12:53, thinking about the disparity between an artist who pours their heart and soul into their art, and the kid with a communications degree from Pepperdine who can shelf the project and never let… Read More
We Are Music
Do you ever wonder why we make music? Why are we drawn to sounds? Why does music make us feel the way it does? I think it’s because at our most basic level, we ARE music.
I will explain. First though, a quick refresher.…
Roots Record Showcase #3: The Itals – “Early Recordings: 1971 – 1979”
Rootfire’s “Rare Record Showcase” is a bi-monthly series dedicated to sharing top-quality Jamaican and Jamaican-inspired records of the past, that have heretofore unjustly existed under the radar of all but the most deep-diving music lovers.
I discovered this record late, about 15 years into my reggae obsession.… Read More… Read More
First Listen Double Feature: Cultivated Mind: “No Quarter for Thieves” & “Stashin’ Gold
The American reggae community continues to grow, with talented new artists sprouting up in many communities throughout the United States. California and Florida have always led the pack when it comes to the number of bands and strength of the fanbase, probably due to the… Read More
Editors Note: Common Misuses of the Terms “Ska” and “Rocksteady”
Recently I was hanging out on tour with my friends Jesse Wagner and Roger Rivas, singer/guitarist and organist respectively of L.A. early-reggae group The Aggrolites. We somehow got onto the subject of past interviews we had given, and how frequently in the course of these interviews we had encountered… Read More