REGGAE RUNNINGS -- 2 August 2006

By Jesse I

The biggest news in local reggae this month has come with the closure of the Mercat Cross Hotel, the site of Chant Down's monthly reggae dancehall session "More Fire" for over 5 years. These dances have pretty much been the cornerstone of the Melbourne soundsystem scene over this time, and should be long remembered as some of the wickedest parties in Australian reggae history. While the Mercat closure brings an end of an era, a new chapter now begins, as Chant Down move to a new home at Brown Alley (corner Lonsdale and King St, City). More Fire #61 will now take place on August 19; residents Ras Crucial and I being joined by special international guest DJ/MC Smo (from Berlin's top-ranking Bam Bam Sound), plus A13, Andy Ites, Bellyas, and Australia's number one ragga MC Damajah performing a special showcase set.

August/September also brings 3 new reggae sessions to the local landscape. Jah Creations is a new night being put on by artist Ming Neal, combining visual artwork by himself, Anarchy, and Sara Jane Sadaka, plus sounds from DJs Twist, Binghi Fire, X Rated, Redbelly, and Sista Itations. Jah Creations takes place on Saturday 5th August at Don't Tell Tom Bar (420 Sydney Rd , Brunswick). Entry is by gold coin donation.

Spring Inna Our Step is a new chilled Sunday session kicking off on August 13 at Drifters Alibi (corner Bay and Crockford St, Port Melbourne). 5-piece reggae/funk group Jarrow will be leading proceedings, along with DJs Stick Mareebo, Nightnurse, and Daylesford's Unity Sound System. Entry is $5, and the vibes kick off early at 4pm.

Tafari Dance Massive takes place on September 2nd at Acemorning (791 Sydney Rd , Brunswick) promising 100% roots selection. Alongside residents Dreadbeard and Twist will be guests Ras Crucial, Bellyas, Troublemaker, Toola, and I. Entry $5.

Meanwhile, don't forget the weekly sessions... Burning New is still happening every Thursday at First Floor with Flavio and guests, while DJ Delay presents Forward The Bass on Mondays at Horse Bazzar (upcoming guests including Humdrum, Yo Rudy, and Tomo from Japan's Redemption Sound).

Looking at new vinyl releases from the last month, once again it's all about new roots. The Fyah riddim on Yellow Moon is a very nice live-band production (featuring harmonica no less!) with great cuts from Jah Mason, Norris Man, Richie Spice, and Luciano among others. The Gibbo label has been working hard to match the success of 2004's massive Hard Times riddim, and while they've fallen short of the mark with subsequent efforts, they come close with their latest production Wash Belly. It's another deep-roots stepper, this time with wicked vocals from Morgan Heritage, Ginjah, Sizzla, Capleton, and a surprisingly good anti-gun contribution from hardcore-dancehall regular Elephant Man. Hype on Strictly Roots is a small run on a slow dubby number, Natty King shining on the down-tempo Rasta A Rage while Lutan Fyah sings of relationship troubles on Hype Time, and Gregory Isaacs returns with Counterfeit Love. Big Boss on Secky Wonder is another short run, but worth it just for Jah Mason's Change Your Ways, and Lutan Fyah's wicked Too Blessed To Be Stressed.

New dancehall riddims of note include two new efforts from Don Corleon, the Foundation and the High Altitude (look for the Sean Paul & Rhianna combination tune on commercial radio in a year or so!), Dem Time Deh on Young Legends, and the interesting Pit Bull on Dawg House.

While on the subject of new releases, mention must be made of PBS FM's new dub CD "Melbourne Yard". Compiled by Derek Marr (host of Heartical 8-10pm Sundays) the disc is a testament to the talent we have right here in Melbourne, as it features 100% local productions - including the likes of the Red Eyes, Mr Savona, Agency Dub Collective, Melatonin, Secret Masters, and more. At this stage, the CD is only available with new PBS memberships, so support the station and dip your toes into the local dub pool at the same time.

Also worth a listen is Sizzla's latest CD release Waterhouse Redemption (Greensleeves records) produced by King Jammy. More rootsy than other recent Sizzla releases, it's no coincidence that this is his best in some time - it's not quite up there with 2003's Da Real Thing let alone his golden-era of the mid/late 90s, but this is a refreshing release from one of Jamaica 's most talented but inconsistent artists.