One of the most important figures in the history of reggae music is Lee "Scratch" Perry. As a songwriter, a performer and especially a producer, Perry has been at the forefront of reggae music since the late 50’s ska movement. Practically the inventor of both dubs reggae (he produced one of the earliest all-dub albums, Blackboard Jungle, in 1974) and the "scratch" turntable effect used by DJ’s (his production of Charlie Ace’s "Cow Theory Skank" in 1973 became the first recording to use the "scratch" effect), Perry’s studio innovations have influenced not only reggae but also rock, punk, pop and dance music. Yet, at 70 years old, Perry, with his new album "Panic In Babylon" (Narnack) to be released in August 2006, proves to be more relevant than ever.

"Panic In Babylon" originally released in Switzerland and available on CD and vinyl LP, follows on the heels of Perry’s Grammy award for Best Reggae Album. Drenched in Perry’s signature dub-echo style, the album is musically hypnotic with an uncluttered instrumental simplicity. The lyrics explore global fears, political corruption and narrative; with Perry boldly declaring on the title cut "I am the Upsetter."  From the bawdy "Pussy Man" to "Inspector Gadget 2004," Perry leavens his more political and spiritual songs with lyrics that expose his fun, human and instinctual side. The album comes with a bonus disc that features a Dave Sitek/TV on the Radio Remix of the title tracks and a DJ Spooky Remix of "Purity Rock," illustrating Perry’s cross-over appeal and spotlighting hip-hop artists paying back the musical debt they owe Perry.

Encapsulating Perry’s entire long astonishing career is difficult at best. Chronicling his recordings as a solo artist and as the leader of various groups, along with his overflowing catalogue of productions, all released on a myriad of labels, could fill a book.

Perry was born Rainford Hugh Perry in the small town of Kendall, part of the Hanover section of northwest Jamaica on March 28, 1936. A dancer and domino player of renown when he was young, Perry began his musical apprenticeship on the Kingston, Jamaica music scene of the 1950’s as part of Duke Reid’s Trojan sound system. From there he became involved with celebrated producer Coxsone Dodd and his Downbeat sound system. He subsequently worked as an A&R man at Dodd’s influential Studio One, eventually supervising the famed Sunday afternoon auditions held at Dodd’s Orange Street record store. In 1959, Perry cut two singles that launched his career, "Old or New" and the song from which his nickname is derived, "Chicken Scratch." In the early 60’s, Perry’s reputation as a songwriter and producer exploded with recordings for the likes of Delroy Wilson, the Maytals and the Wailers, while he continued to record himself, sometimes under such pseudonyms as King Perry.

In 1966 Perry left Studio One under a cloud of acrimony. He was so upset with Dodd that he wrote a song called "The Upsetter," an attack on Dodd that became the name of Perry’s band the Upsetters. It also became the name of his label and of his Charles Street record store. In 1969 he released "Return To Django," which shot up to number five on the U.K. charts; he followed the success of the song with a highly successful U.K. tour. In 1973 Perry opened his famed Black Ark studios in Washington Gardens, a suburb of Kingston. It was there that Perry’s abilities as a groundbreaking producer became fully formed. Using only a TEAC 4-track recorder (the heads of which he would clean with his t-shirt), a Soundcraft mixing board and an Echoplex tape delay, Perry established himself as reggae’s premier record producer through innovation, alchemy and a mysterious ability to take even the most moribund song and performances and create magic.

In the small, 12-foot studio that was filled with his beloved small rubber balls and thick with ganja smoke, the Perry legend grew and he was the first reggae producer to experiment with drum machines and phasers. Some of the Perry-produced recordings that followed became the seminal releases of 70’s reggae, including Junior Murvin’s "Police and Thieves" (later covered by the Clash), Max Romeo’s "War In Babylon,"and other recordings by the Heptones, Mikey Dread and Augustus Pablo. It was around this time that Chris Blackwell began licensing much of Perry’s output and releasing it on his label Island Records.  From 1977 on, Perry not only worked with Bob Marley on various productions and released perhaps the first 12-inch reggae single, Carlton Jackson’s "History," but he also produced such non-reggae artists as the Clash, John Martyn, Robert Palmer and even Linda McCartney.

In the late 70’s and early 80’s Perry fell on hard times. Island refused to release two of his albums and his studio fell into disrepair. In the summer of 1983, the studio burned to the ground, possibly of arson which forced Perry to relocate, this time to the U.S.A. Soon after he returned to Island Records and relocated once again, moving across the Atlantic to Britain. By the start of the 90’s, he had buried the hatchet with Coxsone Dodd, relocated to the Netherlands, then on to Zurich Switzerland, where he eventually married Swiss millionairess Mirielle Campbell in a Hare Krishna temple. They have two children and the family still lives in Zurich.

In recent years, Perry has continued to work as a songwriter and a producer, but more importantly, he has continued to record himself, making fresh, new music while maintaining his mastery of the recording studio.

Hailing from the Island of St Croix, Midnite is one of the most promising roots reggae bands of the millennium. They are vanguards of conscious reggae who represent the King’s and Queen’s music to the fullness of Jah. Midnite’s profound and innovative lyrics are sincere and deeply rooted to present the other half of the story. Their cd recordings and live performances will have reggae and non-reggae listeners open to the messages they bring.

Lead singer Vaughn Benjamin’s electrifying voice seems an amalgamation of many great voices in reggae-soulful, chanting, edgy. Vaughn’s potent lyrical style and his brother Ron’s exquisite production, keyboard and bass musical directorship form the nucleus of this musical sextet, which includes Christian Molina (drums), Wayne Andreas (keyboards) and Edwin Byron and Edmund Fieulleteau (guitars). Midnite weaves the cultural lyrics of "old school" roots music with modern day experiences to create a unique listening encounter. Reggae - naked and raw is an apt description for Midnite’s musical style, in which they forgo the frills of extensive remixes, overdubbing and other musical refinements.

"Unpolished" is the suitably named title of their debut album which includes such classics as "Don’t Move", "Mama Africa", and "Love the Life You Live". Originally released in 1997, while the band was located in Washington, D.C., this crucial album has recently been made widely available on Rastafaria Recordings.

In 1999, Midnite linked up with Wildchild! Records for their second release "Ras Mek Peace". Incredibly, this album was recorded using only two channels and was mastered without any reverb, filtering, compression or equalization. Songs like "Hieroglyphics", in which graffiti is likened to ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics, showcase the intelligent songwriting that pervades all of Midnite’s works.

Following the release of Ras Mek Peace, Midnite returned to live in St. Croix so that they could work with the local musicians and make recordings at their African Roots Lab without any outside interference. The fruits of these labours can be found on their third album "Jubilees of Zion", which was released on their own independent Afrikan Roots Lab record label. The expansive, hypnotic rhythms continue, alongside the messages of peace, universal brotherhood, and cultural resistance to Babylon.

In 2002, Midnite made their Northern California debut at the 9th Annual Sierra Nevada World Music Festival. The combination of Vaughn’s searing lyrics, raw roots music and the warmth of the sun beating onto the masses at the village stage made for a potent and memorable experience for all who were present. That same month saw the release of Midnite’s fourth album "Seek Knowledge Before Vengeance". Released on the Afrikan Roots Lab record label, this album raises the bar of cultural roots reggae, as we know it today.

Midnite explodes in live performances with sets that often exceed 3 hours. Their vigorous, weighty sound, driven by the punchy bass lines creates a vibe that penetrates straight to the heart. These epic musical communions have earned Midnite an enormous following throughout the roots community. This is especially true in St. Croix, Puerto Rico, France, Brazil, St. Louis, New York, Martha’s Vineyard, Boston, Vermont, Asheville and here on the West Coast where they have toured extensively including another rousing appearance at the 10th Annual Sierra Nevada World Music Festival.

In the fall of 2003, Midnite released their first dub album "Intense Pressure" on the Rastafaria label, which includes some tracks from their prior releases along with some dubs of forthcoming albums.

Midnite has released studio albums "Ainshant Maps" on their Afrikan Roots Lab record label and "Scheme A Things" on the Rastafaria label.

Midnite has also collaborated with I Grade Records for five releases: "Nemozian Rasta", "Assini" "Vijan", "Let Live" & "Jah Grid" Vaughn Benjamin lead singer of Midnite has also released albums under the name Midnite Branch I and collaborations: "Cipheraw", "Geoman", "He Is Jah" "Project III", "Full Cup", Thru & True, Aneed, "Sun’s Of Atom", "New 1000", "Bless Go Roun", "Better World Rasta" and "Infinite Quality" on the Lustre King label.

For the first quarter 0f 2008 Midnite has recently recorded a brand new studio album "Maschaana" & pulled from the vaults a rare never released recording titled "Kayamagon" and a first ever Live to disc CD "Midnite Live" Vol.1, all of these new releases will be available in February 2008 to support the Midnite Winter 2008 Tour.

By breaking all the rules, Midnite is setting a new standard. Armed with a firm foundation in Jah Rastafari, their natural talents, and a strong and uncompromising musical vision, Midnite champions a unique sound that is on the cutting edge of modern roots music.

Groundation has truly become a worldwide movement. Incorporating a unique blend of reggae, jazz, and dub Groundation has created a global community of fans that continues to grow. Their live shows are bursting with energy and improvisation. In the past two years, Groundation has played shows in nineteen countries spanning four continents. Highlights include playing for over 45,000 fans in Morocco, 10,000 people in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and 15,000 during a headlining spot at SummerJam in Germany.

Their 2007 European summer tour took them for the first time to Norway, Denmark, Greece, and finally to the UK where they were welcomed by a sold-out crowd at the Jazz Café in London. In addition, they performed to their growing audience in France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland, Belgium, and Holland. 2007 has also seen tremendous growth for Groundation in the USA. They have played sold out shows up and down the west coast and been greeted with warm receptions in Colorado, Arizona, Utah, and Montana.

Groundation has released five studio albums that are each complex and textured works revealing the full extent of the Groundation sound. With the 2006 release of their newest studio album, Upon the Bridge, they are showing the world where they’ve been and where they’re heading. The album marks the group’s first world-wide release to every continent and has been meet to top reviews in major publications around the world.

Earlier in 2006 Groundation released their first ever dub album, Dub Wars. It was met with impressive reviews including 3 1/2 stars from Rolling Stone Magazine who said, "This collection gives the dub treatment to tracks from the group’s stellar albums Hebron’s Gate and We Free Again, adding a hypnotic resonance to their groove-based songs."

The name ’Groundation’ came from trying to get everyone on the same level so people can talk and feel free to educate each other and learn from each other, and not come from a hierarchy or some type of leveled class situation. Groundation was founded in the fall of 1998 when three long time musicians Marcus Urani, Ryan Newman, and Harrison Stafford came together to form the core of the pioneering sound. They were later joined in 2000 by San Francisco based Jazz trumpeter David Chachere and the North Bay’s Kelsey Howard on trombone. Drummer Paul Spina (Les Claypool, Will Bernard’s Mother Bug) has been with the group since 2001. Harrison Stafford taught one of the only University courses on the History of Reggae Music at Sonoma State University from 1999 to 2001.

Each of Groundation’s albums tells part of the story of humanity and the individual’s journey through life. Just as this story continues to grow and evolve so too does Groundation. Moving forward on a mission to bring great music and energy to the people of the world.

All Content ©2008 Groundation

On October 10, 1977, Joseph Israel was born Joseph Montgomery Fennel in the city of Tulsa, Oklahoma. In Fayetteville, Arkansas Joseph’s father opened a live music venue called "Jose’s Restaurant and Club". Growing up, Joseph could often be found at the club engaging with the many musicians that would perform over the years. Joseph showed a natural calling for music from an early age.

Very much influenced by Bob Marley and the Rastafari way of life, Joseph, at age 14, took his first trip to Jamaica. As a youth, he would travel seven more times to the Island, counseling with Rasta elders such as Ras Bee-Bow of Negril and Bongo Hu-I, the great teacher and herbalist of Montego Bay. As the Rasta Philosophy took root in Joseph, so did long dreadlocks. Israel felt a mystical identity to Jamaica; its people, and their music. Back home Israel became a leading influence among young musicians and formed a band called "Root Kind". Joseph was so inspired by creating music that he organized funding through his school to record at a professional studio.

In 2000 Joseph put together a new band, "Kepha", meaning "The Rock" in Hebrew. They recorded their only release "Redemption Time" live at Crisp Studios in Fayetteville. The 10 track CD featured all original music. The band went on to perform at reggae festivals in the south and Midwest U.S. and shared the stage with reggae legends like Culture, Burning Spear, Itals, and many more. Out of "Kepha", the Lion’s of Israel" was created in 2002 and toured regionally throughout the Rocky Mountain States and the West Coast, where they received radio play and an enthusiastic response from the crowds. Lions of Israel paved the way for Joseph’s career and birthed the name of his production company.

In August 2003, Joseph’s career took a fortuitous shift as he performed acoustically to a packed house for superstar Ziggy Marley on his Dragonfly tour. He connected with members of Ziggy’s band who are some of Jamaica’s greatest musicians. He had the honor of working with Christopher Meredith and Ian "Beezy" Coleman. Together they produced some demo tracks to be released on the Lions of Israel label. In the fall of 2003, Israel connected with Robert Roskind, author of "Rasta Heart" and "Gathering of the Healers". Lions of Israel were invited to join what became a national tour that Roskind was sponsoring with VP recording artist, Abijah. Joseph performed a fiery set each night; sticking mostly to material he had written himself. The tour was a success for both Israel and AbiJah and was an inspiration for things to come. It was from the last show on this tour that the Lions of Israel Live! CD was produced.

At the end of 2003, Joseph put a new team together to join forces with Mikey General for a national tour promoting the General’s latest VP records release Red, Green and Gold. This tour included female backing vocalists Erica Newell who tours with Ziggy Marley and Rochelle Bradshaw who tours with Luciano. Out of this tour came a united effort by each of the members to produce a new song entitled "Universal Love" which appears on Israel’s soon to be released CD.

Joseph returned to Jamaica to produce what many are calling a "Master Piece" album. The production took place in Kingston at Jamaica’s top studios. These studios included Tuff Gong (Bob Marley’s studio), Big Yard (Shaggy’s studio), Buss Out Studios (Chris Meredith’s studio), and Bobby Digital’s studio. Once again Joseph was recording with Jamaica’s 1 musicians which included Chris Meredith on Bass, Earl Chinna Smith (Melchezidic the High Priest) on lead guitar, Dean Fraiser on sax, Ian Beezy Coleman on rhythm guitar, Wilburn Squidley Cole on drums, Paul Scooby Smith ..s, Bubbler, and Paul "Wrong Move" Crossdale on piano, also included in this line up are the harmony vocals of Erica Newell and Rochelle Bradshaw. This culmination of musicians, are comprised of Ziggy Marley and Luciano’s bands. They have united together to form the Jerusalem Band for this new CD entitled Gone are the Days. The music and lyrics of this CD reflect Israel’s deep-rooted knowledge of the Bible.

As the CD was being built, excitement could be felt all around. A high point for Joseph was working with Luciano on the hit single "Ruff Times". This single exploded onto the scene receiving enormous airplay in Jamaica, America, and Europe. In August of 2004, Luciano invited Joseph to join the U.S. tour promoting his new album Serious Times. After the tour Israel returned to Jamaica to further promote the "Ruff Times" single and his soon to be released album. The official single launch was held December 9th at Hope Gardens in Kingston, Jamaica. It was well attended by the press (both journalist and radio dj’s) and a roaring audience.

Word is spreading of this Israelite youth from the U.S. whose music and prophetic message are an inspiration to all. Israel has received many different offers to perform at shows and festivals all over Jamaica. Joseph has performed all over the Island but his biggest appearance was when he joined the stage with Luciano who headlined Rebel Salute (the biggest roots and culture show in Jamaica).

In the summer of 2005, Joseph Israel joined again with Jah Messenjah Productions and the world-famous Luciano for the Jah Words Tour. The tour spanned from coast to coast and touched many reggae hot spots like Sierra Nevada World Music Festival, House of Blues: San Diego, and B.B. King’s Blues Club in N.Y. Joining Joseph on tour will be Erica Newell. Erica has recorded and toured with Ziggy Marely and the Melody Makers since 1985. She is a major force in the group providing sweet and powerful background vocals. Erica has worked with the legendary I-Three (Bob Marely’s background vocal trio), which includes Judy Mowatt, Rita Marely, and Marcia Griffiths. Erica has also worked with Reggae’s prince, Dennis Brown, Damian Marley, and Mikey General. She has performed live with the internationally acclaimed group, U2 and has done studio sessions with the Fugees and The Black Crowes. Erica is coming out with her debut album this year.

Reggae producer/vocalist/songwriter, Causion first enjoyed recording success in 1988 with the single ’African Girl’. It reached the top of the Caribbean charts and gained him a considerable following.  Today this charismatic performer is still bursting with intense emotions. His deep social and conscious lyrics are filled with appealing messages that blends today’s Reggae, soul and pop music with a bit of yesteryear’s.

Now on his third album Stella’s Kids, being released on the Fullwerks Label, this record is already predicted to be a major hit and is poised to take the world by storm.  The album features hit tracks like "Get to Know Jah" and the controversial track "Little Secrets" that have been burning up the airwaves since their release. The album is self-produced with Engineer Extraordinaire Jason Sterling of JasFar Records.

Born Gregory Colin Bailey in the beautiful twin-island nation of Antigua & Barbuda, Causion recalls, "I knew from an early age that I wanted to be a professional artist. I grew up in a family of established musicians and I did not have to reach far for either support or inspiration."

Aside from his family Causion’s biggest passion and biggest joy is his music.  He proclaims "With every album, I try to better myself and whether it is something written by me or not there has to be some message portrayed."

His previous album ’One Life To Live’ released in May 2005 was said to be his best effort to date. It was self-produced with longtime collaborators Hopeton Lindo & Syl Gordon of 321 Strong Records and with the support of well-known engineer Jason Sterling from JasFar Records.

Causion’s first single for the Cellblock label ’Intimidation’ received rave reviews. Reggae Vibes, a European publication, gave it a 4-star rating and wrote, "Causion displays his natural ability to turn the obscure into the obvious. Consider him a musical archer - lyrics powerful, straightforward and to the point."

Causion’s debut album, ’Time Will Tell,’ was released in 1998, the result of his faith, hard work and perseverance. This impressive conscious Reggae album contains 14 captivating tracks. In the artist’s own words, "It’s timeless - something for today and tomorrow."

Over the years, he has toured throughout the US, Canada and the Caribbean with some of Reggae’s best and brightest artists such as: Rita Marley, Third World, Dennis Brown, Freddie McGregor and Judy Mowatt to name a few, giving stellar performance each and every time. He was part of the ’Tribute to Garnet Silk’ tour to the Caribbean along with Lt. Stichie, Merciless and Professor Nuts.  Causion was honored in 1995 as the first Antiguan Reggae artist to perform at Jamaica’s Sumfest, sharing the stage with Buju Banton, Mikey Spice and Mykal Rose among other luminaries.

In 2006 Causion was chosen as the headliner for the Moja Arts Festival an annual event held in Charleston South Carolina were he took the stage to thousands of screaming fans.  In 2007 he performed along with Richie Stephens at the Calgary Reggae Festival one of Canada’s prominent reggae festivals.  Some of the other major events he has performed at are the Bob Marley Music Festival in Washington, DC, the Reggae Cari-Fest NY, Bob Marley Day in Camden, NJ, Cry Freedom Antigua and the Wadadli Music Fest also in Antigua. He took part in the 1996 Mega Youth tour of the Virgin Islands with R&B sensation Monica along with Silk, the Spirit of Unity tour, and a tour of St. Thomas with Worl-A-Girl.

Causion also appeared on Fox’s Good Day NY, as well as performing at numerous well-known clubs in the US, including the Lion’s Den, Nell’s, Tramps, SOB’s, New Music Café, Jam-Rock NY, Main Street, Outback Lodge and Wild Hare.

Now a South Florida native since 1999 Causion appeared at Freddie McGregor’s first ’Reggae Meets Rocksteady’ show in 2001, and in 2002 opened for Beres Hammond at the James L. Knight Center, both in Miami and in 2006 he performed at the South Florida Music Fest, Miami and Unifest, Fort Lauderdale,  

There is no stopping this energetic Artist dubbed Antigua’s Reggae Ambassador, when he is not releasing videos such as "Born to be Dread", "Get to Know Jah" and "Glad you are mine" he is busy working on his video documentary entitled "On the Road with Causion" a realty based program that documents Causion’s journey on the rise to success and is aired in the Caribbean, and is set for release in the USA and Canada.

With a career that continues to take him to new heights of achievement and accomplishment, Causion remains grounded, in his own words "I always pray to the Father to keep my feet grounded and my head out of the clouds regardless of where this journey takes me and to keep me physically, emotionally, spiritually and musically entwined at all times.

There is love for Causion’s and his music the world over and with his New Album Stella’s Kids about to blow each corner of the earth we can’t wait to see what is next from this exciting, talented Artist Causion.

The landscape for the music scene today is as borderless as the World Wide Web. The point of reference one may posses can no longer be determined by place of birth or citizenship. Ekela Dixon was born in Brooklyn in NY and spent her bourgeoning years in Jamaica but it would take for her to move to Queens NY at the age of 13 for her to embark on the road that would eventually lead her to evolve to Kayla Bliss.

Kayla Bliss is a breath of fresh air in this ever-changing music industry. Her sultry vocals stir emotions in us all more so with the edge she chooses to deliver the messages of love or its counterpart of hurt. On tracks like Waitin In Vain a nice revision to the Bob Marley classic or ..s like "That’s not cheating" a song quite a many can relate to or the lead off single ’Loneliness". 

What will truly prove to be a treat and point of admiration for her growing fan base is the eclectic collection of artist that Kayla Bliss draws her inspiration from. Her inspiration ranges from Billy Holiday (who she heard from her neighbors home during her stay in Queens), to the gamut of Reggae and Hip Hop personas throughout her influential years that stimulated her thirst for personal musical expression.

In pursuit of defining her Zen for expression and the realizing of her destiny, young Kayla debut at her elementary school’s presentation of the Wizard of Oz playing the part of Glinda the Good Witch.  During the performance, Kayla unknowingly released her star quality.  She dazzled the audience with her exceptional pitch and mature delivery.  This performance was to be the first of many.

After citing the prodigious potential of their talented daughter, her parents enrolled her in the Brooklyn Youth Chorus Academy where she was given the opportunity to perfect her craft through formal training, including but not limited to musical theory, sight reading, and so on.  It was this experience that created the soothingly tantalizing sounds of Ms. Bliss, as she took techniques synonymous with classical music and applied them to Reggae and R&B, thus creating her unique motif.  The chorus afforded her the opportunity to perform at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall and the famed Cipriani.  These experiences, especially her performance at Cipriani, fueled her to strive to return to those stages in the splendor of her own sure to be illustrious career.

The maturing of Kayla birthed more than a songbird, that is, Kayla Bliss’s exuberance demands an analogy more akin to a spectacular peacock (that can carry a note like a songbird).

The twilight neon of your most off the hook club isn’t enough to obscure Kayla’s shine. Not the one to play damsel in distress, (or thirst as is the game of the day at most bars with the girls), Kayla is more likely to be seen blaring for the bartenders attention while arming her way to bar side just like any other baller crew worth their ice grillz. In fact, she may even send said crew a bottle with the style and persona that only a true confident Femme Fatal can.

At the considerable tender age of 20, one would never assume that Kayla Bliss has experienced as much as she has.  With four (4) tattoos and occasionally bright locks, she has grown to be quite the rebel in more ways than one.  However, and with the similarity in aesthetics aside, don’t mistake Kayla Bliss for a Neo-soul artist.  Although she respects and appreciates the artistic musings of notable artist such as India Arie and Angie Stone, her style is far from a stone’s throw of their particular Images and range.  In fact one would be hard pressed to peg Kayla Bliss. You can catch her at any given outing sporting ensembles at extreme opposites of the spectrum as a fitted cap with timbs, to a regal nightgown worthy of a cat glance from even Ms. Beyoncarter herself.

"I’m not where I want to be yet, but I would be lying if I said I wasn’t happy where I am."  Kayla Bliss has worked with Reggae artist such as Gyptian, Mikey Jarrett, and JD Smooth, just to name a few.  She has been recording at the infamous Son’s Jr. Studio and is also working with producer Faroah Black on her debut album. Her debut album Roads To Bliss is scheduled for early spring (2008) on the No Joke Record Label.  Ms. Bliss has developed a fan base throughout the country and in the Caribbean. Consider this literary offering to Kayla Bliss’s exploding notoriety a warning shot. So although ignorance is bliss, ignorance of Kayla Bliss is a gross disservice to your music collection and simply not a good look.