DA POWER HOUSE RADIO

Rocksteady pioneer Nerlin Taitt dead

Howard Campbell, Gleaner Writer

Taitt

Nerlin ‘Lynn’ Taitt, the Trinidadian guitarist many musicologists credit with the birth of rocksteady, has died. The WACK 90.1 radio station in Trinidad reported on its website that he passed away at age 75 on Wednesday in Montreal, Canada.

No cause of death was given.

Taitt, who was born in Trinidad’s San Fernando region, emigrated to Canada in 1968. He first came to Jamaica in August 1963 as a musician to play in celebrations to mark Jamaica’s first year of Independence from Britain.

He became a regular session player in Jamaica during the ska era, recording with the genre’s biggest acts including The Skatalites and Derrick Morgan.

But it was the rocksteady sound that Taitt is most associated. He perfected that beat by playing in influential bands such as The Cavaliers, Comets and The Jets, which was the most prolific.

His bandmates in The Jets included guitarist Lynford ‘Hux’ Brown, keyboardists Gladstone Anderson and Winston Wright and saxophonist Headley Bennett.

Among the many hits Taitt played on was Take It Easy by Hopeton Lewis, which many argue is the first rocksteady song. He also worked on Girl I’ve Got a Date by Alton Ellis.

musicians

Taitt recorded with Jamaica’s biggest producers of the 1960s, including arch-rivals Clement ‘Coxsone’ Dodd and Arthur ‘Duke’ Reid, Bunny Lee, Sonia Pottinger and Leslie Kong.

Some of Taitt’s most appreciated work was done with Kong, a Chinese-Jamaican who was the first person to record Bob Marley. Taitt played on most hit songs by singer Desmond Dekker, Kong’s star act.

His jangly opening riffs helped make Dekker’s 007 (Shantytown) a classic.

Taitt also recorded several songs with African-American impresario Danny Sims and singer Johnny Nash.

In the 1970s, Taitt was part of a colony of rocksteady musicians living in Toronto. Others included Leroy Sibbles of The Heptones, and keyboardist Jackie Mittoo who Taitt worked with in The Skatalites.

Audrey Reid back to her roots

“One more dictionary! Unu see how me haffi buy one more dictionary fi me son? I don’t know why him caan stop lose tings!” This is the greeting from Audrey Reid, dictionary in hand, as she hurriedly alights her SUV, in an attempt to make up for lost time. The star of stage and screen is not typically late for appointments but this morning a meeting with her son’s teacher has delayed her arrival. Those who know her would not be surprised. Reid is a very committed mother of three, a fact which is underscored by her decision to join the cast of Passa Passa Daily, the latest comedic offering from Stages Productions. “I had other offers on the table but that would mean extended time away from my children. Passa Passa Daily presented an opportunity to remain at the top of my game while taking care of my family, so it was a win-win situation,” offers Reid.

Popularly known for her role as Marcia in the film Dancehall Queen, she reminds us that this is a minute fraction of her work having showcased most of her craft overseas, particularly in England. Her impressive repertoire includes Shakespeare, melodramatic and religious-themed productions and now having started her career in roots, she is excited to be back. “Establishing my own style has been central to ensuring my longevity as an actor. Audiences can expect me to be unpredictable but at the same time they know that I am going to be true to the character, nothing watered down. If I don’t think I can do justice to a role, I don’t do it. I ensure that even the costumes make a statement about my character”, says Reid.

This time around she takes on the role of Bibsy whom she describes as colourful, mouthy, cantankerous, inquisitive, coarse, a big “set-on”, even while being one of the biggest cowards in the community. Bibsy is the ‘out-a-road’ correspondent for Chu Chu (Cleve Warren) who is trying to establish herself as a reporter for the newspaper Passa Passa Daily. Bibsy manages to get her new employer Chu Chu in a world of trouble. They are both a match made in…well, definitely not heaven. Garfield ‘Bad Bwoy Trevor’ Reid, director of the production, is happy to have the star on board. “Audrey has excellent command of the stage and the ability to manipulate the audience without even saying a word. I articulate my vision and she’s good to go, it just happens. It’s a riot to see her teamed with Chu Chu.”

Written by Everton Dawkins, Passa Passa Daily is the third instalment of the highly successful Passa Passa series and places Reid in a cast including season favourites Chu Chu, Pearl (Suzette Barrett) and Officer Roy Lickshot (Stede ‘Jooky Jam’ Flash). The cast is completed by seasoned actors Orville Hall (Nyah), Patrick Smith (Mayor Blackwood), Felisha Lord (Darling), Luke Ellington (Stylish) and newcomer Evelyn ‘Carnival Mumma’ Forbes (Icilda). Passa Passa Daily opens on Friday, February 5, 2010 at the Green Gables Theatre.

CHERINE
MAKES JAZZ FEST DEBUT
Dancehall Soulstress to share stage with Babyface, Joss Stone and more…

She’s passionate, soulful, empowering and full of youthful positive vibes. Dancehall Soulstress Cherine Anderson, arguably the busiest  and one of the most talented young female Jamaican singers today,  is set to grace the mainstage of Jamaica Jazz and Blues festival on Thursday, January 28, at The Greenfield stadium in Trelawny.  Anderson will perform alongside Babyface, The Whispers, Joss Stone, Monty Alexander and Joe Roy Jackson.

A musical breath of fresh air, the young artist hails from the tough streets of East Kingston, Jamaica, and has spent the last two years building a reputation of hard-hitting songs and captivating live performances.  Cherine became familiar to Jamaican audiences first as an acclaimed child actress, having starred in two of Jamaica’s most successful films, Dancehall Queen and One Love.  She has been nominated for multiple awards and was named Best Actress in a feature by MTV2 for the film One Love.

Movies aside, the singer/songwriter’s debut recording “Good Love” appeared on Sly & Robbie’s Grammy Award nominated album Anniversary.  Media and reggae music lovers both at home and abroad quickly took notice of Anderson’s powerful voice .  She has been steadily rising with local hits like “Coming Over Tonight”, “Kingston State of Mind”, “Good Love” and more recently “Talk if Yuh Talking” and “Shine On Jamaica”.

When asked what we can expect from her performance on Jazz, she responds, “Come out and expect to have a good time. There is a lot going on in the world right now so this performance is more than just entertainment, it’s for a cause.  Jazz & Blues has decided to donate to Haiti’s Earthquake Relief, and I’m gonna give it my everything.  I’ll be performing  something extra special for my supporters and those who will be seeing me for the first time.”

Last year was a big year for Anderson.  She performed at three events celebrating the inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama in Washington DC (The Green Ball, The Peace Ball, Rock the Vote/Calvin Klein inaugural party), as well as the World Games Special Olympics in Idaho, USA. In August 2009, Cherine made history by becoming the first Jamaican female singer to hit the Billboard Rock charts.  She is credited as a featured performer on Michael Franti and Spearhead’s “Say Hey (I Love You)” single.  The song peaked at #1 on Billboard Heatseekers charts as well as iTunes Alternative Charts.  “Say Hey (I Love You)” also reached #18 on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts, and simultaneously registered on six other Billboard charts (Digital Songs, Pop Song, Adult Contemporary, Adult Pop Songs and the Radio Songs charts).

Only in her twenties, Anderson has already collaborated on official remixes with legendary artists including Madonna, Sir Paul McCartney, Britney Spears and Wyclef Jean, all before releasing her much anticipated debut album, which is scheduled to be released in 2010.  Anderson spent last year touring Europe, Australia and North American with drum and bass legendary duo Sly & Robbie, the prolific Michael Franti & Spearhead and multi-platinum rock band Counting Crows.  She also made her US television debut with Spearhead, appearing on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson and recently performed live on the Ellen Degeneres Show.

Tyrical Gives Exciting Performance At Pepsi Rebel Salute

Fast rising deejay Tyrical who has been nominated by the Excellence in Music and Entertainment Awards in the Break through Artist of the Year category, gave a delightful performance at the just concluded Pepsi Rebel Salute which was held on Saturday night. Clad in a yellow outfit Tyrical came on stage sometime after 10:PM singing his big hit tune Want My Own, which immediately drew a very positive response from the large audience.

The very creative deejay showed off his versatility by performing a reworked version of Reggae King Bob Marley’s classic No Woman Nuh Cry, entitled No Haiti No Cry. His passionate tribute to the people of the earthquake stricken country was all also a winner with the audience. He closed out his short but entertaining set with Ghetto Prayer and World Lock.

Tyrical is currently enjoying good rotation on radio stations both locally and abroad with new singles such as Want Mi, Too Close, War Inna Reggae and Bless Mi Soul.

Protoje Collaborates With Don Corleon

2010 is shaping up to be an explosive year for talented new reggae artist Protoje, who is looking to take his career to new heights under the guidance of his cousin Donovan ‘Don Corleon’ Bennett. Since he began working with the topflight record producer last December he has been writing and recording a number of tracks to complete his upcoming album The Seven Year Itch. The first fruit of this wonderful collaboration is a haunting reggae track titled Dread which has been getting heavy radio play both locally and abroad since its release two weeks ago. Dread has been endorsed by the likes of top jocks such ZJ Liquid (ZIP FM), ZJ Elektra (ZIP FM) and DJ Wayne (IRIE FM) among others.

“A Don Corleon production will be very good to build on my current momentum,” said Protoje, whose given name is Oje Ollivierre.

“Dread was the one,” explained Corleon as he recalls listening to a selection of his kin’s tracks one day in his studio. After being told that the tune had been recorded and remixed on three separate occasions without the desired outcome, the prolific hit making producer decided it was time for proper execution. The first verse begins with a reminiscent reference to the recently arrested Buju Banton (“hockey jersey inna heat, Patrick Ewings on the feet / Buju Banton on the beat, uunu ‘member dat! / ’92 December dat!”), a mere coincidence since Protoje wrote the song a long time ago.

Don had been following Protoje’s music for much longer than most in the industry but wanted to give the artiste more time to grow and develop as a vocalist and a songwriter. However after watching Protoje perform at the Seven Year Wish concert last December at Weekenz Don was thoroughly impressed. Protoje who was the headline act for the event which was staged by his record label and management company House Of Diggy, had delivered a very exciting performance that left everyone in the venue in awe. Dread was among the songs he performed and Don was there to witness it up close.

Since then, industry insiders have been implying – indeed expecting – that Protoje is destined for international stardom. This has lead many to wonder why it took Don Corleon so long to collaborate with the artiste given the blood connection.

“Not because he’s my cousin means I was going to just give him a buss in the business. He had to prove himself first,” said Don. “Now his writing is better and his vocals have improved tremendously.” “He is indeed ready for the big break now.”

Timmi Burrell Scores His First Number One

After several weeks on the RETV MVP video charts Westside Konnection Records recording artist Timmi Burrell has finally jumped into the number one spot with his music video for his self produced single, titled Why Did You Leave. The Negril based artist and his management team is very happy about the response the video has received since it was released late last year. The music video is also receiving good rotation on other television stations such as HYPE TV, CVM, CVM PLUS and NTV.

“I am very happy that my video is number one right now on RETV.” “It’s my first of many to come, I am looking for great success this year and the year is young”, said the artist whose real name is Clive Timothy Burrell.

Timmy Burrell is also booked to appear on this year’s staging of the Miss Beaches Sand Bay beauty pageant. This event will be held at the Kool Runnings Water Park in Negril on Saturday the 30^th of January.

Richie Spice Wows Negril Escape crowd

Written by TORI SHAE

An overwhelming amount of patrons came out to see topflight reggae artist Richie Spice in performance on Tuesday the 19th of January at the Negril Escape Resort. The event was the weekly Negril One Love Reggae concert series, which is proving to be quite a hit amongst music lovers in the western end of the island. On Tuesday night Richie Spice delivered that could possibly be the performance of the series, which has had some very memorable performances so far from the likes of Sanchez, Tarrus, Riley, Jah Cure, Chaka Demus and Pliers, Etana, Freddie McGregor and Queen Ifrica. Dressed causally in a white T shirt, Blue Jeans, Sneakers and a white Turban Richie Spice entered the stage to thunderous applause at 11PM. However his performance was far from casual as the prolific hit maker delivered a very potent performance that lasted over an hour long. The audience was in a tizzy as Spice reeled of hits such as What A Day, Blood Again, Earth A Run Red, Black Like A Tar, Brown Skin, Grooving, Ghetto Girl, Street Life, A No Me Dat, Don’t Call Me No Dog, Marijuana Pon Di Corner, World Is A Cycle, Plain Land and Kings & Queen. Even after his encore the fans were begging for more. The opening acts were Ali C and Singing Honor who both did very well. Richie Spice’s younger brother Snatcha who was not officially billed for show also delivered a well received performance.

source: entertainment by Rallo, one876entertainment.com, jamaicagleaner.com, jamaicaobserver.com

Join Lady D today 12-3pm live on WWW.DAPOWERHOUSERADIO.COM, WIGO 1570AM in  Atlanta, ENERGY 101.5FM in Hartford, CT & Springfield, MA For THE LADY D SHOW.  Today Guest, SPANNER BANNER, MACKIE CONSCIOUS, SPORTS WITH PREACHER, ENTERTAINMENT WITH RALLO, THE BEST CARIBBEAN MUSIC, UP & COMING ARTIST.  Join LADY D and remember “YOU MISS A LITTLE, YOU MISS A LOT”.

JOIN RINGO WITH A LITTLE OF THIS AND THAT EVERY SUNDAY 7PM UNTIL RINGO SAYS WHEN

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SPANNER BANNER

Joseph Anthony Bonner popularly known as Spanner Banner was born in Rock Hall, St. Andrew. He is the eighth of eleven children for his mother Violet Bonner. He grew up in Rock Hall St Andrew with his parents and siblings, several of whom are also musically inclined. He is a member of the talented Bonner brothers which includes Pliers (of Chaka Demus & Pliers fame), Richie Spice and Snatcha. While growing up music was always a part of his life, the music of such greats as Bob Marley, Jacob Miller & Gregory Issacs were the sound track to his childhood days.

Spanner Banner confirmed his musical intentions at a tender age when he sang at an event in his community and received great responses from the audience. Hence his decision to pursue a career in music was not a very difficult choice. He recorded his very first single Life Goes On, while still in his teens in 1988 for legendary Jamaican record producer, Winston Riley. This song dominated reggae charts locally and internationally placing the name Spanner Banner on the lips of music lovers worldwide. He proved that this was no fluke by quickly reeling out successive hit songs such as, Live & Learn, Michelle & Tease Me which reached top of the British pop charts in the 1990s after it was re-recorded by Chaka Demus & Pliers.

This new found success opened up many doors for Spanner Banner in the music biz and pretty soon he was being sought to record for several other topflight producers such as King Jammys, Donovan Germaine, Bobby Digital and Philip Burrell. In 1993 Spanner Banner signed a contract with Island Records and collaborated with famed Jamaican record musicians/producers Sly & Robby to record an album titled Chill for Island. This album cemented his reputation as a as a top class reggae singer both locally and internationally. It spawned several hit singles such as Cheater, Universal Love, You Gotta Be, What We Need is Love & the title track Chill. Spanner Banner supported the release of Chill with successful tours of Europe, The United States, Africa and Great Britain this resulted in a great amount of international exposure for him.

In 1997, Spanner Banner started his own label Sweet Angel Productions and showcased his production skills on his Lovers Story album. This album spawned hits such as Ladies Night (featuring Sean Paul) & Tears In The Rain. His subsequent album Real Love was released by Heart Beat Records in 2001 to much acclaim overseas. Twin Brothers Records later released his next album titled Spanner Banner’s Greatest Hits in 2002, which covered over a decade of his past hits and included new songs as well. He has also recorded albums for several top class producers such as King Jammys and Clive Hunt.

In 2001 Spanner Banner moved to live in England where worked mainly as a song-writer for the Indian girl group Freedom Angels. While in the UK he also did several recording projects, as well as performances in the UK & Europe. One of his most notable projects while in England was a remix of his cover of Kool & The Gang’s Ladies Night which also featured Sean Paul. The remix featured Spanner Banner, Sean Paul & Kool & The Gang for the legendary American group’s tribute album.

Spanner Banner returned to Jamaica in 2004 and began to work with Fifth Element Records. During his stint with Fifth Element he did extensive tours of the United States as well as shows throughout the Caribbean with Richie Spice and the Fifth Element family. On the local scene he performed at major events including Reggae Sumfest, East Fest, Rebel Salute, All Spice Culture in the Hills and St. Mary Mi Come From.

After nearly two decades Spanner Banner’s music is still as potent as when he stormed onto the scene in 1998. His recently released full length project I’m A Winner, is proof of this as it is laden with musical gems such as Rolling Stones, Solid As A Rock, One Love, She Groove Me & the title track I’m A Winner. The album was produced by his management and production company Bonner Cornerstone Music, along with producers such as Don Carleone, Donovan Germaine, Kemar ‘Flava’ McGregor & Revolutionary Entertainment. The album is being distributed by Bonner Corner Stone music, VP Records, Zojak Worldwide and Tads Records International.

MACKIE CONSCIOUS

MACKIE CONSCIOUS, the singer, songwriter and musician was christened Dennis McKay.Born A Libran in Montego Bay Jamaica WI, The Reggae Capital of the world, In 1997 Mackie had a dream of Bob Marley who told him he would have him writing his songs. By the year 2000, Mackie Conscious made the first of his six annual appearance on the biggest international music festival Reggae Sumfest.. By 2001-2002 he did his first overseas assignment, “A Tribute To New York” (following the 9/11 Massacre) in Florida. He became a household name judging by the frequent requests for interviews by most print, visual and audio media with the release of the thought-provoking song, “What If” (ensued by a music video) which went to number 18 on the Jamaica Top 40 Chart. This won him The JFM award for Best Recording Artiste 2001. From then on the artiste scored big with hits like “Cell phone On His Hip”, “The World Is In Trouble”, “Who Is Your Friend”, “More Reality”, a cover version of the Jacob Miller classic “Discipline Child” “ Should I run”, “Cant be a king and no royal”, and most recently “Lucky Mi nuh Lucky. Mackie who many of his fans cite as the next Bob Marley (in terms of message music) has performed for many celebrities like Louis Farrakhan, Patti La Belle, Cheryl Lee-Ralph, Jah Rule – among the more popular names. This dreadlocks entertainer has made a statement on major stage-shows sharing the spotlight with the blockbusters. In 2006 Mackie did the Air Jamaica jazz and blues Festival sharing stage with Air Supply. James Ingram Among other big names www.mackieconscious.com, –dennisdon@yahoo.com mackieconscious@yahoo.com USA 1413-306-4568/876-385-0389

Rihanna - “Every woman should have naked pictures taken”

In recent months, Rihanna has been in the headlines for her lack of clothing nearly as much as her music.

Just weeks after declaring ‘every woman should have naked pictures taken’, the 21-year-old has peeled off again for a revealing new photoshoot.

In stunning black and white images for the new issue of American magazine W, Rihanna goes topless as she talks about her recovery from her difficult 2009.

The topless shots, taken from the side and behind, give Rihanna the opportunity to show off her extended tattoo collection.

The star has a series of stars on the nape of her neck, a gun under her armpit and a tribal pattern on her right hand.

In the accompanying interview, the Bajan singer admitted recording her latest album Rated R proved a therapeutic experience, with many of her songs being inspired by her break-up from Chris Brown after he assaulted her.

Buju Banton Reaches Out to Haiti

Even though Buju Banton has problem of his own he yesterday announced that he will be lending a helping hand to the people of Haiti.

According to information reaching OutAroad.com the incarcerated reggae superstar Buju Banton has pledged to donate US1000 along with clothing and other necessary items.

Chi Ching Ching Engaged to UK Girl

By Secret Agent
OutAroad.com Writer

Dancer turned deejay Chi Ching Ching and is wife to be Sabrina Downes were very much the spotlight on Face Book after announcing their engagement via their FaceBook profiles.

Sabrina who’s a native of Jamaica but now lives in the UK has been involved with the pop deejay for several years now and has been the back-bone of Chi Ching Ching’s fast rising career for which she also plays the role of being his manager.

It’s not confirmed as yet if the wedding will take place in Jamaica or the UK but OutAroad.com will keep you posted.

Apart from that Chi Ching Ching has been rocking the street dances and local TV stations with the Skip To Ma Lue anthem Skippin Feelin which is done in collaboration with Media House Production recording artiste Tiana.

The video for Skippin Feelin has spent three weeks in the #1 spot on RETV MVP chart and the single is currently at #16 on the OutAroad.com Top 20 Hot Singles Chart while it continues to bubble on the Hype TV Chart.

Barrington Levy drops video for No War & sends Condolences to Haiti

International reggae singer Barrington Levy and the Platinum Camp Productions family extend their deepest sympathies to the people of Haiti in their time of despair.

Please remember to text Haiti 90999 to donate $10.00 to the Red Cross or text Yele 501501 to donate $5.00 to Wyclef Haiti fund.

Mr Levy releases his new video ‘No War’ at this critical hour and the message in the music calls for everyone to unite as we are all one family, if one of us hurt then all of us hurt.

The video features cameos from Ninja Man, Louie Rankin, Wayne Wonder amongst others.

New Tune With Stacious and Mavado

Jay-Z Shocked By Eminem’s Bulletproof Vest

Hip-hop superstar Jay-Z was shocked to discover his friend Eminem wears a bulletproof vest - insisting he feels sorry for the rapper because there is a “dark cloud” hanging over him.

Jay-Z teamed up with Eminem in the studio in 2003, a year after the Stan hitmaker released his highly-acclaimed record The Eminem Show.

The Big Pimpin’ star admits he felt body armour under his pal’s clotheswhen he gave him a hug - and he realised the extent of Eminem’s problems.

He tells Interview magazine, “I never even told him this, but I remember that Eminem came into the studio when we made Moment of Clarity, which he produced, on The Black Album. So here’s Eminem. It’s 2003, he was, like, the biggest rapper in the world - he sold, like, 20 million records worldwide or some ridiculous number.

It’s 2003, he was, like, the biggest rapper in the world - he sold, like, 20 million records worldwide or some ridiculous number

“But when he came to the studio, I remember I hugged him and I could feel that he had on a bulletproof vest. I couldn’t imagine being that successful. I mean, he’s a guy who loves rap and wanted to be successful his whole career.

Then he finally gets it, and there’s this dark cloud over him. He has to be afraid to walk around New York freely. I was like, ‘Here it is.

You’ve gotten everything you wanted, and now you’re a prisoner of your own fame.’ That’s sad to me - that you have to walk around in a bulletproof vest after you’ve sold 20 million records. I found it sad”.

Fugees Consider Reunion to Benefit Haiti

Rapper Pras is considering reuniting the Fugees for a special benefit concert to raise money for earthquake-devastated Haiti.The star - who has Haitian roots - previously poured scorn on the chances of the Killing Me Softly hitmakers getting back together, insisting the group was “straight dead.”

That’s the only reason I would think about doing anything on that level.

But he’s hoping to convince ex-bandmates Wyclef Jean and Lauryn Hill to put aside their differences for the one-off show in aid of those affected by the massive tremor.

He says, “That’s the only reason I would think about doing anything on that level.”Pras has also criticised the government officials in the poverty-stricken country for failing to take precautions before the disaster struck.He tells Yo! Raps, “There’s no communication down there. My mother told me this morning that she still has her mother’s brothers and sister, who I’ve never met, who are still down in Haiti.”This is definitely the worst and that’s why the donations are cool, the relief aid is immediate short term, but the nation’s government has to be held accountable for not using the hundreds of millions it has received in aid over the years to build up the poor infrastructure and crumbling hospitals to treat the many wounded and gravely injured.”

Lewis Left Shaken After Police Chase

Leona Lewis was left fearing for her life when she was stopped by armed police following a frightening car chase on Tuesday (12Jan10).

The Bleeding Love singer and her entourage were on their way to catch a flight at Los Angeles International Airport when a high-speed chase stopped suddenly in front of their vehicle, and two armed men began running towards Lewis’ car.

Armed cops, who had been in hot pursuit, captured them

Lewis’ security shielded the star, but her manager, Nicola Carson, was thrown to the ground by cops during the ordeal, according to Britain’s The Sun newspaper.

A source tells tells the publication, “Two men brandishing guns jumped out of their car, right next to Leona’s. Armed cops, who had been in hot pursuit, captured them. But in the chaos bystanders were also sent flying.

“Leona had been locked in her car by her security team and had to watch as her manager Nicola Carson was thrown on to the floor. They were both shaken. For Leona it brought back memories of last year’s fan attack in London”.

The pop star was left terrified after she was punched in the face during a London booksigning for fans in October (09).

source: outaroad.com, one876entertainment.com, femalefirstco.uk,