Category Archives: Caribbean

VERY BE CAREFUL-DAISY’S BEAUTY SALON.

Very Be Careful-Daisy’s Beauty Salon. Label: Downtown Pijao and Steadybeat Records. Release Date: ‘20h’ July 2018. For over twenty years, Los Angeles-based vallenato veterans Very Be Careful have been playing their unique brand of music everywhere from bars, clubs and sports arenas to festivals in Britain, America and Japan. That is where many people heard Very Be Careful …

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DISQUES DEBS INTERNATIONAL VOLUME 1.

Disques Debs International Volume 1. Label: Strut. Release Date: ‘29th’ July 2018. Compilation Of The Week. Nowadays, Disques Debs International which was founded by Henri Debs in  Guadeloupe, in the late-fifties, is regarded by many connoisseurs as the one of the best, if not greatest of all French Caribbean labels. That is high praise, given …

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NICKODEMUS-A LONG ENGAGEMENT.

Nickodemus-A Long Engagement. Label: Wonderwheel Recordings. Brooklyn-based producer Brian J Nickodemus Nickodemus was only fourteen when he made his DJ-ing debut behind the wheels of steel, and just like many before him, he was hooked. Soon, he was playing out on a regular basis and throwing his parties where he played everything from hip hop …

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THE SOULJAZZ ORCHESTRA-UNDER BURNING SKIES.

The Souljazz Orchestra-Under Burning Skies. Label: Strut Records When The Souljazz Orchestra was founded in Ottawa, Canada, in 2002 none of its members had any idea where they would or what they would be doing in fifteen years time. They didn’t even know if The Souljazz Orchestra would still be together? The Souljazz Orchestra could’ve …

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THE SOULJAZZ ORCHESTRA-RESISTANCE.

THE SOULJAZZ ORCHESTRA-RESISTANCE. It’s ten years since The Souljazz Orchestra released their debut album Uprooted in 2005. However, The Souljazz Orchestra were no strangers to the Canadian music scene.  They came to prominence two years after a new millennia dawned. Since 2002, The Souljazz Orchestra have been showcasing their inimitable sound. Back then, The Souljazz …

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THE BEST NEW ALBUMS OF 2012-PART 1.

THE BEST NEW ALBUMS OF 2012-PART 1. It’s always at this time of year, that lists of what have been the best albums of the year are released. Not to be outdone, I’ve been compiling my lists too. So far, I’ve compiled lists of the best box sets, compilations and reissues. The one I’ve been …

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DIABLOS DEL RITMO-THE COLOMBIAN MELTING POT 1960-1985.

DIABLOS DEL RITMO-THE COLOMBIAN MELTING POT 1960-1985. Often when I review albums, I’m often frustrated by the lack of sleeve-notes. I like to read about how an album or compilation was made, the inspiration behind it and any backstory. Some albums are better than others, offering detailed and accurate sleeve-notes. Then there’s albums where there …

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SYREETA-ONE TO ONE.

SYREETA-ONE TO ONE. Mention the name Syreeta, and somewhat predictably, most people remember her as being married to Stevie Wonder. That, however, is doing Syreeta a huge disservice. Not only did Syreeta play a huge role in transforming Stevie Wonder’s career, writing and appearing on his albums, but enjoyed a successful solo career. Their marriage …

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THE BEST OF BBE 2012.

THE BEST OF BBE 2012. Probably one of the most difficult jobs in music came when BBE Music decided to compile their latest digital release, The Best of BBE 2012 which will be released on 3rd December 2012. After all, BBE Music have been on something of a roll during 2012. That’s something of an …

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THE SOULJAZZ ORCHESTRA-SOLIDARITY.

THE SOULJAZZ ORCHESTRA-SOLIDARITY. When The Souljazz Orchestra released their acoustic album Rising Sun in 2101, it was to widespread critical acclaim. Now two years later, The Souljazz Orchestra are celebrating their tenth anniversary with the release of their fifth album Solidarity, which will be released by Strut Records on 17th September 2012. During the last …

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LOS TRANSATLANTICOS-FIRST TRIP.

LOS TRANSATLANTICOS-FIRST TRIP. As most people who regularly read this blog will have realized, I’ve quite an eclectic taste in music. Over the years, I’ve explored and enjoyed all types of music. One of these genres I discovered over twenty years ago, is world music. Whether it’s Latin, African or Caribbean music, I’ve explored and …

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