'Bad Boys' band Inner Circle comes 'round with new album, 'State of Da World'

Riding to the reggae rhythms of their latest CD, the popular band Inner Circle is back and better than ever.

Known for the "Cops" TV show theme "Bad Boys," the two-time Grammy-winning band released "State of Da World," late last month on the Shanachie Entertainment label.

And in the tradition of roots reggae, the CD's 15 songs take on age-old issues such as poverty, and new-age ills such as racial profiling.

Joined by an all-star group of guests, including Damian Marley, Stephen Marley, Jr. Reid, Gramps Heritage, Luciano, Steel Pulse's David Hinds, Mutabaruka, Lutan Fiyah and the American rock/reggae group Slightly Stoopid, Inner Circle draws on its classic reggae foundation to produce a solid collection of music.

The band started out in the late 1960s with the Lewis brothers (guitarist Roger and bassist Ian) as core members. As teens, the brothers even backed reggae legend Bob Marley on a Jamaica tour. Other early members included Ibo Cooper and Stephen (Cat) Core, who went on to found the reggae group Third World.

In 1977, exceptional vocalist Jacob (Killer) Miller joined the band and its popularity soared at home and abroad. Miller and Inner Circle were about to tour with Bob Marley and the Wailers when Miller died in a car crash in 1980 at age 27.

Today's band lineup features the Lewis brothers, early band member Bernard (Touter) Harvey (keyboards), Lancelot Hall (drums) and Jr. Jazz (vocals and guitar)

For information on Inner Circle and "State of Da World," visit http://shanachie.com.

REGGAE GOSPEL: Jamaican music producer/singer Carlene Davis to release her own CD.

Jamaican singer/songwriter and producer Carlene Davis is set to release her VP Records debut CD True Worship, on October 6.

And later this year, the Best Of Glory - Carlene Davis, which features her greatest hits over the last decade is slated for release on VP/Glory Music on November 10.

True Worship is co-produced by Carlene and her husband Tommy Cowan, and recorded live at Kingston's legendary Tuff Gong studios. The album offers 13 songs of praise ranging from traditional hymns to original tunes penned by the Cowans.

"God has given us reggae and whenever He hears that sound He says yes that is my Jamaican people," Davis said in an interview with her record label.

Davis also an ordained Christian minister with a PhD in pastoral counseling from South Florida's Trinity Theological Seminary and a graduate of Orlando's Ron Kenoly Praise Academy.

Davis’ stellar career spans four decades and includes several chart topping hits, has exclusively used her wealth of musical gifts to instruct in the way of the Lord. On her VP Records debut CD, Carlene demonstrates that creating great reggae music does not preclude spreading the gospel of Christ but rather, the two actions work synergistically as part of a divinely ordained plan.

Etana Chosen to Represent Jamaica in South Africa

The ever-so-talented Reggae songstress Etana has made great strides in 2009, affording the world with her soulful brand of Reggae music. Adding to an already impressive year, Etana has been chosen to represent Jamaica at the Johannesburg 2009 Arts Alive Festival in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Notably, Etana's participation in the Festival was organized as a cultural exchange through a cooperative agreement between the the governments of Jamaica and South Africa. Her week-long trip to South Africa will culminate with two highly anticipated performances at the Soweto Festival on September 25 and the Eldo Jazz Day Festival on September 27.

"We express sincere gratitude and appreciation to Etana for her willingness to represent Jamaica at the Arts Alive Festival," says Sydney Bartley, Principal Director, Culture and Entertainment for Permanent Secretary of South Africa. "Etana continues to stand out as one of Jamaica's outstanding artists and we wish her every blessing in her career."

Etana was just as inspired by this opportunity, stating "I am honored to be chosen as a representative of Jamaica and Reggae music in South Africa." "This is a chance for me to be there for the people and continue spreading the universal message of Reggae music," Etana added.

Bounty Killer in "Love This Lifetime" a collaboration with Sheba Sahlemariam, Emperor Haille Sellasie's cousin

Alliance Boss Rodney Price AKA Bounty Killer has recently recorded a remix of “Love this Lifetime" a single by the talented Sheba Sahlemariam.

Sheba is the cousin of Emperor Haile Selassie. The single was done late this year and could not see a more perfect fit to remix this single than the Ground God himself. Showing a different side of Mr. Price it once again underlines his versatility.

Bounty’s inclusion on the single has brought renewed excitement to the project, with Sheba now in Jamaica to shoot the video for the single with Jay Will as the director.

“I know he is going to make a big statement with this video as he has done with so many before. We are hoping it is going to revolutionize how videos are done and with the incorporation of Mr. Price we are looking forward to the end product.” Sheba said

The video was completed over the weekend and will be ready to air in the coming
weeks.

LISTEN THE SONG BELOW

US media laud Tarrus Riley

From the pages of the New York Times to the hallows of the BET TV studios, Reggae sensation Tarrus Riley has been widely heralded for the growing success of his recently launched third studio album, Contagious.

With some of the world's most influential entertainment entities including the iconic JET Magazine, BET and the classic Essence magazine 'singing his praises', Riley is widely touted as the next big reggae act out of Jamrock and sets the current standard, says the NY Times, for international reggae music acts today, "Peter Tosh sang of Reggaemylitis in 1981, diagnosing a pandemic of indigenous Jamaican music spreading around the world. But in the 28 years since the death of Tosh's bandmate Bob Marley, reggae has sought a new standard-bearer - Mr Riley ..." Music mavens at Billboard also gush praises for Tarrus: "Armed with all the right ingredients from his harmonious brand of love-inspired roots reggae, Tarrus is one of Jamaica's shining superstars ..."

His star also burned unbelievably bright as he made a recent feature appearance on BET's new show 'The Deal'. Dedicated to showcase emerging talent as well as highlight the current video toppers, Riley was invited on set to speak about his beginnings, his inspirations and his music. "The music of my generation is predominantly dancehall but being who I am and how I grew up, my father a singer and my mother a nurse, I embraced music because of its comforting nature. It is healing music, no matter what going on in your life, music soothes the soul and that is exactly the effect Tarrus Riley's music should have on you ... good music with a positive message," he said.

A modern-day 'Reggae Pied Piper', Riley's talent, passion and originality has reignited worldwide interest in classic roots reggae, an honour which Riley is only too happy to fulfil.

"My music is healing music and its mystic lies within the 'roots'. We can sing any style but we don't stray from the 'roots' message. My music is truly contagious and I want the whole world to catch it." he says.

His immediate mission in his bid to 'infect' the world with medicinal melodies saw him join forces with Contagious' producer and legendary saxophonist Dean Fraser, upcoming reggae singer Duane Stephenson and the Blak Soil Band on a five-week tour of North America and Canada, spreading the message of positivity, unity and love.

30-city tour

Performing in almost 30 cities, Riley's rich alto-mastered tracks from his latest work include Start Anew, Love's Contagious, Human Nature, Soul Mate, Life of A Gun, Good Girl Gone Bad as well as renditions from his international chart-topping album, Parables, including the smash hits She's Royal, Lion Paw and Stay With You.

Riley's melodious harmonies, powerful interactions with sax man Dean Fraser, crooner Duane Stephenson and the refreshing young talent of Sherieta Lewis earned the singer further praise from international music media who were enamoured with his talent: "As festivals and parades around the country celebrate the last few unofficial moments of summer, people are trying to figure out how to keep the summer vibe burning all year long. One certain way is to take a listen to roots reggae star Tarrus Riley ..." quips Essence magazine.

Bounty Killa and Vybz Kartel to share stage in T&T as a sign of Unity

Jacho Entertainment, the entertainment outfit responsible for hostingthe event, hosted a press conference at House of Angostura, Laventille,earlier this week to assure prospective patrons that although theJamaican entertainers have long been in a “musical war”, they arecoming to TT as a symbol of unity.

The artistes are best known for their lead roles in the ongoing Gully versus Gaza dancehall feud where they have been waging lyrical battlesthat have been blamed for fuelling gang wars among their fans.

“The idea of bringing these artistes for a concert in Trinidad is toshow the youths that at the end of the day, the artistes areentertainers. They have agreed to put aside their differences topromote peace,”concert organiser, Vern Extavour of 99.1FM, said.

He pointed out that the feud between the artistes is purely a lyricalone, so there is no need for concert goers to be concerned. He addedthat lyrical battles have always been a part of Jamaica’s reggaeculture as well as other genres of music, including hip hop, rap, aswell as our very own calypso, soca and extempo.

“We have been able to do what Jamaican promoters have been trying to dofor some time now – have these two talented artistes perform on thesame stage. We have accomplished it for the sake of peace and theartistes will perform on the same stage at one of the biggest concertsto be held in this country. This has never happened in Jamaica,”Extavour said. “This is the beginning of a change of what concertsshould look like in TT,” he added.

Macka Diamond is also billed to perform at Cease Fire the Concert aswell as a large line up of local artistes. According to the organisers,there are a lot of young talented entertainers in TT who need exposure.

The Gaza versus Gully feud started off with Bounty Killer taking thefirst “punch” at Vybz Kartel in a song called “Chatter Box”. A few dayslater Vybz Kartel released “Bownty’s Killa”. Bounty then repliedsuggesting that Vybz Kartel’s song was a “Wata Chune”.

Next month’s show will mark Bounty Killer’s fourth concert appearance in TT.

Cancelled: Collie Buddz High-Grade Tour 2009

Collie Buddz' High-Grade US-Tour has been cancelled!

The 16-dates tour was supposed to start on 9/25/2009 in Los Angeles and the last stop was in Aspen, CO at the BellyUp on the 10/16/2009.

The reason for the cancellation has been issued by Mojiza Management, who represent Collie Buddz:

I am sorry to announce that Mr. Colin Harper, professionally know as Collie Buddz will not be able to appear or continue touring for at least the dates of September 2009 through February 2010 including the 'High Grade Tour'.

We are very willing to make up the dates that have been discussed, however at this time it is an impossibility due to a serious medical condition requiring him to remain at home under supervision of a doctor.

We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience, however, he will be undergoing treatment for the next three months and doctors anticipate three months of recuperation and rest before he will be ready to continue his amazing performances.

Mavado heads back to GT, Guyana despite being banned

Exactly one year and five months after being blacklisted by the government David Constantine Brooks more popularly known as the ‘Gully God’ or ‘Mavado’ will for the second time perform in Guyana on September 19 at the National Stadium, Providence.

At a press conference held on the April 28 last year, Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee had told reporters that Mavado along with his mentor and leader of the Alliance crew Rodney ‘Bounty Killer’ Price – was seen as a security risk to the country and as such will not be permitted to perform here again.

The decision to blacklist the two Jamaicans, Rohee said, was taken by the Bharrat Jagdeo administration after careful consideration of their track records.

On February 23, 2006, Mavado first performed in Guyana at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) Ground and was highly anticipated to grace the 2008 Linden Town Week Celebration, in a show that was hosted by Ward Entertainment at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground and also featured Lady Saw.

Two weeks prior to his arrival, Bounty Killer headlined a show at the National Park, promoted by the Wild Fire Production group, which was marred by sporadic gunfire.

This forced the authorities to put the ban in place as there were mixed feelings about the artist well being based on his association with Price.

However when contacted on Thursday by The Scene, Rohee refused to give his view on the lifting of the ban only saying; “I have nothing to say concerning that”.

It was then mentioned by head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr Roger Luncheon on Thursday that the ban was lifted to give the artiste a chance to redeem himself.

Meanwhile, since word surfaced about dancehall’s most controversial artiste coming back to Guyana, some sections of the society have said that as was the case last year when the government enforced the ban it should have done the same when the ban was lifted.

Mavado is no stranger to this kind of treatment around the world ever since his outburst in 2005 on the Red Bull and Guinness Riddim with his hit “Weh dem do”.

Last year the 28-year-old DJ had several contentious run-ins with governments across the Caribbean.

February last in Trinidad and Tobago, the music of Mavado – whose trademark and latest album title is ‘Gangsta for Life’ – was blamed for the stabbing of a student and as a result of this, some DJs on the island have reportedly refused to play his music.

Prior to the Police Commissioner in St Vincent and Grenadines stopped him from entering the island without an official explanation just days before his scheduled performance at a show dubbed the best of both worlds.

Mavado was charged with illegal gun possession, and his run-in with the law was reportedly what prevented him from getting a visa to go to New York in June 2008 for what should have been a call-up on stage by American hip-hop star Jay-Z who has done a remix of his song “On The Rock”.

Nevertheless, it seemed as though these incidents paid off handsomely for the artiste since he has since signed a multi-million dollar contract with the makers for the popular video game Grand Theft Auto, where he had his hit tune “Real Mckoy” specially redone for the game.

Added to that, he was commissioned by Nike to appear in an EPK (Electronic Promotional Kit) and to make an original track to support the Jamaican efforts at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and Nike also made a limited number of ‘Mavado Nike’ sneakers to help promote the campaign.

His popularity grew even more after his clash with Vybz Kartel and his Gaza crew at famous ‘Sting’ stage show last year and this brought out a more versatile Mavado one which has seen the artiste being a bit better received around the world.

Some of his recent hits include “Sweetest Time”, “Dem a talk”, “Neva Believe”, “Hope and pray”’ as well as “House Cleaning”.

Mavado in studios with Alicia Key, said to be working on single for her upcoming album

After another stellar performance at the HOT97 On Da Reggae Tip show on Friday night, alongside fellow Alliance members Bounty Killer and Serani, Mavado shunned the after party scene for more important business…..a studio session with multi-platinum superstar Alicia Keys. “Last year we left the Reggae Tip show and recorded a track with Lil Kim and Wyclef, this year it was straight into the studio with Alicia Keys,” said the Gully God. “I am very focussed on my career right now and I’m just trying to elevate myself and Jamaica on a whole through music. Working with Alicia is an honour and a pleasure.”

Its been a landmark year for Mavado, who has managed to balance an extensive international touring schedule, including the Caribbean, US, UK, Europe and Japan, with continuing to be one of the hottest acts in Jamaica. The collaboration is a Reggae track and should hit the airwaves very soon to create the buzz for Alicia Key’s impending album.

“My management and hers got together to make it happen and their was a great chemistry in the studio,” continued Mavado. “Its the first time I’ve sung on a Studio One riddim and I’m very pleased with the outcome. Alicia loved it too and I’m sure we will be working together on projects in the future.” The track was laid down at Alicia’s own state-of-the-art The Oven Studio in New York.

Bob Marley Buffalo Soldier Bobble Head

Fans of Bob Marley will be excited to see the amazing legend hero created as a great Bobble Head and that he is singing one of his most famous songs ‘Buffalo Soldier’. The Bob Marley Bobble Head fixed on a ‘Buffalo Soldier’ stand probably is the best way to depict the popular Reggae legend.

“Buffalo Soldier” song is an ode to all African origin people who immigrated to America and fought for survival; Yeah, they did arrive and survive. This year is a celebration of Bob Marley, all other Africa-American singers and Black music for another reason – The President of United States of America, Barack Obama himself has his roots in Africa.

Nothing much has changed though in Africa. Poor people from African continent still have to flee their troubled, conflict ridden, poor nations and arrive on the shores of unknown nation as “Buffalo Soldier” – fighting on arrival, fighting for survival as the song goes. The song is so true even today.

This Bob Marley Bobble Head will be popular with all his fans and fans of Reggae music which celebrates even the most difficult of struggles. A must have for all those who collect celebrities statues and Bobble Heads. Everyone needs a face of a hero for inspiration and motivation. Order Reggae Legend Bob Marley Bobble Head here for $10.99 and play his songs to make Bobble Head come alive in your home and inspire young minds.

Courtney John Video Hits US Colleges

Armed with an already critical acclaimed album which has been hailed as Reggae's most refreshing album of 09, "Made in Jamaica" is breaking records and setting milestones.

The indie album, released on Courtney John's own FIWI Music imprint is already creating waves in West Africa, South Africa and has been buzzing in Britain and Europe. But the greatest surpirse has been the US mainstream market that has sopped up the album like pudding cream.

After a successful PR blitz last month, VH1 has put the video into rotation, and now MTV has placed the video on its College Channel MTVU. This latest development will give the artist a footing into the coveted college market, which accounts for nearly 50 percent of album and ticket sales in the US.

Cherine Anderson Hits the Billboard Charts

It’s her first time on the Billboard chart and Cherine Anderson is thoroughly enjoying the moment.
The song for which Anderson has been getting all this recognition is Say Hey, which was done with the United States (US)-based Michael Franti and Spearhead. The song was released almost a year ago but after only six weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, the song has already reached number 25. It is also on Billboard’s rock, pop, radio and digital songs charts.
“It’s a blessing, a great opportunity. Not something I expected. It’s like everywhere now. I have been touring a lot but I have been seeing the fruits of my labour,” Anderson said.

She said she performed the song, which was released on an independent label, with Michael Franti and Spearhead at various shows. From there, many of their fans started requesting the song. Eventually, it started appearing on all the popular charts.

“It’s my first time (on a Billboard chart) and the first time for Michael Franti and Spearhead,” said Anderson, who has appeared in movies such as One Love and Dancehall Queen .
Anderson added that artistes like Michael Franti and Spearhead have had a very successful career but were not always on the major charts. However, they have had many sold-out shows, which is something many chart-topping artistes have been unable to do.

“It depends on what you consider success. Having a record that plays a lot on radio is one sort of success.”
With her style of dancehall soul, Anderson said she has to actively seek her audience. “The world is such a huge place. So many people gravitate to good music,” she said.

Therefore, it is her aim to invest in good music that her audiences will love. Like Spearhead and Michael Franti, Anderson said her aim is to build a real audience.

“My aim is not to build hype but building a career on solid songs and showcasing real talent,” said Anderson.
She certainly has been building a fan base, as she is currently on tour in the US. She has been solidly touring since last September, opening for Michael Franti and Spearhead. In between those shows, she has performed with Sly and Robbie, as well as some shows of her own.

Groundation jams on more than just reggae

Aiming for high spirits
BY T. BALLARD LESEMANN



"Of course, we learn from the experiences of making our previous albums, but I feel that this one is the one we all felt the strongest about," says Groundation frontman Harrison Stafford, speaking of his band's seventh album Here I Am. "When it comes to the music and songs, all nine musicians play crucial roles. It's much more of an evolved sound, much more of a group sound ... we're definitely feeling that what we have now is our best work at the moment."

For over 10 years, Stafford has led his spiritualized reggae ensemble from their earliest days in the northern California scene through a world-wide musical journey that continues to aim far. In the middle of the second leg of their 2009 world tour, Groundation visits the Pour House on Friday for two full sets.

Warmly textured and rhythmically elaborate, Here I Am is firmly anchored in classic roots reggae styles. The impressive proficiency and chemistry of the musicians and the additional vocal harmonies of recently-enlisted Jamaican vocalist Kim Pommell and Stephanie Wallace allow for even more sophisticated stylistic forays.

"We've learned everyone's strengths, and we've learned where everything needs to go in the songs," says Stafford. "It's a collective effort. These are great players, and it's a nice thing to spotlight them all during the shows. We sing about community, unity, and people coming together. I think the togetherness comes through musically. There's a collective balance, and people can get that."

Some of the songs on Here I Am lean in jazzy direction. It's a lively sonic fusion.

"Maybe those people who say they don't really like reggae can get into it here," Stafford says of the new music. "Maybe we can help bridge that gap and lead them to Burning Spear, Bob Marley, and all of the rest of the great reggae artists who came out Jamaica. Maybe somebody is a big roots-reggae fan, starts listening to Groundation, and starts hearing other music things happening."

Stafford's bandmates include Ryan Newman on bass and Marcus Urani on organ and keys, who helped form the band in 1998. The current lineup includes trumpeter David Chachere, trombonist Kelsey Howard, drummer Tekanawa "Rufus" Haereiti, percussionist Mingo Lewis Jr., and Pommell and Wallace on vocals.

"A lot of us have that huge jazz foundation, from when we were first inspired and pushed as musicians," says Stafford.

Over the years, Groundation garnered a strong reputation for their animated and exploratory live performances. Unlike some more traditional (and comfortably categorized) roots-reggae acts, they eagerly step toward risky instrumental excursions and mini-jams.

"I think that's the thing that really helps us, especially when we play the big reggae music festivals," says Stafford. "With us, you'll see all nine musicians work together in a different way — like a family. We move together. There's constant improvisation, which obviously comes from the jazz side of things.

"Expect the unexpected," he adds. "If the people are there and the energy is there, it will push us further and further to create an energy circle between us and the audience. To me, if you're not really live, not really improvising, and not really feeling where the audience wants to go, you can't really reach those great heights. That's something that's very special."

Buju Tour Is Still On!!!! four-time Grammy nominated Reggae artist and icon, Buju Banton

Gargamel Music is pleased to confirm that four-time Grammy nominated Reggae artist and icon, Buju Banton will kick off his hotly anticipated Rasta Got Soul US Tour on September 12th in Philadelphia. We are disappointed by the hasty cancellation of a few shows by Live Nation/House of Blues and Goldenvoice/AEG, but fans will be happy to know we have over 30 confirmed shows that are definitely playing and we are working to replace the canceled dates.

Now our team is primarily concerned with setting the record straight on the grossly inaccurate portrait of Buju being painted by certain organizations and systematically relayed to the masses and the media. Buju Banton was all of 15-years-old when he wrote "Boom Bye Bye" in response to a widely publicized man/boy rape case in Jamaica. It was not a call to violence. The song was re-released on a popular dancehall rhythm in 1992 and caused a huge uproar after receiving commercial radio play in the States. Following much public debate back then, prominent gay rights leaders - and Buju decidedly moved on. For the record, it is the only song he ever made on the subject - and he does not perform it today.

Those who have followed Buju Banton's musical journey and have actually listened to his extensive catalog, know of his development into a world-class singer, songwriter and performer who can quietly sell out such prestigious venues as the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York and Brixton Academy in London. He does not advocate violence. There has never been a shred of violence at any of his live shows. In fact, he commonly preaches against violence - against all people. Buju's consistently positive messages of peace, love and enlightenment have never been lost in the music. His 1995 Grammy-nominated album 'Til Shiloh marked a spiritual and musical transformation that yielded the classic narratives "Untold Stories," "Wanna Be Loved" and "Murderer," which personified the horrific increase in gun crimes in Kingston's inner city.

His Grammy-nominated Inna Heights (1997) garnered him numerous comparisons to the late, great Bob Marley. Long before Hollywood raised its collective consciousness about Darfur, there was Buju Banton wailing about the genocide happening in "Sudan" on 1999's Unchained Spirit. His Friends For Life (2003) and Too Bad (2006) projects were both acknowledged with Grammy nods for Best Reggae Album. Buju's latest Roots Reggae opus, Rasta Got Soul (2009), has already been welcomed with critical acclaim in the US, Europe and Japan.

The artist's love for humanity is not just demonstrated in words but also in deeds. Twelve years ago he responded to the AIDS crisis in Jamaica by launching Operation Willy, an organization focused on raising monies for HIV positive babies and children who lost their parents to the disease. For three years he served as a celebrity spokesperson for Upliftment Jamaica, a US-based non-profit committed to working with underprivileged youth back home. Yet none of these personal and professional accomplishments matter much to a gay lobby hell bent on destroying the livelihood of a man who has spent an entire career making amends -- his way. Sadly, their 17 year fixation on waging war against one artist has prevented them from turning this initiative into a larger, more fruitful discussion that could perhaps effect real change.

Influential artist brings reggae beat to local audiences

In reggae music, one man stands out as the genre’s founding father. One man shaped the recognizable sound that would spread across the world and live for generations, providing the soundtrack for everything from Caribbean political uprisings to your last pool party. No, it’s not Bob Marley – it’s Lee “Scratch” Perry, legendary 73-year-old Jamaican producer and artist and the man essentially responsible for the creation of reggae.

Perry started his career in Jamaica in the late 1950s as a seller for a local record label, Studio One. This gave him his first experience in the recording studio. Eventually he split to form his own label, Upsetter, in 1968.
Around this time, a local ska and rocksteady group named the Wailers, featuring a young Bob Marley, approached Perry to help them produce a record. Perry taught the group the sound of reggae, a newly developing Jamaican music form, and the rest is history. The Wailers would split with Perry before their major-label debut Catch a Fire in 1973, but his influence carried on with them as they climbed to international success and spread reggae and the Rastafarian movement to the entire world.
Through the 1970s, Perry produced albums for countless reggae musicians, including artists like The Heptones, Junior Byles and The Congos, and continued to shape the genre as it further developed. He built his own recording studio in Jamaica named the Black Ark, which was legendary for the quality and quantity of music produced there.
Perry is well-known for turning music production into an art, or an instrument of its own.

On many classic reggae albums, his effects are regarded as equally important to the music as the songwriting itself.

However, in the early 1980s, Perry became stressed and increasingly paranoid about the spiritual effects of his music, and burned his studio to the ground in a fit of rage.

Aside from his work as a producer, Perry has been extremely prolific as a performer. He has more than 50 albums under his name, with his band The Upsetters or under the pseudonym “Pipecock Jackxon.” Many of these albums, especially his 1970s work such as Super Ape and Roast Fish Collie Weed and Corn Bread are themselves among reggae’s best.

Beyond reggae, Perry’s influence has spread far and wide — his recording techniques are considered to be a vital contribution to all modern music production, cited by artists such as Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead as vital to their sound.
He may be old, but his presence is still powerful, as he proved in his last stop in Austin during South by Southwest in 2008. Lee “Scratch” Perry performs tonight at Flamingo Cantina on Sixth Street.