Black Seeds

The kiwi band from Wellington host a fusion of dub, funk, afrobeat and soul. Below is a heavy dub track from their fourth album, Dojo.

Chang Kai Shek

The famous Reggae Ska trombonist, Emmanuel 'Rico' Rodriguez lights up your Monday morning with this great track. 

Started playing the trombone at an early age with Don Drummond, another prodigy, soon to feature in Reggae Daily. 

Played with a multitude of bands, including, The Specials, Jool's Holland and Prince Buster. He was awarded an MBE honour for his contribution to music in England. 

Third World

Yesterday we mentioned Third World below the Abyssinians post. It seems just right to introduce them at this point. Third World has had its fair share of fame, touring with The Wailers, playing alongside The Jackson Five, appearances in famous festivals such as the Sunsplash in 1981 and in their single, Now That We Found Love featured in the Top10 in the UK. 

The Jamaican reggae band formed in 1973, influenced by soul, funk and disco. Obviously we are more interested in their Reggae influences. Below is their track, 96 Degrees (In The Shade) A reference to the controversial Morant Rebellion of 65. 

Satta Massagana

Major groove! From The Abyssinians Album, Satta Massagana (He Gave Praise). The track was a huge hit and versioned by many other artists. It has also been adopted by various Rastafarian groups to be sung as a hymn during services. 

The version below is composed by Third World, slightly more dub in it. I quite like it and compliments the Abyssinians's track very well. Good instrumental piece mid-way through.

Michigan & Smiley

Today we bring you Nice Up The Dance. A great tune from the Jamaican Reggae and Dancehall duo, Papa Michigan and General Smiley of the late 70s.

One of their most famous single 'Nice Up The Dance' was a version of the quintessential Studio One rhythm, Real Rock. It was then put on their first album, along four other tunes to form the first album, also named Nice Up The Dance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jh6kvj51X5A

Humility

The nine-piece, Californian roots reggae band was born under Sonoma State University's Jazz Programme in 1999. As you will hear, its tracks are plagued with Jazz and Dub influences.

Here is Humility from their Album Building An Ark.

Here is another sample of their sounds, Hebron from The Hebron Gate Album.

"Groundation creates an altogether new reggae sound, featuring swirling, jazz/funk inspired horns, stout Latin and African based poly-rhythmics, and soulful harmony vocals. Their concerts utilize live improvisation, in classic jazz fashion, and are renowned for their high energy, communion-type atmosphere."

-Campbell-Livingston, Cecelia (2012) 'Groundation Sticks to Basics,' Jamaica Observer, 5 June 2012.

Night Nurse

Oh Yes! Gregory Isaacs is here to kick-start this gloomy Monday. Probably his most famous track, Night Nurse. Gregory Isaacs dubbed 'the most exquisite vocalist in Reggae' by The New York Times. 

Here is the official video for Night Nurse album, 1982.