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JANUARY 2008...... How long since we last spoke??! Well, however long, it's too long...it's been busy times since the summer, and i've just drawn breath long enough to get an update for this sporadic news page!! Hope all are well, and enjoying plenty of good music? Lot's to talk about.....first up Intensified news.....we are currently not taking bookings for shows, so that we can fully concentrate on writing a new album. Rehearsals are underway, and we'll keep you posted, but we hope to have a new album out for the summer. I'm sure you're all fed up with the old songs by now...we are also on the verge of going in the studio to record a single with Dave Barker, a reggae version of a northern soul classic...once it's released you'll be the first to know.... So what else is happening and what has caught our attention?....first off, 2007 was a great year for ska and reggae...bigger shows than I can remember for ages, more bands from more countries than ever before, the return of many thought to be long gone, and great new quality releases...must haves being the Aggrolites 'Reggae In LA', Westbound Train's 'Transitions',the first album from the Upsessions, a new offering from the prolific rulers the Slackers, a fine Trojan offering 'Queen Majesty; Best Of the Techniques'....so what of the months ahead? Well, first and foremost must be the return of the amazing RudeCat festival in Girona, Catalunya.....15th March is the date, and I'm definitley gonna try and be there, last years was awesome....this time another top line up....Ken Boothe,Doreen, Caroloregians, Moon Invaders, Slackers,Go Jimmy Go,Upsessions, Impalers (great SF reggae band),Red Soul Community and the Fenicians......wow...also plenty of reggae do's happening all over the world, vinyl is alive and well...one near Brighton coming up with Club Reggae in Worthing, Sussex on the 2nd of february...it's free and happens at 'the Rest'..next to Woolworths!! Info at www.myspace.com/reggaerockets . 2 Tone icon Rhoda Dakkar has returned with a bang, and is busy busy busy.....some great sounding tracks on the new lp 'Cleaning In Another Womans Kitchen'.....she's taken to the road, plenty of shows with Skaville UK and acoustic....talking of Nick Welsh and gang, they are also very busy with shows, and catch their new promo video for track '1973'..it's damn catchy.....just mentioned Hawaii group Go Jimmy Go, they are touring Europe through March so try and see em, long time faves in California for their Hepcat like sound....also in California, Chris Murray celebrated 5 years of his club Bluebeat Lounge recently....having been guest dj there once I can confirm it has a great vibe, very small but very freindly.....congrats to Chris for pushing so many new bands......he is off on tour to Brazil as we speak.... Sticking in the US, another band I was lucky enough to see a few years back was the Impalers, formed as a house band for San Francisco label Axe, the first label for the Aggrolites....Impalers include Axe head honcho and ex Let's Go Bowling man Dave Wiens....their sound is strictly reggae....first visit to europe coming up, hope to see em again...catch em while you can! One not to miss would be their visit to Mccormacks in Leipzig...what a venue!! Great hospitality.....love it...the Irish bar and venue serves up plenty of soul, reggae and swing nights...and on April 11th and 12th they have a ska/reggae weekender, with the Super Supers from Switzerland and One Droppers from Italy...two names I have yet to see live....the promoter is real excited too.....moving across to Belgium, those party animals from Liege hold another infamous beer,music and scooter weekend very soon...sat 16th february,at Le Palais Des Congres, Liege..downstairs, entry just 6 euros....9pm till 4am....info at www.weekend-sauvage.be.tf . without doubt the band making the biggest noise in the UK is Sean Flowerdews 'Pama International'....the Pama's have been growing and growing, with plenty of profile gigs, releases and radio time, and their new lp gets a big London release event in March, 12th, at Koko, 1a Camden High Street, where they appear alongside Crunch (the Nutty Boys), Newtown Kings, Rico, Trojan Sound System and Rebelation...good luck guys, much deserved.....talking of Rebelation (who by the way really came of age last year with their release 'State Of The Union'), they are busy gigging and have also put out a promo video for track 'Reggae Woman'. Another video to try and find, is the 'Slackers, A Documentary', which follows arguably the worlds top touring ska band at shows, and has interviews....they return to Europe on the 27th Feb, and have a new lp out,'Boss Harmony Sessions', a must have....a place you can catch plenty of ska videos is...ska vids!! Yes, a myspace site that plays 5 different ska videos every day from a different country...well worth a daily view.....the site is run by veteran ska scener Kev, whose long running zine and label 'Do The Dog' celebrates 12 years with a gig at Rhythm Factory , Whitechapel Road, East London very soon....Smoke Like A Fish, Splitters and Ettin are already booked to play. Another London event worth checking is becoming a regular do....'Ska Burlesque' (sounds great!)is next on the 24th of January, with JD and the Longfellows and catchy Chas n Dave meets Ian Dury meets Madness outfit Buster Shuffle, very good London sound...alongside 3 dancers and 2 dj's, for just £5...all at the Amersham Arms, New Cross....don't just sit at home saying nothing is happening or you're bored!! Germany's fab site www.ska-pics.de celebrated 5 years before Xmas, now with over 20000 pictures from 600 shows Urs has travelled to...a real labour of love, the site is a living record of the effort and love Urs put's into the scene, and her travels for hours to get to shows in working weeks....amazing gal, amazing site, pay it a visit....some great photos. Germany soon holds it's annual Easter Ska Jam, March 19th to 24th, similar bands to the Rude Cat fest.....out on Moskito Records too is the new juicy slab from the Moon Invaders, one of Europes top bands...great sound...'Moovin and Groovin' came out in November...get out and buy out, get behind these bands!! 3 of the Invaders also appear in funky reggae outfit, Caroloregians, who travel to London on 7/8th of March to appear at Cargo and Coast To Coast...can't wait to see em live.......wow, enough for you yet?? Well, plenty more.... read on...long time favourites the Hot Knives are off to japan!! Yes, a two week tour kicking off on the 9th of February...good luck guys, and please give us the promoters number!!! Italy's Ring Ding alike, Mr T Bone, has a great new release on Brixton Records, with his Young Lions, called 'Strictly Live'...still haven't caught him live, but sounding good... A band that really soared in 2007 is the Pepperpots from Catalunya....it really was a triumph for them, with the release of their 'Shake It' lp, and recording with the Pioneers..they followed this with some fantastic bookings at big festivals across Europe, appeared in England, and for this year are off to japan too!! Wow....good luck to em, nice guys and gals, great attitude....they set off for 5 dates between 20th and 25th March...then follow it with a Europe tour from 27th march to 5th April across Italy, Austria, Germany and France....talking of France, new albums last year from Jim Murple memorial, great raw and bluesy ska, and rnb, 2 Tone Club, and ASPO. The country seems to have a vibrant scene for sure....another leader in Europe last year was the emerging might of the Upsessions from Holland, an Aggrolitesesque (is that a word?) band that kicks ass...great songs, quality playing and energy...top album 'Heavyweight Champion'.....go get it...upsettin....talking of the Aggrolites, they continue to take over the hearts and airwaves of the world....fantastic lp last year, as well as backing Rancid's Tim Armstrong on his big seller 'Poets Life'...catch some great video promos on their myspace site, including the new one for 'Reggae Hit LA'....if you're in any doubt, note they have 36,000 friends on myspace, not to be taken lightly.....they really are at the top of the tree. Ex bass master J is also busy, with his own label Jandisc....a top top 45 release gets the label up and running, 'Bun A One' from Jah Faith, with J's totally authentic reggae backing band the Black Emeralds....so good, a noted reggae afficionado and friend was convinced it was a studio one sample from 1970...!! I kid you not... The original 3rd wave leaders the Toasters are busy as always, with big euro and US tours lined up...Buck, where do you find the energy and impetus??! Great....please bottle it.....another band touring the US is Westbound Train from Boston, a really top outfit whose 'Transitions'(Hellcat) has been played to death here...they are on the road with Beduoin Soundclash. Back in blighty....the Trojans, another of the leaders of the ska revival in the mid 80's, have a rare live show at Gaz's, St Moritz Club, Wardour Sreet, on Valentines night, 14th Feb....Pauline Black is on a great sounding tour with soul legends Eddie Floyd and Geno Washington, for the next two months....'Just Soul Tour'....and Madness were back on tv on New years Eve, appearing on the great Jools Holland show performing new single Nw5, House Of Fun and Our House....good to see....finally, No 1 Station, where's the new album?? Ok, if you still think nothings going on around you...eye of the storm and all that.....go look for yourself!! More clubs and dj nights than ever before, enough bands and gigs to keep you busy too....hope to see you out there soon!! Do it to it....as the farmer said to the potato, I'll plant you now and dig you later...it's time to celebrate....H. Ska News MAY 2007....... It's warming up for the summer, and things look pretty hot for ska and reggae fans....first off, before delving into our three monthly look around the globe, what's been happening for your freindly neighbourhood Intensified? In February we had the absolute privilige of backing Alton Ellis again, at a packed Zodiac in Oxford....he was in dynamite form, and the crowd loved it. Hope we get to do it again, and Aidan is a good promoter....looks after bands, and does things properly....props to him. Recently we played in Spain too, more precisely, Girona in Catalunya, for Rude Cat festival...the first time, but surely it will become a regular event!? Nearly 2000 people, the Pioneers, Westbound Train (their album Transitions on Hellcat is this years release so far for me), Rude and Visser, and the Pepperpots....highlight was the crowd singing along with the Pioneers on Reggae Fever, clapping and all...shame about the Bock guitar solos and cheesy keyboard horns, but a great set from them...the voices fit like a glove...saw plenty of old friends too....and new ones..bumped into Altons son Chris and myspace freind Mish on the plane out!! Chris joined us for a version of I'm Still In Love...hear it on youtube, the boy takes after his dad! More recently still, the 'Bank Holiday 1970' event in Margate....not much to say about the town, but the 3 nights put on by dj's Brian Kelson and Phil Bush were an oasis of joy!! Saturday was the Pepperpots from Spain....great motownesque ska, 3 lovely young gals fronting them up, and solid sounds...Sunday we got to play, in front of another night of smart clothes and top sounds, with Dave Barker...he was truly magnificent, a real powerhouse performance for nearly 90 minutes...some rarities getting their first live treatment from him, including Smooths and Sorts, Ton Up Kids, I Feel Alive, Heart Of A Man, and our new version of soul classic Do I Love You ? over Pat Kelly's How Long rhythm tearing the place up!! Hope to release it as a single..thanks for all those kind words....means a lot. Coming up for us is a return to Coast 2 Coast, at On The Rocks in Old Street, Shoreditch, London....a great club, top sounds, and run by the great Cello...can't wait, it has a great atmosphere...get yourself along there on 9th June. Also, we back Winston Francis in Germany at the Mainz open air fest, 7th July, along with the boss, Derrick Morgan, and also including the fabulous Upsessions from Holland (another great album release this year),Pepperpots, and Henry Morgan and the Buccaneers. We then get to play the Dualers club, Skavoovie, on July the 25th, and after that hope to get into the studio for new recordings...about time eh?! What else?? Oh, read the home page of our site for news on some celeb endorsements, ha ha! AND we have been asked by the Aggrolites to play in the US with them!! You'll be the first to know if it materialises....awesome, dooood..... Talking of the Aggros....aswell as being seemingly always gigging, they are also prolific with songs! Sheer quality...BIG news is that they have a new lp out anytime now, launched with a gig at the famous LA 'House OF Blues' on Sunset Blvd...their album is called 'Reggae Hit LA' and the cover work and soundclips I've heard are amazing...they have also been backing Rancid frontman Tim Armstrong on his new solo lp, 'Poets Life'...this will push them even further out there....go boys!! Check out Amazon....AND bass master J has even found time for his own label, Jandisc...check it on myspace...unbelievable early reggae and dub style tunes...vintage boss!! Hellcat labelmates the Slackers, arguably at the top of the global ska tree at the moment, are still busy busy busy...after playing around the world, they have a booze cruise boat gig, aboard 'the Temptress' in NY on the 16th June...then head off to Europe again on the 20th, arriving for 4 UK dates on 24th.. Another hard working band are of course the Toasters, this year celebrating 25 years, yes, 25!! Congratulations to Buck and crew for tirelessly taking the ska out there...they are currently in the US on the road again, then return to Bucks new home, Spain, for a month of shows in June. They then return to the US for the legendary Warped Tour through July and August, and then onto Canada, and hit the UK in November...good luck boys, enjoy... On the other side of the globe, the Ska Vendors continue to push it in Australia...plenty of gigs and radio spots, and also new members from the infamous Strange Tennants....main man Stevie has also introduced us to new bands the Signals and Moon Hops....do the kangaroo jump! Moving on..one of the best live bands on the circuit is the Peacocks from Switzerland...buckets of energy from this punk/rockabilly/ska trio...back in the UK from August the 10th...go strut your stuff! In Europe Rude Rich recently backed the mighty Heptones for a few shows...catch a top live clip on their myspace site....smooth, class....love it...also on the road is the 'Ska Mutiny Tour' with Dr Ring Ding, the brilliant Chris Murray, King Django and Regatta 69!! Finshes on the 27th may, look out for it in your area....great line up...this summer of course brings more festivals across Europe...This Is Ska in Rosslau, on June 22nd with Kalles Kaviar, Skatrek, Mark Foggo, and Alton Ellis...Potsdam on July 13/14th with the Hotknives,Skaville UK, Upsessions, K Mob, Slackers, 2 Tone Club, Valkyrians and Spitfire...truly world wide line up!! In the UK, Pama International keep up the hard work, following on from their Trojan release with a new lp later in the year, 'Love Filled Dub Band', with fine Beatles style artwork...they appear at Glastonbury this year amongst plenty of good shows..check their site...another top UK band with an lp out are the Big, with a release on Moonska World (Megalith in the States)...haven't heard it yet, but people saying it's a must have...they are on tour in the UK in June and July...Rebelation from Anglia have a new cd on Do The Dog Records, 'State Of The Union', and the clips I've heard are great...they head up Kev's 'Do The Dog' bash in London on 26th May, alongside Too Many Crooks, the Scrub, APB, 3 Minute Warning, and the Newtown Kings...it's at the Rhythm Factory, Whitechapel Road....other English bands busy...the Dualers appear with Pama I and Mad Professor at the Jazz Cafe on June the 8th...what a line up! They have loads booked this year, but the pick has to be two dates backing Prince Buster, yes, PB...August the 3rd at Fairfeild Halls, Croydon, and 4th, at Twinwood Arena, Milton Keynes...wow!! AND a date with the Skatalites, in Kent, for the Faversham Sugar Lounge fest, July 21st....I'll be at the front! London's Bluebeat stars, No 1 Station, are also about to release a new cd, can't wait...they are playing Victoria Park on May 27th, and Sunrise Festival in June, down in Somerset...stay off the scrumpy!! Those other Bluebeaters, Goldmaster Allstars, seem quiet, but have an unconfirmed show in Kent on May 26th at the Orchard Spot, Maidstone. Ex Hot Knives frontman Mick Clare has been busy with new band Squid 58...they have a cd out, and are in Prague on June 1st, at the Retro Klub....another new UK band to go check are 'Brothers Ignatius', a truly slick and powerful jazz ska outfit with top players...great soloists over solid rhythms are the order of the day...they are in Cambridge on May 18th at the Box Tree, Napier Street.....hope to be there myself to see the intense trumpet player and sweaty drummer....lovely eyes....talking of new projects, Rhoda Dakkar is busy with 'Ska Acoustica' alongside Nick Welsh and Jenny Bellestar. One to watch for! Next, two very different ex frontmen return to the UK..!! Symarips Roy Ellis plays a rare UK show in London for Reggae Injection club on 2nd June...with backing band and Rico...only 250 tickets so get in quick...it's at the @Club (yes, the 'At Club'!) 175 Blackstock, N4, close to Finsbury Park tube....moonstomp for sure...then ex Beat frontman Dave Wakeling brings his own US band to the UK for the first time between June 12th and 21st...will be great to see him, but do we really need 2 versions of the Beat on the road?! Mmmm...... Finally....we can't leave without news on the masters...the Skatalites have been busy,including a sold out night at the Zodiac in Oxford, (Aidan again!) and continue to take it to the world, with shows in Bali, Brazil and Argentina!! Do they need a roadie??! I'm available! They return to europe on June 22nd.....continuing to show the world what we already know...they are the founders, the cream, cool as, the nuts, the best!! They have anew cd in the pipeline, 'On the Right Track'..... Ok people, as you can see, ska is dead, there's nothing going on,move along please... reggae is boring and vinyl is no more!! Errr......what was that again?? Yours, H THE BOSS FEBRUARY 2007..... Welcome, and thanks for taking time to read our little and irregular effort at sharing some news from around the globe...first off, Happy New Year to everyone. It's already shaping up well...but first, how did our year end?? December was a top month....we got to support the Dualers in their home territory, Brentwood ,Essex. They packed out the venue with 2500!! A truly slick and pro outlook, they have the understanding and love of the 60's sounds, whilst smoothly appealing to people of all ages with a pop slant...two snazzy and good looking brothers with sweet voices, and top moves! Their songs are catchy and well written, and it shows how they managed to get into the charts twice...that, and the fact that they work damn hard, playing town centre streets constantly, aswell as gigging with their band. The crowd was odd for us, lot's of mums and teenage girls....but it was a great night, we gained some new fans,and we hope we can share a stage again with them soon. You're gonna hear much more of them, as they have recently played their first European festival. We also played Coast To Coast in London, a club run by Cello...and what a top night!! Will be returning regularly as a punter, and hopefully as a band. Dave Barker joined us onstage and tore through an hour of his finest material....he was on fire!! When he hits form, his voice is one of the finest from Jamaica. The club was packed, a good mixed crowd, we got a great reception, and Cello's tunes were of the highest calibre, some awesome stuff with a big sound! Next we had our BBC debut, a live session with Mark Lamarr...comedian/tv presenter/radio dj...and big ska fan. It went really well, a good laugh, and we did six tunes, three with Winston Francis. Really pleased with the sound and how it went, and we had some great response from some new fans! For those that missed it, we hope to have it up on Myspace soon... Finally, we played with the Aggrolites at the Camden Underworld...a great night, they were awesome as always...and are steaming ahead gaining fans worldwide...great to see. Kix Thompson from Madness joined them for a few songs too...as we did for a stage invasion...great way to close our year! Went to Brighton to watch them support the Nutty Boys, and both they and Madness were on fine form...a great package for anyone in the crowd.... So...what's coming up this year?! Loads of things going on....first up for us is another show with the Rocksteady King, Alton Ellis...22nd of february in Oxford at the Zodiac...can't wait! Then, on 31st March....we fly to Girona, Catalunya, for an awesome event...the Pioneers, yes, the Pioneers....plus, one of my fave bands of the moment, Westbound Train from Boston....(go get their album Transitions on Hellcat)...first time seeing them live....Rude and Visser (aka Mr Review,arguably Hollands biggest ska band), and the Pepperpots, local stars, who have a cool sixties sound with three famale vocalists. Hope to see you at one of these nights...come say hello! No 1 Station have a new album lined up for release soon...the London band who were key in the relaunch of the Bluebeat label with original man at the helm, Siggy Jackson, are also live at the Troubadour on the 23rd Feb. Rude Rich and the High Notes (arguably Hollands best ska band!) have 4 dates backing the mighty Heptones!!! Zowee cavey....it kicks off on the 27th April.....check their site for more info...also coming soon from the band is a DVD live with Winston Francis....the trailer clip I have seen looks brilliant...definitely one to buy. Also in April is the official launch of the new Shane Meadows film 'This Is England'. Meadows is one of the bigggest UK film makers , and this is eagerly anticipated by the industry and those interested in the era....the film is set in '83, and follows a young gang of skins who meet an older skinhead who try's to convince them that they should be into right wing politics. Sounds like this could at last be a film on the subject not to avoid! On February the 23/25 is the first East Anglia Ska and Scooter Festival...it's at the Waterslide Village, Lowestoft, and on stage are Monkey Spanner, Last Orders, and Ska Ta Brain...let's hope it goes well and becomes a regular event...if you're local, go check it out...and let us know about the bands...new names to us. New cd's from Liquidator in Spain you should check out are 'Montjuic Boneyard', from the Kinky Coo Coo's, some top early reggae sounds and rocksteady stylings...with guest appearance from Dave Barker...and the new cd from Symarips vocalist Roy Ellis, 'Skinheads Dem A Come'....a great return. Mr Symarip, as Ellis goes on stage as, is also heading for Japan at the end of April....on the 30th he appears in Osaka with the Ska Flames (great to hear they are still playing)...sounds like a night to savour...and follows it with a further 3 shows with Rico, Cool Wise Men, and Gaz Mayall.... The originators return...Skatalites are in Europe in April and May, keep an eye out for details...and the new kings are also busy on the road....the Slackers play Japan in March, and return to Europe in July...the Aggrolites, our favourite sons, are busy in the first two weeks of March supporting punk favourites Dropkick Murphy's around the US...the UK's top acts are also busy, both the Dualers and the Big playing too many shows to mention..check their sites to keep up to date...but all of this activity is good news for ska fans. Get out there and support it!!! Other gig news....fanzine Do The Dog celebrates another year with a party at Rhythm Club in Whitechapel Road, London on 26th of May..appearing are label bands, Too Many Crooks, Rebelation, and 4 others....another night that seems to be regular is Last Gang in Town at the Man On The Moon in Cambridge..their next gig is on the 24th feb, with the King Blues appearing, a rising act from London. Have had several flyers for a club in California, 'Soulside'....it is on every second Saturday of the month at Club Nocturnal, Lincoln Boulevard, Santa Monica..the guest MC is Jerry from mod band the Untouchables. Ok, please keep info for gigs and releases coming in....and let us know if you find this useful...is anyone out there??!!! Keep rolling the good dice, H the BOSS......OCTOBER What goes up, must come down, in this hip city, it's boss sounds!! Yeeeessss, people....where have you been?! Ok,ok...so we kinda lapsed into a typical Intensified laid back period for a while there...no ska news update since April...but hey, it was summer, and we've been busy...so what's been happening, and what's on the ska horizon?! Read on.... We've had a great year, with top gigs in Europe and the UK. One of the highlights has to be performing with Alton Ellis...a great night, apologies to everyone who came about the poor bar service, but the man himself was on top form....check our favourite German gal's website, www.skapics.de for photos of the night,Ursula and friends driving out here for the event. We also had Ozzies and more Germans present who had flown in...we're honoured. Thanks to everyone who came to share our moment!! You can catch a video from the show on our Myspace site, www.myspace.com/intensifieduk . Other great shows were the outdoor festival in Herne Bay, a top night in Munster, and recently another scorchin' gig at Gaz's in London with Winston Francis...pats on the back all round as we sold out, people q'ing outside to get in, and pulled off a top show. Winston is such a great pro....we again got him to do a couple of songs he hasn't sung since he recorded them...the Break, and Go Find Yourself A Fool....quite emotional!! Talking of Winston, I believe he has a live dvd about to be released with Rude Rich and the Highnotes from Holland...search it down. We also played Sweden for the first time...a top festival called Augustibuller...we backed Dave Barker, who was in fine form, and good humour as always...lovely weather, and lovely country..and we had a real fun trip out, sharing both plane and bus with the Cockney Rejects and GBH...who both sounded awesome on stage! Brought back the memories!! Hugs and photos all round afterwards.... So what do we have coming up? Well, check the front page for dates, but we have a five date run in Europe starting on the 27th October, taking in Belgium, Germany, France....can't wait, look forward to seeing you as always...and a show in London at Coast To Coast in December. We also hope to be backing the Dualers in December, more on that soon. Finally the BBC have noticed us...well, sort of...we should be doing a session soon for Radio 2, news as and when it's confirmed. Exciting stuff.....oh, lot's of people are saying they can't find our Bluebeat single....check out their own site, or buy it from Copasetic or Moskito mailorder in Germany. Easy...probably.... Going back briefly to myspace...thanks to all those that have added so far, over 600 in 2 or 3 months...great...and just to share some of the top stuff we've discovered too! Some great bands...check out Flight 404 from Spain, top keyboard reggae covers, and along similar lines are Upsessions, as mentioned in a previous newsletter, from Holland, and Caroloregians from Belgium...boss sounds indeed. On the ska front, although a known name, I'd never heard em...the Radiation Kings from the US are smooth and trad to the core, great stuff...must go get their lp. AND...new lp out now, you're gonna hear more of these guys, a new singing to Hellcat, which is always top quality...Westbound Train from Boston, with an album called Transitions...top top smooth and mellow reggae and ska. Great feel to it. We hope to bring them to the UK in November for 2 or 3 dates....finally, something a bit different...a live Calypso band in the US...Lord Mike and his Dirty Calypsonians...great stuff!! Crazy...I'll leave it at that and let you find em!! Would love to see them live... World news....we can't go through without mentioning my fave bands can we??! The Aggrolites are getting bigger and stronger....great 6 week Euro tour with just a week left now, they are on fire...so many good reports coming in...and big news is they return to the UK in December to support Madness for 9 dates at big venues, including Wembley Arena!! Wow...we saw them in Brighton, and Lee and Chrissy Boy turned up...in London Rhoda watched them..and in Leicester Ranking Roger checked em out!! Word travels fast!! So pleased for them, and proud that we brought them here first a year and a half ago...go, boys!! Moving onto Hepcat, whispers of a new lp being recorded....major news. They are sorely missed. Pama International have their lp out now on Trojan...modern sounds with a vintage feel, former Intensifed organ man Sean Flowerdew is doing great work with his band....get this album, they deserve your support. Features Dennis Alcapone, Rico, Dave Barker, Dawn Penn etc etc...BIG news for Pama, is the gig coming up in Newcastle. Check this out...the Boss Sounds Festival, Northumbria University, 18th and 19th November, featuring Prince Buster, Jimmy Cliff, Lee Perry,Don Letts, LKJ,Horace Andy, Janet Kay, Dennis Bovells dub band,and Pama International...wow....info at www.jumpinhot.com ...... ...not too many other new releases coming this way recently, though we did finally get hold of the new Kalles Kaviar cd from Switzerland...a good band, and some nice choice of covers, and well written originals...a new female singer too adds a nice touch. Also, search out a new label from Germany, Conquering Ruler from Bavaria...two 45's released so far, skinhead reggae style. Talking of Conquering Ruler, it's also home to Michaels fanzine, the Conqueror... we love zines here, always been the heart of the scene...so also look out for some other great ones doing the rounds, including Alpha Boys from Spain, Big Shot,and Don't Touch Mi Tomato from Germany too...no english ones though..come on Toast, bring back Tighten Up!!! Those that search for old tunes, www.reggaefever.ch in switzerland has an auction that ends on 24th October, some top stuff in there...top dollar too, but always good quality and service. This saturday, the 7th, probably a bit late, but two of the UK's best reggae nites celebrate 7 years on the same weekend! Who says competiton isn't good?? Tighten Up, @ Catch,22 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, London....and Big Shot at Cobs Bar, 123/127 Sherlock Road, Birmingham.......congrats to both, happy birthday! Top sounds and pa's are guaranteed!! You won't be disappointed! Also, after having had another great time at IOW this year, we get to see Jim Cox's 'Skinhead Train' back in action, this time in Kent...at Blues and Soul Cafe, Week Street, Maidstone, on 24th November...sharing spinning duties is local dj Danny H...who also has the tunes...!! Can't wait for this one...tickets only in advance...call..01580712709. AND...the monthly night here in Folkestone, Port o Jam, continues gathering pace, good crowds, lovely cavernous venue...@ 'Chambers', every first friday of the month...it seems the old sounds are getting good exposure round the globe, with top dj's such as Alfonso and Dani in Spain, regularly playing, and Mark in LA...amongst countless other niters we see advertised...keep on spreading the true word!! Finally, if like me you were a bit reluctant to see or hear if Suggs and co. murder Isrealites and other greats on their 'Dangermen' lp, you can catch a whole show of theirs recently filmed at the Melkweg in Holland.... www.fabchannel.com I finally plucked up courage to watch...interesting is all I will say, I know some of you out there who love it, some have just rolled their eyes...anyhow, also on this site are shows from the Aggros, and the mighty Slackers, who head home to the US now after a great European tour. Quality footage too.... Ok, I've run out of breath......get out there and support the bands, dj's, promoters, labels,shops, and venues who deserve it....there's plenty of good stuff at the moment....time to put some tunes on...catch the beat, speak sooner... H the Boss.
APRIL It's nearly April, and there is tons of ska and reggae movements, no joke.....where to start?? I've got a Winston Wright comp. on loud, and nothing else matters now, so in any order..... The Slackers hit the UK this weekend....Sunday night (April 2nd) in Brighton at the Concorde, I'll be at the front for sure....and don't forget to get hold of their new lp, Peculiar, on Hellcat rcords......top stuff as expected from the band at the top of the ska tree.....before that, Saturday night you can catch Ska Cubano live in London, at La Linea, Coronet, Elephant and Castle....they are promoting the second lp, and head off around the globe soon.....taking in Europe,USA,Mexico,Canada,Japan, these cats are really popular....top shows include Womad in the UK,aswell as Jazz Cafe on 2nd June, and Reggae On The River in California, and some big jazz festivals too.... Also on Sunday, April 2nd at Brixton Ritzy Cinema, Brixton Oval, is spoken word reggae artist El Crisis....8 - 11 and it's free! Go to www.globalgrooving.com for the latest monthly on line radio show from Michael De konigh...this month is a spotlight on the Grape label. The show is called Door Jam in case you didn't know....do the reggae. Three of the top Uk bands are currently working on new albums....The Big from Southend, and Pama International, who promise some big surprises and top guests....also London busking brothers the Dualers are finshing 'the Melting Pot' as we speak,and have a dvd lined up....can't wait. One of the biggest ever German ska bands, El Bosso & Die Ping Pongs return for 3 shows this year....massive in the late 80's, they played a mix of trad ska and their own 2 tone style sounds, including the younger Dr Ring Ding in the line up! Catch up with them again on 28th/4 in Hannover, 29th/4 in Berlin, and on the 15th of July in Mainz...... Also in Germany, look out for this years This Is Ska festival... on the 23/24 June, this years line up includes Bad Manners and the Pioneers.....wow...party time....at Rosslau, Alte Burg, it's a great festival, you can catch more news at www.this-is-ska.de Very little news on the Trojan site beyond April......owners Sanctuary are in deep financial trouble, due to ploughing money into poor performing big acts......it seems it may be having an affect on the quantity of Trojan releases, which although very successful, are a tiny arm of the group. Ben Sherman are promoting their spring/ summer clothing ranges with a 2 tone theme....called 'Big Beat', it features loafers,polo shirts and shades....get the full info at their site, where they are raving about ska...strangely though, still no really decent Ben Sherman shirt designs based on the originals!! I've just read about a book called 'The 2 Tone Trail' by Pete Chambers....haven't checked it out yet, but apparently with a foreword by Neol Davies, and featuring loads of rare photos, it charts the key places and locations in Coventry at the beggining..... Three top sound system nighters coming up for your diaries......first is the Bridge Park Complex in Harlesden on the 8th April....featuring dj's from Reggae Revive fm, also with the Marvels live, backed by No1 Station...sounds great. Next, return of the Skinhead Train.....Jim Cox has another top night lined up at Bethnal Green Working Mens club, 42 Pollard Row, E26NB (off Bethnal Green Road)....8-2, 5 quid entry....and on the 29th April, further north, Sounds and Pressure bring you an all day and all night event at the Thirsty Scholar/Attic,New Wakefield Street, Manchester...with Phil Bush and Brian Kelson, as with Jim Cox, you know you will get quality tunes........support the scene and get out and enjoy yourselves!! Look out for the next Bluebeat 45, this time from Goldmaster Allstars and young singer Charlie P......saw them live last week, great band. They are live on the 13th April at Gaz's Rockin Blues. Finally, news of a big London Skafestival....3 days, 19th may,20th and 21st.....at the Camden Underworld.....acts confirmed include....The Beat,Rough Kutz,The Toasters,Skaface (Paris), The Scrub,Rebelation,Splitters,Too Many Crooks,Smoke Like a Fish......Cost is ten pound per night, or 25 for all three days. Ok.....who said there's nothing to do??! Laters, roll the good dice people....H the Boss.
FEBRUARY Before the February update, a quick word or two about our recent 3 shows in Europe....as usual a great atmosphere in the camp, we had a practise (yes, we do occasionally!) at Delta the night before (cheers as always to Julian), and then too much beer and too little sleep before a 6.30 pick up..nice to be back in the Barney Bus, most shows over the last 3 or 4 years have been by plane, but this gave us the chance to watch DVD's and listen to music aswell as have a good argument,play cards etc.....also nice to be back on the ferry......Barney doesn't do much ska trips these days having broken ties with the Toasters, but it's great having someone who knows where he's going worrying about the driving....mind you,the bus is starting to look a bit rusty now! Over 500,000 miles too.....first night, Cologne....wow, a packed club, great atmosphere,and we saw 2 Tone Club from France for the first time...great bunch of guys, they kicked ass....we had a good gig, top response, even though we had no Andy on keyboards or Spadge for this trip...we were helped out by Neil on trumpet and Mike on the bone....much praise for these two for helping us out. The new songs on Bluebeat went down well too. Paul's daughter E came along for the first time to see what her dad has been up to all these years and took charge of photography from the stage. All in bed soon after 2, not too many drinks, and up late for a 3 hour journey to Amsterdam. Arrived in good time, the Melkweg as always, a fantastic place to play....we had time to go to our hotel round the corner, see some english footie, and head off for a couple of hours of culture..took in Anne Franks house and the general vibe before dinner.....the festival emerged a real triumph for ska. If you feel crowds have dropped or interest has wained, you really should have seen this gathering.....over 800 people paid, and with another 150 or so people in bands etc, it was packed....two stages, so as one finished the other had started...very well organised, and some real gem finds among the acts.....the Upsessions from Holland, great keyboard reggae, need to find out more about them, no release as yet they told me......Proyeto Secreto, Belgian Skatalites style instrumentals, bit jazzy in places, and an amazing female vocalist who blew us away......what a singer.......sensational, a star in the making! Didn't catch her name, but we all spoke later about what we'd all seen, and all of us mentioned this girl..... we must have all been crammed in the hall somewhere. Moon Invaders from Belgium, first time I've seen them live, and they cooked up a storming set that went down really well.....gaining big support around Europe, these guys have it.....two American brothers singing, similar in places to Stingers ATX, maybe the Slackers, but smoother.....great version of Soon You'll Be Gone got me and Lee dancing....and nice guys too, had a great chat afterwards....they both tell me their third album is gonna be their best yet. We had a great show, massive response, then rushed in to the main hall to catch Winston Francis with the High Notes....a good chemistry between them, and a good response from the crowd....not too keen on Redemption Song, and California Dreaming, but the man can sing for sure! Great to hear Mr Fix It and Too Experienced......after the show and some sociable drinking, some of us headed out into the night, and ended up in a jazz bar....the most bizarre night ever, certainly wasn't jazz, a weird bunch of musos including a rock reject on lead guitar who stood on the table for his big solo, a guy who thought he was James Brown singing, who was just wasted....he thought he was playing to 1000 not 100...lot's of gyrating and loving going on..words can't describe it, but we had a great night !! Sunday in Eindhoven....another top venue, another big crowd (though apparently not enough).....two rooms again......and more great bands, including the Internationals from Antwerp, fantastic jazzy style with hammond player sitting down at front, and slick brass section......very nice. Check out photos from all three nights at www.ska-pics.de as always, travelling ska fanatic Ursula made the weekend nicer by her presence...some great photos, shame we didn't have much time to talk. Also great to see old freinds such as Rolf and his brother, Ray and brother from Holland (King of Kings tattoos), Klaas from Belgium etc, aswell as new freinds.......including an Irish guy in his fifties who I can't remember his name, but he had a good system where he takes his daughter to the show and then she drives him home!! Only one downer on the weekend...2 Tone club had all their gear stolen from their van on the saturday night.....a real dirty thing to do, low life scum....a big thought goes out to our French brothers..... Overall, amazing weekend, and confirmation to all present that ska continues to gain a new audience and breed new bands........
FEBRUARY 26th....... So what have you been up to/buying/watching/listening to?? Plenty going on, so let's lose the apathy....read on....... Another 2 hour show available to listen to from the monthly reggae radio show, Door Jam, catch up with it on www.globalgrooving.com . This month has a nice rocksteady build up, some funk, and a feature on Pama label, Camel. Plenty of rare tunes. Pama International continue to lead and to push the boundaries...last year was a good year for the band, gaining great support slots with Madness,and some top shows at Glastonbury, and Womad. They are at it again.....get yourself along to see them in action at Cargo, on 9th march, 83 Rivington St,Kingsland Viaduct,London,EC2A 3AY. It includes a rare live performance from Mad Proffessor, master of dub, doing live mixing and remixing.....wow.....nuff said. One of the most exciting acts on the scene at the moment has to be the Aggrolites, as anyone who caught them in Europe last year will tell you....and the news from their manager Dion is that the new album is recorded, and sounding boss....it has a tentative release date of early May, on the Epitaph label Hellcat....watch out for it, and if you're lucky to be in California, they seem to be playing plenty of warm up shows......this year will be massive for them,you read it here first...probably! Also if in California, check out http://www.myspace.com/reggaefordaysandextradays for a current scene update and news of dj niters for soul, reggae and ska......also good to link up with similar minded music lovers. Grover Records has some great new releases.....catch up with the Belgian band Moon Invaders on Breakin Free...really good album, ska/reggae, great harmonies and songs....highly recomended...also out is the Skatalites live in Argentina...called In Orbit....all the classics......on a tangent, head Grover honcho, Ossi, is reviving his career on stage....for those that don't know,Ossi fronted infamous cult German rockabillies Sunny Domstozs in the 80's, and their original sought after mini album, Get Ready For The Get Ready is re released by Grover ahead of their comeback show this week......sounds great too..... New from Italy is the latest lp from Giuliano Palma and the Bluebeaters.....'Long Playing'....if not familiar with this band, they are well worth tracking down...the singer is from much missed Casino Royale, one of the revelations of the late 80's skaboom, and this current outfit is similarly slick and tight....they seem to play well known covers in a trad ska style, this time with such tracks as Jump by Van Halen!!....may sound corny, but it is done really well, these guys know their ska, and they are big in their home country. For info check out www.liquidatormusic.com 2 releases from new Spanish label, Redstar73.....based in Barcelona, it is run by former Black Pearl main man Jan from Germany.....the two albums are 'One More Last Chance' from Shanty Town, jazzy ska, and 'Black Momerata' from the Cabrians, early reggae and ska.....I haven't heard them yet, but have heard tracks from both, and again, top class Spanish sounds...there must be something in the water out there! Finally, Canterbury punk/ska venue the Beercart Arms continues it's excellent tradition of top nights with punk/oi band Deadline on March the 14th, and reggae/ska band Rebelation on April 16th.....these guys deserve your support, so if you're nearby, make sure you show your face, it's a freindly and welcoming atmosphere, and it's a true homegrown and positive scene.
JANUARY So here we are in a new year, and what's out there for the ska fan? News coming in of a Derrick Morgan tour in Europe during April and May, details not confirmed as yet, but more info available through Toni , info@liquidator.com . Get out there and see the Boss in action....still putting on a fantastic show. JB at Skapatrol in Ireland is still busy after many years with his radio show...not sure if the zine is still going?? If in Dublin, check out NearFM on a monday evening, 8-10pm, on 101.6 fm. Got an email from Rob in Manchester, telling us of a new 10 piece ska band gigging, called the Uplifters, having already supported the Beat and Bad Manners....haven't had the chance to hear them yet, but apparently have a 2 Tone sound, with some oldies covers too. All positive stuff, so get out and support 'em, or give them a look at www.uplifters.co.uk . Had a news update from the freindly people at Deltasonic Records, London, who have made big in roads into the charts with various original sounding bands such as the Coral, Zutons and Little Flames. Their newest charting act is the Dead 60's...many of you will have heard of them, they've had good exposure in the press and on tv, so I checked out their debut LP just before Xmas....it took a few listens, but it does have some good tracks. They've been built up as the new Specials or Clash, and I'm afraid it just doesn't have the raw energy or impact that they had, but, it is different to the usual radio dross...certainly shades of both those bands, songs such as You're Not the Law (Ghost Town riffs galore) and Ghost faced Killer have ska elements, Horizontal has a great punky kick to it....Riot Radio and Train To Nowhere also catchy tracks.....some early Roxy Music/ Disco style tracks too?! Check it out, this band are also supposed to be very good live. It's not ska as we know it Jim, but good luck to them, I'll be keeping an eye out for further releases. Had news in from Australian band the Ska Vendors, and they seem to be doing a great job of keeping the fires burning....Melbourne sounds a good place to be, with Vendors shows, dj nites and a radio show. Upcoming BIG news for these guys is a gig with Carlos Malcolm...the Ja trombonist flys in for two shows, one with the Vendors on the 25th Feb, the night previous with the Melbourne Ska Orchestra....I've been lucky to see a video of this big band supporting Owen Grey, and top stuff it is too....other news is that the Vendors new guitarist is one John Holmes, for those like me who remember in the early/mid eighties the best Oz ska band was the Strange Tennants...John is from that very band! Also, the mighty Skatalites hit Oz in April. It's gonna be hot!! Check out new monthly on line radio show Door Jam, run by Micheal De Koningh, author of the History Of Trojan book....it's at Global Grooving.com . This months show is dedicated to Punch Records, and rare ska. htp://www.globalgrooving.com/currentshows.htm If in the Brixton area, take a trip to the Ritzy Cinema on the first sunday of every month to catch Dj Zinc Fence plus a live act.....info at www.reggaezine.co.uk . Ska to current ja sounds. Finally , the long serving Trojans are playing an all too rare show at the 100 Club, to mark the release on Trojan of Gaz's Rockin' Blues compilation. Also appearing are the Scrub, and tv presenter/comedian/radio dj Mark Lamarr on the decks. The date is Friday the 3rd feb..... Keep the info incoming..... OCTOBER......... BIG news landing here, is that the Skatalites European tour kicks off soon....it lands in the UK on Tuesday the 1st of November in Leeds, and continues until Monday the 14th in Brighton.....it takes in dates around England, Ireland and Scotland, so take a look at their site in our links section....if you are not aware, Lloyd Brevett has left the band....this does seem unthinkable, but I guess it gives us more of a reason to go check them out, as they have now included more Ja musical legends to fill the void....bass duties are taken up by Val Douglas, long time bass maestro on the Ja scene, and new horn members include the hard working Vin Gordon on t'bone, otherwise known as Don D junior, and , amazingly, Karl Cannonball Bryan on sax!! Still with Knibbs on drums, Dorren on vocals, and Sterling on alto, this shouldn't be missed......maybe it's not the Skatalites we know, but well and truly deserving a viewing to make your own mind up! www.skatalites.com
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