U-Roy and Junior Murvin - Coming to Zion

The winds of reggae are blowing hard in Zion lately. After legendary shows this past year by The Gladiators, Eek-a-Mouse, Lee Perry, The Mad Professor, Matisiyahu and Ziggy Marley, we are treated to a real special nite to start off the new year. U-Roy and Junior Murvin a comin' to Zion for THREE shows, 2 in Tel Aviv and one in Jerusalem, Jan. 24 - 26.

Originally born named 'Ewart', he got his famous name from a young family member who couldn't pronounce Ewart and the nickname stuck. Known as the Originator, U-Roy wasn't the first DJ, nor even the first to cut a record, but with a career now spanning over 5 decades, he is a legend indeed. He was the first to shake the Jamaican nation and he originated a style so distinctly unique by DJing over old record cuts, that he single-handedly changed Jamaica's music scene forever.

Junior Murvin is known for his falsetto vocals, unique dancehall style, and is famous for his hits recorded with such greats as Lee Scratch Perry, King Tubby and Joe Gibb. "Police and Thieves" which was his most famous and first hit, has been re-recorded by The Clash, Boy George and others.

Together on one stage in Zion, these should be some really great shows. Below is a preview of what we should expect - Check it:

Daddy U-Roy inna stylee fashion:


Junior Murvin - Police and Thieves - 2004:

Reggae Inna Israel - Past to Present in Zion

Some of you may already know this, but I'm based out of Tel Aviv, Israel, which has been my home for the past 7 years. Combining the fact that it is off the usual music tour routes, along with the sometimes nervewracking political and security situation which scares people off, some high quality acts have come here throughout the years. I thought I'd give tanks and praise to all of those that have made an effort and come to spread the irie reggae vibes to the people of Zion.

1982: Aswad, Dillinger
1983: Amazulu, Kabbala
1984: Musical Youth
1985: The Wailers
1988: Voices from the Third World Festival - featuring Manu Dibango, Alpha Blondy and the Solar System, Toure Kunda, Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers, Rita Marley
1989: UB40
1990: Oasis Peace Festival - featuring The Wailers and Burning Spear
1993: Inner Circle, Achziv Reggae Festival featuring Israel Vibration and Roots Radics
1994: Achiziv Reggae Festival featuring Al Anderson, Jamaica Papa Curvin, The Vitals
1995: Gregory Isaacs, Israel Vibrations, Sister Aisha, The Twinkle Brothers
1996: Culture, Third World
1997: Buju Banton, Shiloh, Misty in Roots
2000: Mutaburaku, Tony Rebel, Alpha Blondy, Prezident Brown, Cutty Ranks, Aba Shanti
2001: Lee Scratch Perry, Mad Professor, Mikey Dread, Saxon Soundsystem with Daddy Colonel
2002: Third World, Mad Professor, Saxon SoundSystem, Jah Mason
2003: Trevor Sax and Saxon SoundSystem,
2005: Lee Scratch Perry, Mad Professor, Matisiyahu
2006: Ziggy Marley, The Gladiators, Eek-A-Mouse

And hopefully many many more to come. Bigup and much thanks to Irielion for much of the information above.

The Gladiators - Inna Zion, Come and Gwaan

After waiting more than 3 weeks since buying my tickets to this show it finally came and went. Come N Gwaan real quick. Like da sun pon fi wintery day. I went to the 2nd of two shows at the Zappa Club in Tel Aviv. Wow! The vibes were very very irie, riddim was flowing and the ganja wafting through the air. This was wicked vintage roots rock reggae at its best, at its core. I give tanks and praise to my beautiful woman Ilanit who snapped dem fotos above. For some more, check it here.

This tour was the first in which Albert Griffith's sons, Al on lead vocals and Anthony on drums, have been almost fully handed over the torch of their father's legacy as founder of this great band. Albert Griffiths was a complete no-show here in Israel so we got a full preview of what's in store for da future. Al Griffiths kept on mentioning his father's name over and over again and towards the end of the show gave respect, lots of love, smiles and bigups to almost anyone and everyone he knows, including his band manager, tour manager, assistant, etc who he all brought on stage. Most of al, I especially liked his Jahrusalem t-shirt (see pic above) which he proudly showed off to the crowd, apparently after the band toured the city itself during the day. I wonder where he bought that. I want one too :-)

The band was tight, with a full brass section as is called for in roots reggae, and great high-pitched vocals by a pair of remaining original gladiators who were also simultaneously playing rhythm guitar, percussion and lead guitar. All da classics were played, including Hello Carol, Stick a Bush, Im a Rast Man, Jah Works and more. For us older generation roots fans, this was 2.5 hours of heaven inna zion. Check it (2 videos below).

The Gladiators - Coming to Zion

Albert Griffiths is passing the torch to his sons on this tour. The founder of the legendary Gladiators original roots reggae band is retiring. Big up. Check it - November 14 and 15 at Tel Aviv's Zappa Club.