SHOK WAVE is your weekly new REGGAE music blog. SHOK WAVE finds music that is out there in the form of Reggae, Dancehall, Soca, Ska, Dub, Reggae Rock & anything else musical with a Caribbean origin and in any language.
Here is what we found this week.......Enjoy!
REGGAE
Marcus Gad "Rhythm Of Serenity"
Marcus Gad is a son of the band called Midnite from New Caledonia (go look it up). Marcus approaches his music in a similar fashion: organically, slowed tempos and from a perspective of reflection. Reggae has always been a voice of & for the people. It is a 'Rebel Form Of Soul.' It is a music that you feel and a new name for this style of music can also be called a 'Rhythm Of Serenity.' Creating calmness, peace, tranquility, placidity and a meditative vibe is what Mr. Gad does here with his music. All you have to do is 'Take Some Time.' On this album he joined one of Vaughn Benjamin's musical collaborators Andrew 'Moon' Bain. This album is a result of these two creating and striving to 'Become A Nation.' Predominately sang in English, the one French track 'Pouvoir' sounds right at home and Marcus has to sing so his neighbors can completely understand him. Time to chant, 'Overcome,' and break down the system known as babylon. 'Oh Mama' is about being together and respecting one another. A true soldier of the planet Earth, Marcus travels the world with noe shoes, no money and no worries. This is how you know he is 'Honoring The Soil.' We all go back to where we come from.....into the Earth. Another reason why you must 'Live Life' and fulfill your passions and destiny. I already knew and loved 'Leggo Your Ego.' A testament to all of us to fulfill while here on Earth or it will get the best of us and make it tough. So I leave you with these words, never judge a book by it's cover. The album is not out yet so here's a few links to hear part of it.
Greg Roy "Tomorrow"
Greg Roy may be a bit unfamiliar to most, that does not mean he's short of talent. Former lead singer for a Bob Marley tribute band called The Duppy Conquerors. This will help secured his place on the live circuit. Having released several singles for high profile independent labels, Roy is ready to take on the world of reggae music with his first full official album 'Tomorrow.' It may not be promised to anyone , yet if Greg gets the opportunity it looks really bright. 'Tomorrow' has lots of promise from start to finish. Growing up as 'Two Kids,' he remained free to experience life. Now he has taken on reggae music and looks to tackle that mission next even with growing up and coming from 'The Ghetto.' As he puts it, 'The Ghetto' is the least of your worries. We need to protect 'Mother Nature' as the world is in a crisis. A subject among our creators of reggae need to take more serious. If they will do anything for the 'Money Loving,' then keep looking for the right people. This is not your typical Jamaican, more conscious & aware of subjects most yardies are care nothing about, or will sing or even talk about. In these situations, who do you 'Balme?' Politicians can not take it all the credit in these circumstances (A rare occasion where I am not blaming them), we have to man up and see with our 'Self Inside.' Greg Roy has 'Saved Us.' The marijuana is a modern state of 'Slavery' according to Greg Roy. So now with all that has been said and done, the time is now to start Dancing' because if not by now, it will not happen......... 'Tomorrow?'
For not really hearing of this artist, this is an impressive first album.
Inna Vision 'Stick To Ya Roots'
Out of the island of Hawaii comes Inna Vision who's putting out his best single yet in 'Stick To Ya Roots.' Interestingly enough the song starts off with the drum roll of 'Ganja Farmer.' Straight forward to with great horns and a nice melody. He sings it in his best patois too. It's your identity.
Greta Thunberg - HOW DARE YOU ft. Peter Tosh (by Alioune Koné)
If you do not know Greta Thunberg, let me happily introduce you to this 17 year old very active, verbal environmentalist & activist who feels extremely strong about the climate. Nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. This is one of her speeches that Alioune Kone took and put it into a song with a piece of Peter Tosh. It's absolutely wicked.
HATIAN ROOTS MUSIC
Lakou Mizik "HaitiaNola"
HaitiaNola is a once-in-a-lifetime album that brings together Haitian roots revival collective Lakou Mizik and an incredible line-up of guest artists from the New Orleans music scene. The project was inspired by the historical, cultural and spiritual connections between the people and music of New Orleans and Haiti. Guests include Trombone Shorty, Tank from Tank & The Bangas, Win Butler & Régine Chassagne of Arcade Fire, Jon Cleary, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Cyril Neville, Leyla McCalla,The Soul Rebels, Lost Bayou Ramblers, 79rs Gang, Raja Kassis (Antibalas), and Anders Osborne, and other veterans of the New Orleans music scene. Lakou Mizik is a multigenerational collective of Haitian musicians formed in the aftermath of the devastating 2010 earthquake. The group includes elder legends and rising young talents, united in a mission to honor the healing spirit of their culture and communicate a message of pride, strength and hope to their countrymen and the world. Mardi Gras is basically America's version of the islands Carnival that is also celebrated in Haiti. The album has a gritty, funk-fueled energy - sometimes mystical and always carefree. This project was born out of the 2010 earthquake to build alliances with the outside world thru connections to promote a more positive Haiti. The title HaitiaNola is a combination of Haiti, NOLA & Hispaniola and is the bands second. There's always been that connection with the two regions so this makes musical sense. Many left Haiti as freed slaves as early as 1791 and more so when freed in 1804. The album was recorded during their second visit to the NOLA JAzz fest and many of the artists took time out to record with the band while in New Orleans and headed by Eric Heigle producer and band member of Lost Bayou Ramblers, which added their heavy cajun sound to 'Grann.' The Legendary Preservation Hall Jazz band recorded the first song on the album and my favorite track, with it's very jazzy influence called 'Renmen.' 'Their other track is my second favorite 'Iko Kreyol.' 'La Fanmi' & Loumandja" have master pianist Jon Cleary tickling New Orleans-style riffs over the band’s Haitian Vodou prayer. Haitian-American singer songwriter Leyla McCalla brought spine-tingling cello playing to 'Rasanbleman' and guitar maestro Raja Kassis (Antibalas) sprinkled his six-string magic all over the tracks while The Soul Rebels brass band blew the recordings into another dimension. An album that not only brings 'home' Lakou's sound, it keeps it in the backyard for everyone to sing & dance, eat, mingle, even argue with even the spirits that are so prevalent in Haitian culture. This has been extended to New Orleans as well and to these two areas and the rest of the world to lift their persona through music. This has to be the best second album of any Haitian band and is on the level of a Boukman Esperyance.
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