Review by Bob Highermam Heilman
"A nuh bed of roses". So true, so relevant to the struggles of music artists and producers. Many emotions emerge when realizing a Roots Reggae messenger's background story. Gladness, sadness, hope, joy and inspiration. Well, the story of Dutch artist RAS FIRE evokes raw emotions. After a long hiatus, this true Rastaman has linked with Mad Professor for a massive collaboration "Hold On 2 Dub"; released on the highly respected RUNN Records label. An absolute example of the will to survive and persevere with Heart and the power of The Most High... 

Ras Fire (Aart Timmermans) was born in The Netherlands in 1960. Alas, he has been afflicted with muscular dystrophy; a disease that lames the body's muscles with no malice. Once diagnosed, Life span is consistently short. Ras Fire has conquered those odds though he can only move his eyes and mouth. He has managed to be a serious singer/producer and releasing his debut set "Forward" (2000) to rave reviews. Laying prone, he has performed with power and conviction across Europe and at Garnett Silk's 2003 Earthday Celebration in JA. Footage of this strong personality will stir your soul indeed. His strength to survive defies description! 

"Hold On 2 Dub" is a powerful Dub set with two stirring vocals. Riddims were recorded at Starfleet, part of the RUNN legacy. Musicians include Erik Ritfeld (keys), Rick Piepers (lead guitar), Bram Wouters (riddim guitar) and legendary Ariwa posse member Black Steel. Lead vox by Ras Fire with backing vox by Janna v.d Akker and Maartje Meessen were recorded at the Muziekgieterij in Maastricht, the Netherlands, by André Gielen. The mixing wizardry of Mad Professor and son Joe Ariwa was dub science at Ariwa Studio (London). 

Must make mention of RUNN Records. Started in 1989 by owner Guido Delvoux, the 25 year old label developed strong links with Mad Professor (Ariwa), Courtney Cole (Roof International) and Barry O'Hare (X Rated) that allowed great releases by Panache Culture, Prezident Brown, Macka B, Devon Russell & Cultural Roots, Tanya Stephens, Daweh Congo, Prof I and countless others. What started as "Cool Runnings Music Shop" is now a thriving label indeed. Massive raspect to Teacher and Mr. T (reggae-vibes.com) who have long links with this label and designed the crucial graphics on this July 25 release. 

This unique offering starts with 666 Dubpheme. A hauntingly beautiful riddim with tasty drums, guitar and keys and Ras Fire's Yabby You styled vocals floating nearby. Engaging and thunderable. Dubalarm is a skanking yet stark riddim given the classic Joe Ariwa treatment (he's learnt well from his father). Not too much, not too little. Dubsavior is a raver! Ras Fire's Zionesque vocals seep in and out with some lovely backing vox from Akker/Meessen. A quiet Dub storm with drum and guitar front and center. Wow! Dub @ The End Of The Rainbow is a simple but penetrating course. Great guitar and bass work with Joe Ariwa at the controls well flexible. Dub Babylon is signature Ariwa sound. Ras Fire's vocal approach is pure Dread; weary, wizened and lyrically potent. It is incredible that he can put out such depth despite his physical plight; just amazing. The soundbites are intertwined majestically on a Dub excursion for the senses. Dub Move features Black Steel on percussion and really adds dimension over a sound system ready riddim. Totally hypnotic with lilting bass and Dubbing mastery that Mr. Neil Fraser does so well. The title track is powerful work. Black Steel shines brightly and the riddim guitar doesn't give up. Ras Fire's vox floats like Zion mists... 

We get a true taste of the vocal power of Ras Fire on Not Free. Lyrics like "right now the power of the non believers is ruling, true they hide, they keep fooling" and "Jah Love makes I Life worth living" is pure Heart and Soul. Incredible piece of work. Not Free Dub brings back memories of Mad Professor's "African Connection" classic a la "Kunte Kinte" fashion. Thunderous sounds with fat bass and Black Steel flowing freely. This is classic Dub music. Dance With Me Dub has a nice calypso edge and a pleasingly stark atmosphere. The ites continues with Dance With Me Dub. A Dancehall tight excursion with thumping bass and tasty rimshot and guitar chops. New Song Dub is ambience. A Dubwise shower with angelic backing vox. Would like to hear the vocal version to this one!! The set closes with 666 Blaspheme; Ras Fire's second vocal track. This is pure Dread music and evokes what's REALLY going on in this time. Repeated listening is a must. A delivery that mirrors precise meditation and observation! 

Ras Fire & Mad Professor's "Hold On 2 Dub" is one of the most unique sets this year. Ras Fire's ability to compose, sing and produce these illustrious tracks is a reflection of the hand of The Almighty. To link up with two of Reggae's most forward thinkers, Mad Professor and Joe Ariwa is a winning formula. After listening to this set, you are taken to higher heights and give thanks for everything in Life. Though not a household name, picking up a copy of this masterpiece is just and a must. Highest recommendation! GO DEH!!

Dubsavior

Rapha Pico - 45 feat Mr. Patze [R.D. Musiq 2015]

IN THIS LIFE
written by : J.Heerah, S.Perera

This track with deep meaning of how precious THIS LIFE is to each and everyone of us, a prime example of living life to the fullest because you never know when that Angel's card is calling for you. 

Big up blessings to the musicians who had put so much soul into this recording:
Bass-Patrick Kilby
Guitar Skank- Stuart Perera
Guitar 2 & Trumpet- Dorian West
Saxophone- Paul Williamson
Hammond Organ- Ben Grayson
Clavinet-John Delord
Angel Bv's 1- Olivia Nathan
Angel Bv's 2- Susie Ahern
Drums & Percussion- Yours Truly ;)

Recorded & Engineered at Woodstock Studios, Balaclava by Richard Stoltz.
Vocals Recorded & Engineered by Dorian West at Sci-Sonic Studios, Brighton.

Mixed by: Dorian West & Jason Heerah at Sci-Sonic Studios, Brighton. 

Off the Album: Chasing Love ( COMING SOON) 
Thanks for stopping by,  JH.

In This Life

Original song and music by the legendary Burning Spear.
A tribute to Burning Spear by Reggae Drummer Freddy Poncin,
all for the love of Reggae, Rhythms, Roots and Culture.

Music recreated in Cubase 8 pro
Drums Live and Direct
Horns by Natty Princess
Recorded and mixed at Mutima Studio, Fremantle Australia

SLAVERY RIDDIM DUB

http://www.REGGAEVILLE.com

BUY @ itunes.apple.com/album/here-i-come-ep/id1130731411

Rapha Pico & Junior Kenna - For Me [Area 026 Music 2016]

New dub mix of Grooving by The Souljah Kaptivez
Masau Chongwe - Bass, Rhythm Guitar, Clav
John Dargaville - Vocals
Freddy Poncin - Drumkit, Keyboards, Melodies
Tipene Thompson - Guitar

Recorded By Freddy Poncin at Mutima Studio
Mixed and Mastered by Masau Chongwe in Cubase 8.5

Grooving In Dub

Rapha Pico - So Much To Say [Area 026 Music 2016]

A recording by Dutch Reggae band Revelation Time with Eek A mouse in 1986.
The first non-Jamaican/English Reggae band to back the Mighty Mouse back in the 80s.
Found on the drummer's (me) old cassette! Hope you enjoy it. DUB IT AH

Hitler by Eek A Mouse - Backing  band Revelation Time 1986

A Jacobite song which welcomes Bonnie Prince Charlie to Eriskay. From its rhythm, I'd say this is a rowing song; in any case, what a hyperbolic boat is described here!

SLAVERY RIDDIM DUB

steadyfreddy

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