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STUDIO ONE LOVE!
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The Melodians
Coming soon, the event Foundation Extravaganza will feature old-school reggae artists
Calling all old school reggae fans. No, not those of you who remember how to bogle - we're talking real old school! The forthcoming event A Foundation Extravaganza, will feature an incredible line-up of reggae artists from the legendary Jamaican label Studio One.
Regarded as the Motown of Jamaica, Studio One was founded by the late Clement 'Coxsone' Dodd and was where literally hundreds of reggae artists began their careers.
For two nights only, A Foundation Extravaganza will showcase the musical talents of The Ethiopians, The Heptones, The Silvertones, The Melodians, Big Youth and Angela Stewart. No surprise, all involved are looking forward to this massive event, as Ethiopians' member Leonard Dillon explains: "To have all these great artists from the sixties and seventies in one show is a great thing. I'm very excited about it.
"This kind of show is a reminder to reggae fans of those who really laid the foundation for reggae music. And from us - well, you can always expect good vibes from the Ethiopians.
"We haven't performed in the UK for a little while now, so we're certainly looking forward to the show. We've always received a good reaction from the UK audience, so I look forward to performing there again."
TRAVEL
Amazingly, not all of the performers on the bill are familiar with international touring. This event will be the first time that The Silvertones have performed in the UK, as group member Gilmore Grant explains: "This is the first opportunity we've had to perform in the UK. We do many shows in Jamaica and we always give a good performance. We've made a lot of songs, but never had the chance to travel, so we're really ready for this show! I think people are gonna enjoy it - especially those with an appreciation for early reggae."
Indeed, this show does pay tribute to just a few of the artists who played an integral part in the development of reggae and the story of Studio One. The label launched the careers of such artists as Ken Boothe, The Skatalites, Burning Spear and Sugar Minott, to name but a few, thereby showcasing many faces of reggae. While The Ethiopians are arguably best known for their sweet harmonies that speak of social injustice and racism, The Silvertones made their name with their classic rock-steady style.
Yet another well-respected group to record with Studio One are The Heptones, who are regarded as one of the groups to truly define rock-steady. Group member Earl Morgan reflects on the changes in reggae throughout the years.
"I feel back then, you really had to prove yourself in order to make it in the music business. You really had to be good if you wanted to enjoy success. So back then, artists were more passionate about their music and didn't even necessarily make music for money, you understand?
SEEDS
"Artists like us are the ones who laid the foundation for today's artists. It's like we sowed the seeds and now, today's artists are just reaping the benefits. Now, the business is all about money-making, so the artist will calculate how much money they're gonna make, before they even step into the studio. I think that's a bad thing because it's meant that the music has become less creative. Artists today seem less focused on creating good music and more focused on making money. We did mek music for the love."
But don't get it twisted; Morgan has since developed a business mind himself. Ask him if he still makes music simply for love and he replies: "No! I've paid mi dues, so me mus' get paid now!"
Smart man. But it's not all about the fellas in this show, as lovers rock songstress Angela Stewart will also be in the mix. She laughs: "I have to represent for the ladies, as I'm the only female on the bill!
"You'll get some real melodious love songs from me, including new songs from my new album. I haven't been to the UK for a while, so I'm definitely due a visit. But all in all, this is gonna be a great show."
Published: 18 May 2006
Issue: 1218
