SLF 4th of July Rooftop BBQ Party: Recap and Pics – Brooklyn Heights 07/04/2010
Jul 6, 2010 Reviews
Words by Ezra Gale. Photos by Quoc Pham and Michael Liebermann
Just about the only thing missing from SLF’s second annual Fourth of July Rooftop Bash was a view of the fireworks over the Hudson River (those pesky downtown Manhattan office buildings got in the way). But maybe that’s just another way to tell that this party was so off the hook that hardly anyone noticed- or cared.
Yes, for the second year in a row we threw a rooftop party so happening the only way it could end was by the boys in blue showing up to clear off the picturesque Brooklyn Heights rooftop late into the night. But that couldn’t put a damper on the evening either. With a gorgeous view of the sunset over Manhattan, SLF’s own DJ Trainwreck got things off to a rollicking start as people arrived with a set of rare grooves from all over the world (if I do say so myself!). The night progressed and the roof filled with the kind of diverse crowd that makes Planet Brooklyn the center of the universe- DJ ‘Lil Tiger kicked things into a higher gear with a set of raw funk and soul, our friend DJ Fndomntl rocked the decks with more funk, doped hip hop remixes and the People’s Champs rocked the roof with a live set of acoustic soul and funkified afrobeat. The drinks were flowing, the folks were mingling, the hot dogs were grilling….and our own legendary DJ Q-Mastah spun a set of old school reggae that would have torn the roof off if we weren’t all standing on it, airing a rare exclusive ‘Murderer’ dubplate for the coup de grace. The second People’s Champs set was probably what prompted New York’s finest to call it a night for us, but by then we were all grinning from ear to ear anyway and didn’t mind. Some of us scattered to bars on Atlantic for nightcaps, relishing a gathering that went better than we ever could have hoped.
Our next big bash will be on the Coney Island boardwalk in August, we’re working on a killer event so stay tuned….till then, see you at Moe’s every Wednesday for SoundLib, and Rose Live Music every last Saturday of the month for the Afro-Dub Sessions!
Tags: Afrobeat, brooklyn, Dancehall, DJ Lil Tiger, Events, Q-Mastah, Sound Liberation Front, Sound system
Sound Liberation Front presents [[ SoundLib ]] 01/13 WED @ Moe’s in Fort Greene, Brooklyn
Dec 29, 2009 News
SOUNDLIB is back! Sound Liberation Front is hosting another night of great music, soulful vibes and good times in Brooklyn at Fort Greene’s legendary Moe’s Bar. Come by for eclectic, soulful selections from the Music Nerd All-Stars that span the depths of soul (new and old), Hip-Hop, afrobeat, house, reggae and much more.
We won’t keep you out too late either: 9pm-1am. Perfect for unwinding after work, having a few beverages and listening to some good music with friends. …
==========
[[ SOUNDLIB ]]
presented by Sound Liberation Front + buhbOmp + The BRMG + Rappers I Know
WEDNESDAY | 13 JAN 2009
@ Moe’s
80 Lafayette Ave
Fort Greene, Brooklyn, NY, 11217
718.797.9536
C to Lafayette Ave / G to Fulton St
Also within walking distance from the Atlantic Ave station (B-Q-2-3-4-5 trains)
featuring:
MUSIC NERD ALL-STARS: [[ DJ LIL TIGER + Q-MASTAH ]] :: NYC
( Sound Liberation Front, –=(] buhbOmp [)=–, touch&feel:radio, Soular Grooves )
9p-1a | FREE | No dress code
+ facebook event page
+ going.com event page
+ eventful event page
Tags: Afrobeat, brooklyn, buhbOmp, Dancehall, DJ Lil Tiger, Events, Fort Greene, Hip Hop, House, Moe’s, Music Nerd All-Stars, Music Nerd Club, Q-Mastah, Rappers I Know, Reggae, Soul, TheBRMG
Sound Liberation Front presents [[ SoundLib ]] 12/17 THU @ Moe’s in Fort Greene, Brooklyn
Dec 7, 2009 News
In the spirit of our SLF/MNC Spring Loft Party and our Music Nerd Club Fourth of July Rooftop Party from earlier this year, we’re hosting a new party called SoundLib featuring your favorite selectors, SLF’s own Music Nerd All-Stars (aka DJ Lil Tiger and Q Mastah).
We’ll be bringing good folks together for some drinks and quality music at the legendary Moe’s Bar on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17. More info forthcoming. For now, peep the info below and spread the word.
==========
[[ SOUNDLIB ]]
presented by Sound Liberation Front + buhbOmp + The BRMG
THURSDAY | 17 DEC 2009
@ Moe’s
80 Lafayette Ave
Fort Greene, Brooklyn, NY, 11217
718.797.9536
C to Lafayette Ave / G to Fulton St
Also within walking distance from the Atlantic Ave station (B-Q-2-3-4-5 trains)
featuring:
MUSIC NERD ALL-STARS: [[ DJ LIL TIGER + Q-MASTAH ]] :: NYC
( Sound Liberation Front, –=(] buhbOmp [)=–, touch&feel:radio, Soular Grooves )
8p-1a | FREE | No dress code
Tags: Afrobeat, brooklyn, buhbOmp, Dancehall, DJ Lil Tiger, Events, Fort Greene, Hip Hop, House, Moe's, Music Nerd All-Stars, Music Nerd Club, Q-Mastah, Reggae, Soul, TheBRMG
Dance Gets Nice Again: Lord Tippatone Hifi with Selector Jah Wise in Brooklyn 11/20/09
Nov 27, 2009 Features, Reviews
Words and Photos by Quoc Pham
As I am writing this post over thanksgiving, I realize that we should be thankful for all the artists, musicians and individuals who helped shape our musical culture and affected many of us in a personal way. With the passing of Alton Ellis and Michael Jackson just to name a few, this year has been especially tough and it reminds us why we should appreciate those who remain as living legacies of musical eras which must not be forgotten. Last Friday, I was fortunate to attend a dancehall party in Brooklyn called “Dance Gets Nice Again”. The dance featured legendary selector Jah Wise from Tippatone Hifi, one of the most important sound system of the early reggae era. Held in a small venue called the Culture Barn – essentially someone’s garage – the party had an intimate feel with an eclectic audience of old timers alongside hip kids vibing to the sound of pure foundation reggae music.
The late 60’s were undoubtedly one of the most prolific period in modern Jamaican history. The blooming of the local recording industry and a string of international successes in the charts set the stage for Reggae to become a bonafide world class music. During this transition period, sound systems were naturally at the center of the action. As the dominance of the previous decade’s two giants – Coxsone’s Downbeat and Duke Reid’s Trojan – started to fade, a new generation of sound systems arose and competed fiercely for the island’s sonic supremacy. Among these, Lord Tippatone Hifi emerged as one of the top two sounds, rivaled only by King Tubby’s Hometown Hifi. With Jah Wise at the control and Big Youth on the mic, Tippatone ruled the dances from its home turf of Spanish Town to the island’s countryside where the sound would regularly travel.
Well into his fifties and with a deep musical knowledge that emanates from his enigmatic personna, Jah wise is the quintessential sound system man. His record collection is legendary and he allegedly owns the world’s two most exclusive specials: Bob Marley’s only known recorded dubplates in praise to a sound system. Jah Wise first joined the Tippatone crew as the “boxboy” – the kid transporting speakers and equipment – before quickly becoming the sound’s top selector and eventually its ambassador. Besides his musical career, Jah Wise is also a renowned artist whose artwork can be seen gracing many landmarks including the facade of Lee Perry’s infamous Black Ark studio. He also appears painting Horsemouth’s motorbike in the 1978 feature film “Rockers”.
That night, I had the opportunity to meet an individual who has had a profound influence on an entire musical culture. It was a humbling experience and this is what I’m thankful for this year.
If you recently had a similar experience worth to be thankful for, please share in the comment section.
Tags: Brookyln, Dancehall, Events, Quoc Pham, Reggae, Sound system, Tipppatone
SLF’s DJ Lil Tiger with DRM and Meta and the Cornerstones @ Dubwise Session 24, SAT 11/21 in Brooklyn
Nov 18, 2009 News
For the reggae lovers among us, Sound Liberation Front’s DJ Lil Tiger will be throwing down vintage dub and reggae at Bastard Jazz’s acclaimed Dubwise Sessions this weekend in Brooklyn:
[[ DUBWISE SESSIONS 24 ]]
SATURDAY | 21 NOV 2009
@ Studio BPM
237 Kent Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11211
between Grand and N. 1st
More info at buhbomp.com or on the facebook invite page:
The night will feature a performance by Senegalese afro-fusion reggae artist Meta and the Cornerstones, and tunes selected by DRM and DJ Lil Tiger:
When you first meet Meta, of Meta and the Cornerstones, he emits pure musical talent and a humble spirit in his 6.3ft slim frame. Then, when you meet the band members of the Cornerstones you realize that you are in the presence of a group that is about to change the dynamic of Reggae music forever.
Born in Senegal, West Africa, Meta Dia grew a deep love and true appreciation for all types of music. As a child, while listening to his mother play Gregory Isaacs and Bob Marley on the radio his appreciation for Reggae music was founded and the desire to be a musician. In Dakar, Senegal, Meta is known as a pioneer for the voice and culture of Hip Hop. He began performing on the streets and stages of Dakar at the age of 14. In the year 2000, Meta formed his first group, YALLA SUUREN (God Bless) and gained celebrity recognition by the media. YALLA SUUREN was nominated as the BEST HIP HOP/REGGAE group by the French Cultural Center in 2000.
Moving to the USA in 2002, he began to collaborate with artists such as Sean Blackman, hip hop pioneer Toni Blackman and many others. He formed the band Meta and the Cornerstones with some of the best musicians in New York City: Adrian Djoman(bass); Shahar Mintz (solo guitar); Ayo Kato (Keyboards) and Chris Eddleton (Drums), Daniel Serrato (Guitar) who brought their musical influences of the Caribbean, Africa, America, Asia and Middle East into the mix.
Meta’s powerful writing skills, his phenomenal singing voice takes you back to the roots of Reggae music as he infuses his songs with hip hop, rock, soul and African influences performing in English, French, Wolof and Fulani. Meta and the Cornerstones have gained great respect and recognition in the USA and internationally. In 2006 he made a roaring statement when he performed alongside Steel Pulse & Luciano at the 2006 Annual Reggae Salute. In 2007 he was personally invited by International Superstar and Senegalese born artist Youssou N’Dour, to perform at his Annual ‘African Ball’ concert at the Nokia Theater, NYC.
The afro-fusion reggae of The Cornerstones and Meta’s soulful, soaring voice creates a soul-pounding spiritual experience for the audience. Meta is creating something bigger than music, transcending oceans, borders, and languages. The power of what he is contributing is unifying and humbling. Meta and The Cornerstones have something big to offer whoever is listening.
Here’s some live footage of Meta in action:
Tags: Bastard Jazz, buhbOmp, Dancehall, DJ Lil Tiger, DRM, Dub, Meta and the Cornerstones, Reggae, Studio BPM
Reeewind: A Journey into Sound System Culture, 10/03/09 – New York
Oct 12, 2009 Features, Reviews
Story and Photos by Quoc Pham
A show at the Amazura is like an expedition into another musical world, far from the spotlights of mainstream media. This time, I was able to rally a crew of hardcore sound system fans despite my usual inability to convince any of my friends to take the trip deep into Queens and shell out fifty bucks for events that usually start after most venues’ last call. With its smoky and stuffy atmosphere, deafening sound system and overbearing intensity, a major event at the Amazura literally requires mental and physical preparation.
Irish and Chin have been notorious for staging mega productions worldwide, the most legendary being their prestigious world clash series held in New York, London, Jamaica and Antigua. With “Reewind: past meets the present”, their concept was to combine a vintage rub a dub show headlined by the legendary King Sturgav Hifi with the star power of popular contemporary artists such as Capleton, Luciano and Beenie Man. The bill also advertised U-Roy, Brigadier Jerry, Charlie Chaplin, General Trees (all of whom were affiliated with the sound in its heyday) and Mighty Crown Sound who was entrusted with the task of warming up the audience. With such a stellar lineup, this was undoubtedly the most anticipated dancehall event of the year and it was clear that it was going to be a memorable night.
In Jamaica, sound systems were more than just entertainment, they were literally community institutions at the center of local economy and popular culture. Ever since the early Ska days, they have been the driving force behind the birth and evolution of the Jamaican recording industry and played a crucial role in developing artists from local poor communities. With the explosion of Dancehall in the wake of Bob Marley’s Death in 1981, a new generation of sound systems spearheaded by the likes of Stone Love, Killamanjaro, and King Jammy’s took center stage and dominated the Jamaican music industry over the next two decades.
During the Dancehall era, sound system performances known as “Rub A Dub” dances were widely popular. These dances typically featured multiple deejays (the Jamaican equivalent of MCs in hip hop culture) consecutively showing off their lyrical skills in an attempt to seek out respect and recognition from the often unforgiving crowd. Spontaneous and competitive by nature, they were good indicators of raw talent and became the location of choice for scouting and developing new artists. Being a feature deejay on one of the island’s major sound systems was a sure path for popular success and an eventual recording career. To this day, most well known recording artists begin their career by earning respect and proving themselves in the “Zinc fence jungle”.
King Sturgav Sound System, also known as Sturgav Hifi was the brainchild of the illustrious deejay U-Roy. Also known as “the originator”, he is widely credited for pioneering and popularizing “toasting”, a vocal style which consists of jive talking and rapping over popular records during sound system dances. After a stint deejaying on Duke Reid’s Trojan Sound in the late 60s, he gained notoriety later on King Tubby’s Hometown Hifi- Tubby’s sonic experimentation and dub aesthetics proving the perfect support for the development of his unique vocal style. By transforming the art of animating a sound system dance into a musical form in its own right, U-Roy laid the foundation for an entire new generation of artists and became a major influence on the early rap scene (Disco/Electro/Break Beat) and the later American hip-hop movement. When he created Sturgav sound, it became defacto one of the top deejay academies on the island.
With so much history in perspective, I had very high expectations for this event. When we arrived at the Amazura, the place was already packed which was a pleasant surprise given the relatively early time (by Jamaican Standard). The night started with the incomparable Mighty Crown from Yokohama, Japan. The “Mad Japanese” definitely have a knack for captivating a crowd with their wicked selection, unique charisma and flawless execution. It is not hard to understand why they are considered one of the best sound systems in the world today, and since they were just the opener it was an indicator of the high caliber of the event.
In front of an enthusiastic crowd, King sturgav then took the stage. For the next three hours, the audience witnessed an overwhelming array of artists consecutively blessing the mic. Beenie man announced himself as the host for the night, controlling the mic and interacting with the audience while General Trees kept patrons smiling with his comical interjections and entertaining performance.
Since I am used to seeing Capleton perform with a live band , I was curious to see how his style would translate in a sound system format. Capleton has an aura few other artists carry. I caught his expression while he was standing backstage before his performance, staring at the crowd in deep concentration. Minutes later, he brought the entire place down with renditions of his anthems Jah Jah City, Who Dem, That Day Will Come and countless others over foundation riddims. Without surprises, the prophet did not fail to mesmerize the crowd with his notorious intensity and charisma.
To my surprise, I learned that U-Roy, Luciano and Charlie Chaplin were not going to be present due to visa issues. There was a lot of disappointment in the crowd. The last part of the event still featured standout performances by Brigadier Jerry and Sugar Minott, who came as a surprise guest. Both artists unleashed a series of forwards when performing their respective trademark hits.
Despite the absence of a few key performers, it was still a night of historic proportions and above all a night of great entertainment by some of the industry’s most prominent figures. It was all about class and respect between artists in honor of sound system culture and history. The event as a whole left the crowd ecstatic and it was nice to see that it was relevant to a younger audience as well. I can only hope to see more of this type of productions in the future. In the meantime, I will be going back to listening to bootleg rub a dub tapes on my iPod, longing for my next journey into sound system culture.
Tags: Amazura, Beenie Man, Capleton, Dancehall, Irish and Chin, Queens, Quoc Pham, Reggae, Sound system, Soundclash, U Roy
