- 2010 ARTISTS
COMMON
Common (originally Common Sense) was a highly influential figure in rap's underground during the '90s, keeping the sophisticated lyrical technique and flowing syncopations of jazz-rap alive in an era when commercial gangsta rap was threatening to obliterate everything in its path. His literate, intelligent, nimbly performed rhymes and political consciousness certainly didn't fit the fashions of the moment, but he was able to win a devoted cult audience. By the late '90s, a substantial underground movement had set about reviving the bohemian sensibility of alternative rap, and Common finally started to receive wider recognition as a creative force. Not only were his albums praised by critics, but he was able to sign with a major label that guaranteed him more exposure than ever before.
Common was born Lonnie Rashied Lynn on the South Side of Chicago, an area not exactly noted for its fertile hip-hop scene. Nonetheless, he honed his skills to the point where -- performing as Common Sense -- he was able to catch his first break, winning The Source magazine's Unsigned Hype contest. He debuted in 1992 with the single "Take It EZ," which appeared on his Combat-released debut album, Can I Borrow a Dollar?; further singles "Breaker 1/9" and "Soul by the Pound" helped establish his reputation in the hip-hop underground, although some critics complained about the record's occasional misogynistic undertones. Common Sense subsequently wound up on Ruthless Records for his 1994 follow-up, Resurrection, which crystallized his reputation as one of the underground's best (and wordiest) lyricists. The track "I Used to Love H.E.R." attracted substantial notice for its clever allegory about rap's descent into commercially exploitative sex-and-violence subject matter, and even provoked a short-lived feud with Ice Cube. Subsequently, Common Sense was sued by a ska band of the same name, and was forced to shorten his own moniker to Common; he also relocated from Chicago to Brooklyn.
Bumped up to parent label Relativity, Common issued the first album under his new name in 1997. One Day It'll All Make Sense capitalized on the fledgling resurgence of intelligent hip-hop with several prominent guests, including Lauryn Hill, Q-Tip, De La Soul, Erykah Badu, Cee-Lo, and the Roots' Black Thought. The album was well received in the press, and Common raised his profile with several notable guest spots over the next couple of years; he appeared on Pete Rock's Soul Survivor, plus two watermark albums of the new progressive hip-hop movement, Mos Def and Talib Kweli's Black Star and the Roots' Things Fall Apart. Common also hooked up with indie rap kingpins Rawkus for a one-off collaboration with Sadat X, "1-9-9-9," which appeared on the label's seminal Soundbombing, Vol. 2 compilation.
With his name popping up in all the right places, Common landed a major-label deal with MCA, and brought on Roots drummer ?uestlove as producer for his next project. Like Water for Chocolate was released in early 2000 and turned into something of a breakthrough success, attracting more attention than any Common album to date (partly because of MCA's greater promotional resources). Guests this time around included Macy Gray, MC Lyte, Cee-Lo, Mos Def, D'Angelo, jazz trumpeter Roy Hargrove, and Afro-beat star Femi Kuti (on a tribute to his legendary father Fela). Plus, the singles "The Sixth Sense" and "The Light" (the latter of which earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Solo Performance) earned considerable airplay. Following that success, Common set the stage for his next record with anappearance on Mary J. Blige's No More Drama in early 2002. He issued his most personal work to date with Electric Circus, a sprawling album that polarized fans, in December of that year. Be, a much tighter album that was produced primarily by Kanye West, followed in May 2005, netting four Grammy nominations. West remained on board for both Finding Forever (2007) and the lighter Universal Mind Control (2008), though the Neptunes dominated the latter. Steve Huey, All Music Guide
Common (originally Common Sense) was a highly influential figure in rap's underground during the '90s, keeping the sophisticated lyrical technique and flowing syncopations of jazz-rap alive in an era when commercial gangsta rap was threatening to obliterate everything in its path. His literate, intelligent, nimbly performed rhymes and political consciousness certainly didn't fit the fashions of the moment, but he was able to win a devoted cult audience. By the late '90s, a substantial underground movement had set about reviving the bohemian sensibility of alternative rap, and Common finally started to receive wider recognition as a creative force. Not only were his albums praised by critics, but he was able to sign with a major label that guaranteed him more exposure than ever before.Common was born Lonnie Rashied Lynn on the South Side of Chicago, an area not exactly noted for its fertile hip-hop scene. Nonetheless, he honed his skills to the point where -- performing as Common Sense -- he was able to catch his first break, winning The Source magazine's Unsigned Hype contest. He debuted in 1992 with the single "Take It EZ," which appeared on his Combat-released debut album, Can I Borrow a Dollar?; further singles "Breaker 1/9" and "Soul by the Pound" helped establish his reputation in the hip-hop underground, although some critics complained about the record's occasional misogynistic undertones. Common Sense subsequently wound up on Ruthless Records for his 1994 follow-up, Resurrection, which crystallized his reputation as one of the underground's best (and wordiest) lyricists. The track "I Used to Love H.E.R." attracted substantial notice for its clever allegory about rap's descent into commercially exploitative sex-and-violence subject matter, and even provoked a short-lived feud with Ice Cube. Subsequently, Common Sense was sued by a ska band of the same name, and was forced to shorten his own moniker to Common; he also relocated from Chicago to Brooklyn.
Bumped up to parent label Relativity, Common issued the first album under his new name in 1997. One Day It'll All Make Sense capitalized on the fledgling resurgence of intelligent hip-hop with several prominent guests, including Lauryn Hill, Q-Tip, De La Soul, Erykah Badu, Cee-Lo, and the Roots' Black Thought. The album was well received in the press, and Common raised his profile with several notable guest spots over the next couple of years; he appeared on Pete Rock's Soul Survivor, plus two watermark albums of the new progressive hip-hop movement, Mos Def and Talib Kweli's Black Star and the Roots' Things Fall Apart. Common also hooked up with indie rap kingpins Rawkus for a one-off collaboration with Sadat X, "1-9-9-9," which appeared on the label's seminal Soundbombing, Vol. 2 compilation.
With his name popping up in all the right places, Common landed a major-label deal with MCA, and brought on Roots drummer ?uestlove as producer for his next project. Like Water for Chocolate was released in early 2000 and turned into something of a breakthrough success, attracting more attention than any Common album to date (partly because of MCA's greater promotional resources). Guests this time around included Macy Gray, MC Lyte, Cee-Lo, Mos Def, D'Angelo, jazz trumpeter Roy Hargrove, and Afro-beat star Femi Kuti (on a tribute to his legendary father Fela). Plus, the singles "The Sixth Sense" and "The Light" (the latter of which earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Solo Performance) earned considerable airplay. Following that success, Common set the stage for his next record with anappearance on Mary J. Blige's No More Drama in early 2002. He issued his most personal work to date with Electric Circus, a sprawling album that polarized fans, in December of that year. Be, a much tighter album that was produced primarily by Kanye West, followed in May 2005, netting four Grammy nominations. West remained on board for both Finding Forever (2007) and the lighter Universal Mind Control (2008), though the Neptunes dominated the latter. Steve Huey, All Music Guide
Toubab Krewe
Blending American and West African influences into a sound all its own, Toubab Krewe has set "a new standard for fusions of rock 'n' roll and West African music" (Afropop Worldwide).
Since forming in 2005, the magnetic instrumental quintet has won a diverse and devoted following at performances everywhere from Bonnaroo to the legendary Festival of the Desert in Essakane, Mali, the most remote festival in the world. The band developed their unique sound over the course of numerous extended trips to Mali, Guinea, and Ivory Coast, where they immersed themselves in the local culture and studied and performed with
luminaries.
But the group has its roots in Asheville, NC, where many of its members were childhood friends and long-term musical collaborators. It was at home in the Appalachians, where the band recorded their sophomore album, Live at the Orange Peel.
Produced by Grammy winning producer Steven Heller (who also produced the band's debut), the new album captures their outstanding 2007-2008 New Year's run. All of the songs are previously unreleased and continue to mix American rock with the West African musical traditions the band fell in love with on their travels. Along the way, they explore the worlds of surf and zydeco, fusing it all together into what the Village Voice describes as "a futuristic, psychedelic, neo-griot frenzy" and Honest Tune hails as "one of the most innovative voices in music today."
The new release features collaborations with legendary spoken word artist Umar Bin Hassan of The Last Poets and fiddler Rayna Gellert of Uncle Earl.
www.toubabkrewe.com
Blending American and West African influences into a sound all its own, Toubab Krewe has set "a new standard for fusions of rock 'n' roll and West African music" (Afropop Worldwide).
Since forming in 2005, the magnetic instrumental quintet has won a diverse and devoted following at performances everywhere from Bonnaroo to the legendary Festival of the Desert in Essakane, Mali, the most remote festival in the world. The band developed their unique sound over the course of numerous extended trips to Mali, Guinea, and Ivory Coast, where they immersed themselves in the local culture and studied and performed with
luminaries.But the group has its roots in Asheville, NC, where many of its members were childhood friends and long-term musical collaborators. It was at home in the Appalachians, where the band recorded their sophomore album, Live at the Orange Peel.
Produced by Grammy winning producer Steven Heller (who also produced the band's debut), the new album captures their outstanding 2007-2008 New Year's run. All of the songs are previously unreleased and continue to mix American rock with the West African musical traditions the band fell in love with on their travels. Along the way, they explore the worlds of surf and zydeco, fusing it all together into what the Village Voice describes as "a futuristic, psychedelic, neo-griot frenzy" and Honest Tune hails as "one of the most innovative voices in music today."
The new release features collaborations with legendary spoken word artist Umar Bin Hassan of The Last Poets and fiddler Rayna Gellert of Uncle Earl.
www.toubabkrewe.com
John Brown's Body
John Brown's Body's "Future Roots" uses reggae as a foundation, but incorporates dub, drum and bass, dancehall, hip hop and other musical experiments and exploration to create a sound both timeless and forward. However it's defined, it's got people buzzing about this progressive band from Boston and Ithaca, NY. The New York Daily News called them "reverent and revolutionary." Their latest album, Amplify, debuted at #1 on Billboard's Reggae Chart. The 8-piece band's killer live show has super heavy rhythms, a three piece horn section, air tight drum and bass and "the most gorgeous melodies in all of modern reggae music" [All Music Guide], all backed by a dubbed-out sound engineer.
www.johnbrownsbody.com
John Brown's Body's "Future Roots" uses reggae as a foundation, but incorporates dub, drum and bass, dancehall, hip hop and other musical experiments and exploration to create a sound both timeless and forward. However it's defined, it's got people buzzing about this progressive band from Boston and Ithaca, NY. The New York Daily News called them "reverent and revolutionary." Their latest album, Amplify, debuted at #1 on Billboard's Reggae Chart. The 8-piece band's killer live show has super heavy rhythms, a three piece horn section, air tight drum and bass and "the most gorgeous melodies in all of modern reggae music" [All Music Guide], all backed by a dubbed-out sound engineer.
www.johnbrownsbody.com
Sarazino
Sarazino blends elements of Latin pop, reggae, funk, African, French and Arabic music with a fun, upbeat vibe to create grooving party music for a globalized world. The appealing and infectious sound of "Ya Foy!" will appeal to fans of Manu Chao, Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, Juanes and other stars of creative and catchy Latin music.
Sarazino is the brainchild of Lamine Fellah, a musician, songwriter and producer whose nomadic life is reflected in the multicultural influences in his songs. Fellah is joined by several prominent musicians on Ya Foy! (which means "no problem" in the Dioula language of West Africa). Many songs feature the inspired vocals of Revelino Aguidissou, a native of Benin, Africa, as well as Ecuadorian guitarist Pablo Estrella, reggae legend Toots Hibbert of Toots and the Maytals, Latin toaster Blanquito Man from the ska-rock band King Chango and others. Fellah also collaborated with a number of lyricists, including Isidro García, a Spanish poet who wrote the words for more then half of the songs on the album. The result of this musical mélange is a savory stew of catchy, accessible songs that offer a soundtrack for a true world party.
www.cumbancha.com/sarazino
Sarazino blends elements of Latin pop, reggae, funk, African, French and Arabic music with a fun, upbeat vibe to create grooving party music for a globalized world. The appealing and infectious sound of "Ya Foy!" will appeal to fans of Manu Chao, Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, Juanes and other stars of creative and catchy Latin music.Sarazino is the brainchild of Lamine Fellah, a musician, songwriter and producer whose nomadic life is reflected in the multicultural influences in his songs. Fellah is joined by several prominent musicians on Ya Foy! (which means "no problem" in the Dioula language of West Africa). Many songs feature the inspired vocals of Revelino Aguidissou, a native of Benin, Africa, as well as Ecuadorian guitarist Pablo Estrella, reggae legend Toots Hibbert of Toots and the Maytals, Latin toaster Blanquito Man from the ska-rock band King Chango and others. Fellah also collaborated with a number of lyricists, including Isidro García, a Spanish poet who wrote the words for more then half of the songs on the album. The result of this musical mélange is a savory stew of catchy, accessible songs that offer a soundtrack for a true world party.
www.cumbancha.com/sarazino
Sierra Leone's Refugee All-Stars
Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars started playing music together in West African refugee camps while their homeland was being racked by years of bloody warfare. Since then, audiences around the world have embraced the band and their utterly extraordinary story. On their forthcoming album, Rise & Shine, the All Stars' sound, as well as their biography, evolves further; the music finds them "establishing an identity based as much on skill, imagination and charisma as on their undeniably touching story" (The Los Angeles Times). Cumbancha will release the album on March 23, 2010.
For the follow up to their acclaimed debut, Living Like a Refugee, the band began recording in their hometown of Freetown, Sierra Leone then traveled to New Orleans, Louisiana to work with the highly accomplished producer Steve Berlin (Los Lobos, Angélique Kidjo, Rickie Lee Jones, Michelle Shocked, Alec Ounsworth, Jackie Greene) at Piety Street Recording. The All Stars immediately felt at home in New Orleans, not only because the hot climate and spicy food reminded them of Africa, but also because the residents of the Crescent City have firsthand experience with the bitterness of exile and the redemptive power of music. The local musicians who contributed to the record—including favorites Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews, Bonerama and Washboard Chaz—lend it an infectious spirit of celebration and optimism in the face of struggle.
Rise & Shine reflects how far the band has come in the past few years, after multiple international tours and recording experience with the likes of Aerosmith and Mavis Staples. With an expert producer at the helm, Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars have realized a unique and seamlessly coherent sound: a fusion of traditional West African music and roots reggae, inflected with New Orleans styles. The album's 13 tracks embrace the wide array of musical influences the All Stars have encountered on their rise to international fame.
The band members are broadly diverse in age and character, although they possess a strong bond forged through common experiences and values: They all know war and have struggled to survive in one of the world's poorest countries, and they share an unwavering belief in the transformative power of music. The current lineup of the band was cemented when Reuben M. Koroma, the sage songwriter and guiding light of the group, returned home from the refugee camps, joined by Black Nature, an orphaned teenaged rapper; Mohammed Bangura, who suffered amputation at the hands of rebels; and Francis John Langba. Back in Sierra Leone, they reunited with family, friends and former band mates Ashade Pearce, Jah Son Bull and Makengo Kamara —many of whom they believed not to have survived the violence.
The band's journey—which culminated in the All Stars' first recording in a studio—was documented in the multi-award winning documentary Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars, by Zach Niles and Banker White. The resulting album, Living Like A Refugee, garnered the band international acclaim and high profile fans such as Keith Richards, Sir Paul McCartney, Aerosmith, Angelina Jolie and Ice Cube.
Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars deliver electrifying and uplifting live performances and will tour the U.S. in Spring 2010. They have already appeared at some of the most prestigious music festivals worldwide including Bonnaroo, Montreal Jazz, Fuji Rock in Japan, Central Park SummerStage and Celebrate Brooklyn.
www.refugeeallstars.org
Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars started playing music together in West African refugee camps while their homeland was being racked by years of bloody warfare. Since then, audiences around the world have embraced the band and their utterly extraordinary story. On their forthcoming album, Rise & Shine, the All Stars' sound, as well as their biography, evolves further; the music finds them "establishing an identity based as much on skill, imagination and charisma as on their undeniably touching story" (The Los Angeles Times). Cumbancha will release the album on March 23, 2010. For the follow up to their acclaimed debut, Living Like a Refugee, the band began recording in their hometown of Freetown, Sierra Leone then traveled to New Orleans, Louisiana to work with the highly accomplished producer Steve Berlin (Los Lobos, Angélique Kidjo, Rickie Lee Jones, Michelle Shocked, Alec Ounsworth, Jackie Greene) at Piety Street Recording. The All Stars immediately felt at home in New Orleans, not only because the hot climate and spicy food reminded them of Africa, but also because the residents of the Crescent City have firsthand experience with the bitterness of exile and the redemptive power of music. The local musicians who contributed to the record—including favorites Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews, Bonerama and Washboard Chaz—lend it an infectious spirit of celebration and optimism in the face of struggle.
Rise & Shine reflects how far the band has come in the past few years, after multiple international tours and recording experience with the likes of Aerosmith and Mavis Staples. With an expert producer at the helm, Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars have realized a unique and seamlessly coherent sound: a fusion of traditional West African music and roots reggae, inflected with New Orleans styles. The album's 13 tracks embrace the wide array of musical influences the All Stars have encountered on their rise to international fame.
The band members are broadly diverse in age and character, although they possess a strong bond forged through common experiences and values: They all know war and have struggled to survive in one of the world's poorest countries, and they share an unwavering belief in the transformative power of music. The current lineup of the band was cemented when Reuben M. Koroma, the sage songwriter and guiding light of the group, returned home from the refugee camps, joined by Black Nature, an orphaned teenaged rapper; Mohammed Bangura, who suffered amputation at the hands of rebels; and Francis John Langba. Back in Sierra Leone, they reunited with family, friends and former band mates Ashade Pearce, Jah Son Bull and Makengo Kamara —many of whom they believed not to have survived the violence.
The band's journey—which culminated in the All Stars' first recording in a studio—was documented in the multi-award winning documentary Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars, by Zach Niles and Banker White. The resulting album, Living Like A Refugee, garnered the band international acclaim and high profile fans such as Keith Richards, Sir Paul McCartney, Aerosmith, Angelina Jolie and Ice Cube.
Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars deliver electrifying and uplifting live performances and will tour the U.S. in Spring 2010. They have already appeared at some of the most prestigious music festivals worldwide including Bonnaroo, Montreal Jazz, Fuji Rock in Japan, Central Park SummerStage and Celebrate Brooklyn.
www.refugeeallstars.org
DJ Ben Arsenal + Nolij
Ben Arsenal + Nolij are a dynamic DJ/VJ duo bringing their unique style of mixing audio and visuals to create a progressive party atmosphere. As the founders of Rio Nites in Philadelphia, their high energy and creative attitudes are conducive to pulling together memorable experiences.
www.benarsenal.com
www.jonnykauf.com
Manifestivus Afterhours Mixtape 2010 by BenArsenal
Ben Arsenal + Nolij are a dynamic DJ/VJ duo bringing their unique style of mixing audio and visuals to create a progressive party atmosphere. As the founders of Rio Nites in Philadelphia, their high energy and creative attitudes are conducive to pulling together memorable experiences.
www.benarsenal.com
www.jonnykauf.com
Manifestivus Afterhours Mixtape 2010 by BenArsenal
DJ Don P
Dj Don P is an upcoming Dj that has been honing in his mixing and DJ skills..... He has been spinning since 2 years old and he is now currently 8 yrs old. He is heavily influenced by Reggae Hip-Hop and DanceHall.
Every party he has ever spun at has been in excess of 600 people. This will be his second year back to the Manifestivus and he is looking forward to spinning a set for his fans.
www.myspace.com/djdonpboy
Dj Don P is an upcoming Dj that has been honing in his mixing and DJ skills..... He has been spinning since 2 years old and he is now currently 8 yrs old. He is heavily influenced by Reggae Hip-Hop and DanceHall.
Every party he has ever spun at has been in excess of 600 people. This will be his second year back to the Manifestivus and he is looking forward to spinning a set for his fans.
www.myspace.com/djdonpboy
D'Moja
D'Moja was formed in the late 80's by Mark & Ochazonia Klarich. Over the nearly 20 years of the bands existence, many talented musicians and dancers have been involved. Currently, the band is a collaboration of the next generation, led by the youngest son of Ochazonia & Mark. D'Moja embodies the connection between music & dance, taking inspiration from the traditional rhythms of the African diaspora, as well as from contemporary music including hip-hop, jazz, and latin.
The sounds of D'Moja have been compared to artists such as Ozomatli, Santana, & Fela Kuti. D'Moja has opened for national & international acts such as Culture, Steele Pulse, & Cyro Baptista. They have also performed at various venues including the Vermont Raggae Festival, the Soul Revival Festival, the Portsmouth Blues Festival, and has become a fixture at the Rutland First Night Celebration.
In addition to headlining at venues all over Vermont, variations of the group have toured in places such as Hamburg Germany & Amsterdam.been involved. Currently, the band is a collaboration of the next generation, led by the youngest son of Ochazonia & Mark. D'Moja embodies the connection between music & dance, taking inspiration from the traditional rhythms of the African diaspora, as well as from contemporary music including hip-hop, jazz, and latin. The sounds of D'Moja have been compared to artists such as Ozomatli, Santana, & Fela Kuti. D'Moja has opened for national & international acts such as Culture, Steele Pulse, & Cyro Baptista. They have also performed at various venues including the Vermont Raggae Festival, the Soul Revival Festival, the Portsmouth Blues Festival, and has become a fixture at the Rutland First Night Celebration. In addition to headlining at venues all over Vermont, variations of the group have toured in places such as Hamburg Germany & Amsterdam.
www.myspace.com/dmoja
D'Moja was formed in the late 80's by Mark & Ochazonia Klarich. Over the nearly 20 years of the bands existence, many talented musicians and dancers have been involved. Currently, the band is a collaboration of the next generation, led by the youngest son of Ochazonia & Mark. D'Moja embodies the connection between music & dance, taking inspiration from the traditional rhythms of the African diaspora, as well as from contemporary music including hip-hop, jazz, and latin. The sounds of D'Moja have been compared to artists such as Ozomatli, Santana, & Fela Kuti. D'Moja has opened for national & international acts such as Culture, Steele Pulse, & Cyro Baptista. They have also performed at various venues including the Vermont Raggae Festival, the Soul Revival Festival, the Portsmouth Blues Festival, and has become a fixture at the Rutland First Night Celebration.
In addition to headlining at venues all over Vermont, variations of the group have toured in places such as Hamburg Germany & Amsterdam.been involved. Currently, the band is a collaboration of the next generation, led by the youngest son of Ochazonia & Mark. D'Moja embodies the connection between music & dance, taking inspiration from the traditional rhythms of the African diaspora, as well as from contemporary music including hip-hop, jazz, and latin. The sounds of D'Moja have been compared to artists such as Ozomatli, Santana, & Fela Kuti. D'Moja has opened for national & international acts such as Culture, Steele Pulse, & Cyro Baptista. They have also performed at various venues including the Vermont Raggae Festival, the Soul Revival Festival, the Portsmouth Blues Festival, and has become a fixture at the Rutland First Night Celebration. In addition to headlining at venues all over Vermont, variations of the group have toured in places such as Hamburg Germany & Amsterdam.
www.myspace.com/dmoja
Japhy Ryder
A tight-knit group of musicians living, working, and performing in and around Burlington, Vermont, Japhy Ryder draw upon a diverse range of influences to create their unique blend of instrumental hip-hop, dub, rock and afro-beat. Bass heavy, percussion driven grooves lay the foundation while trumpet, synths, samples, and guitar blend the realms of improvisation and composition.
Over the past several years, Japhy Ryder have had the privilege of sharing the stage with such visionary artists as Femi Kuti, The Roots, and Bernie Worrell and have played at many prestigious venues and festivals, including Vermont's Higher Ground, New York City's Knitting Factory, and Camp Bisco.
Although extensive touring has recently taken a back seat to the pressing demands of career and family, the group has played hundreds upon hundreds of shows over the past few years and continues to blow away audiences throughout the region.
With 2010 comes the release of two new albums from Japhy Ryder. A long awaited live album, Over the Fall, featuring their former guitarist was released this April. If the Haves are Willing, a brand new studio album showcasing the band's current sound and lineup, will be released in early June.
www.japhyryder.com
A tight-knit group of musicians living, working, and performing in and around Burlington, Vermont, Japhy Ryder draw upon a diverse range of influences to create their unique blend of instrumental hip-hop, dub, rock and afro-beat. Bass heavy, percussion driven grooves lay the foundation while trumpet, synths, samples, and guitar blend the realms of improvisation and composition.Over the past several years, Japhy Ryder have had the privilege of sharing the stage with such visionary artists as Femi Kuti, The Roots, and Bernie Worrell and have played at many prestigious venues and festivals, including Vermont's Higher Ground, New York City's Knitting Factory, and Camp Bisco.
Although extensive touring has recently taken a back seat to the pressing demands of career and family, the group has played hundreds upon hundreds of shows over the past few years and continues to blow away audiences throughout the region.
With 2010 comes the release of two new albums from Japhy Ryder. A long awaited live album, Over the Fall, featuring their former guitarist was released this April. If the Haves are Willing, a brand new studio album showcasing the band's current sound and lineup, will be released in early June.
www.japhyryder.com
Casio Bastard
Casio Bastard is a Funk/Jazz/Space group that has been playing together for many years. It came from an open mic stew that formed into a band, lost some members and kept playing in the basement. Casio Bastard recently played at 2009's RhinoFest and performs dates throughout vermont.
The music that is created is pulled from the wavelenths in the air that others can not hear, processed by the group and shot out in an audible form that others can hear.
www.myspace.com/downtempocasio
Casio Bastard is a Funk/Jazz/Space group that has been playing together for many years. It came from an open mic stew that formed into a band, lost some members and kept playing in the basement. Casio Bastard recently played at 2009's RhinoFest and performs dates throughout vermont.
The music that is created is pulled from the wavelenths in the air that others can not hear, processed by the group and shot out in an audible form that others can hear.
www.myspace.com/downtempocasio
Bajah + The Dry Eye Crew
After packing the national stadium for performances in their home country of Sierra Leone and contributing music to the Academy Award–nominated film Blood Diamond, African superstars Bajah + the Dry Eye Crew are poised to conquer the global airwaves with their international debut album (due out in fall 2009) and their unique sound, which blends the swagger and funk of hip-hop, the passion and energy of dancehall, and the socially conscious vibe of reggae. The group has generated so much buzz in the hip-hop world that major stars including ?uestlove and Black Thought of the Roots, Talib Kweli, K'Naan, Res, and El-P have contributed their vocal and/or production talents to the upcoming release, helmed by the production team Fyre Department (whose credits include 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, GZA, Talib Kweli, Justin Timberlake). With this great collection of creatives, Bajah's own star is rising as the Sean Paul of West Africa with the social conscience of Bob Marley and Fela Kuti.
So much more than just another hip-hop outfit, Bajah + the Dry Eye Crew have been likened to another band renowned internationally for speaking out against political and social injustices: U2. In Sierra Leone, now emerging from the throes of a brutal 10-year civil war, Bajah + the Dry Eye Crew are hailed as "the voice of the voiceless," speaking truths on behalf of those people who have no political power, spreading messages of peace and reconciliation, outing corrupt politicians, and inspiring the disenfranchised youth to pursue their dreams. "We always speak about real stuff, like the suffering, what is going on," says the group's frontman, Bajah. "So most of the youth, the fans, are going crazy over it, because they think it's the reality—that's how it is. So they show mad love at times."
In Sierra Leone, the term dry eye is an expression of boldness. "The kids that always try to ask questions and want to know things are the dry eye. If you always coming up to talk to the elder people, trying to ask them certain questions, they say, 'Oh, you, you're dry eye,' like, 'You're bold. You're too bold!'" Bajah explains. "But we just use dry eye because we decide to talk about the bad things going on. Cause the leaders, we take them as our fathers—but we still gonna say some things, the reality. We just gonna stand, no matter what. No more tears in the eye. We're just gonna stay dry eye and say something. You understand? That's strong.
"We talk about different things," Bajah continues. "We talk about love. We talk about life, social problems. Music is about life." And now, Bajah + the Dry Eye Crew are sharing their unique perspective on life and spreading their message of hope, love, and inspiration across the globe through their vibrant, infectious music and their electrifying live shows. And the world is listening...
Bajah + the Dry Eye Crew have been welcomed as part of The Roots/Okayplayer hiphop community, and recently performed as invited guests at the annual Roots Picnic in Philadelphia. They've also wowed crowds at some of New York's most prestigious venues, including the Knitting Factory, B.B. Kings', Joe's Pub and Prospect Park's Celebrate Brooklyn Bandshell. Upcoming appearances include the a showcase at the Knitting Factory, a performance at Brooklyn Museum and, on August 6, a free show headlining a night at the Lincoln Center out-of-doors festival.
www.facebook.com/planetbajah
www.planetbajah.com
After packing the national stadium for performances in their home country of Sierra Leone and contributing music to the Academy Award–nominated film Blood Diamond, African superstars Bajah + the Dry Eye Crew are poised to conquer the global airwaves with their international debut album (due out in fall 2009) and their unique sound, which blends the swagger and funk of hip-hop, the passion and energy of dancehall, and the socially conscious vibe of reggae. The group has generated so much buzz in the hip-hop world that major stars including ?uestlove and Black Thought of the Roots, Talib Kweli, K'Naan, Res, and El-P have contributed their vocal and/or production talents to the upcoming release, helmed by the production team Fyre Department (whose credits include 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, GZA, Talib Kweli, Justin Timberlake). With this great collection of creatives, Bajah's own star is rising as the Sean Paul of West Africa with the social conscience of Bob Marley and Fela Kuti. So much more than just another hip-hop outfit, Bajah + the Dry Eye Crew have been likened to another band renowned internationally for speaking out against political and social injustices: U2. In Sierra Leone, now emerging from the throes of a brutal 10-year civil war, Bajah + the Dry Eye Crew are hailed as "the voice of the voiceless," speaking truths on behalf of those people who have no political power, spreading messages of peace and reconciliation, outing corrupt politicians, and inspiring the disenfranchised youth to pursue their dreams. "We always speak about real stuff, like the suffering, what is going on," says the group's frontman, Bajah. "So most of the youth, the fans, are going crazy over it, because they think it's the reality—that's how it is. So they show mad love at times."
In Sierra Leone, the term dry eye is an expression of boldness. "The kids that always try to ask questions and want to know things are the dry eye. If you always coming up to talk to the elder people, trying to ask them certain questions, they say, 'Oh, you, you're dry eye,' like, 'You're bold. You're too bold!'" Bajah explains. "But we just use dry eye because we decide to talk about the bad things going on. Cause the leaders, we take them as our fathers—but we still gonna say some things, the reality. We just gonna stand, no matter what. No more tears in the eye. We're just gonna stay dry eye and say something. You understand? That's strong.
"We talk about different things," Bajah continues. "We talk about love. We talk about life, social problems. Music is about life." And now, Bajah + the Dry Eye Crew are sharing their unique perspective on life and spreading their message of hope, love, and inspiration across the globe through their vibrant, infectious music and their electrifying live shows. And the world is listening...
Bajah + the Dry Eye Crew have been welcomed as part of The Roots/Okayplayer hiphop community, and recently performed as invited guests at the annual Roots Picnic in Philadelphia. They've also wowed crowds at some of New York's most prestigious venues, including the Knitting Factory, B.B. Kings', Joe's Pub and Prospect Park's Celebrate Brooklyn Bandshell. Upcoming appearances include the a showcase at the Knitting Factory, a performance at Brooklyn Museum and, on August 6, a free show headlining a night at the Lincoln Center out-of-doors festival.
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www.planetbajah.com
Manchilde
After migrating from the Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago, Manchilde cut his teeth in the
very fierce Toronto Hip Hop movement of the early nineties. It was a hungry time in Canada, one in
which the young Hip Hop community had to prove that it was a legitimate force in the Canadian music
industry. Competition for college and commercial radio airplay was intense and battles between crews
were common. Nonetheless, performing with his first outfit UBIS (Upward Bound to the Inner Sound)
Manchilde won opening slots for visiting US acts like The Pharcyde and Black Moon, and performed live
on MuchMusic – Canada's major network television music station.
It was after his 1992 relocation to Montreal, that Manchilde discovered his distinctive qualities as an artist. Manchilde hosted, and freestyled, at the weekly live-band interactive show called The Savoy. The mid-nineties acid jazz movement had arrived and, at Montreal's famous Metropolis, Manchilde hosted and opened for bands like The Roots, Brand New Heavies, Brantford Marsalis and Guru's Jazzmatazz. Without access to a regular recording studio during that period, out of necessity Manchilde became part of the early freestyle movement and incidentally became known as a spoken word artist through his habit of spitting his lyrics accapella. This put Manchilde at the forefront of the spoken word movement and saw him nab slam poetry titles at NYC's, Nuyorican Poets Café.
By 1998 Manchilde, with new musical partner Ziploks, nabbed a slot on McGill University's CKUT 90.3FM and launched the Ill Groove Garden. These men dedicated the radio programme to exploding Montrealers, Canadians and innovative international Hip Hop artists. The programme won local and national awards for innovation. However, not satisfied with simply playing the music of others, Manchilde and Ziploks collaborated with the show's turntablist, DJ Raid, to form the group Butta Babees. The Butta Babees toured the CMW and NXNE music conferences and ultimately won a recording contract with Universal Records Canada. The band released the Ep, the Entrée and the album Urbanelo as well as several 12-inch wax singles. In 2001, the band was nominated for Best Independent at the MuchMusic Video Awards. The band won major radio and television rotation for no less than four singles and charted across the country. With the Butta Babees, Manchilde played festivals as large as the Montreal International Jazz Festival and performed alongside international luminaries such as Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Slum Village and Jill Scott.
Manchilde has recently relocated to Phildelphia, Pennsylvania to further his recording career while he immerses himself in the neo-soul sound of Philadelphia. In Philly, Manchilde now works in a professional capacity with renowned engineer and record producer, Phil Nicolo, original founder of Ruffhouse Records. From his current base in Philadelphia, Manchilde continues to perform dates in Philly as well as Toronto, New York and Vancouver.
Manchilde's most recent material appears on two albums by the Vancouver-born, Montreal-based Hip Hop producer, Think Twice. Released in Japan in 2007 and 2008, Think Twice's A Loop and Some Swing and Rock to this Beat have begun to develop a Japanese fan base for Manchilde and the new troop of artists with whom he now collaborates. Manchilde has already completed shooting on the first video from the upcoming solo album From Child to Man and has recently recorded with reggae artists in Kingston, Jamaica to round out the album.
www.manchilde.com
After migrating from the Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago, Manchilde cut his teeth in the
very fierce Toronto Hip Hop movement of the early nineties. It was a hungry time in Canada, one in
which the young Hip Hop community had to prove that it was a legitimate force in the Canadian music
industry. Competition for college and commercial radio airplay was intense and battles between crews
were common. Nonetheless, performing with his first outfit UBIS (Upward Bound to the Inner Sound)
Manchilde won opening slots for visiting US acts like The Pharcyde and Black Moon, and performed live
on MuchMusic – Canada's major network television music station.It was after his 1992 relocation to Montreal, that Manchilde discovered his distinctive qualities as an artist. Manchilde hosted, and freestyled, at the weekly live-band interactive show called The Savoy. The mid-nineties acid jazz movement had arrived and, at Montreal's famous Metropolis, Manchilde hosted and opened for bands like The Roots, Brand New Heavies, Brantford Marsalis and Guru's Jazzmatazz. Without access to a regular recording studio during that period, out of necessity Manchilde became part of the early freestyle movement and incidentally became known as a spoken word artist through his habit of spitting his lyrics accapella. This put Manchilde at the forefront of the spoken word movement and saw him nab slam poetry titles at NYC's, Nuyorican Poets Café.
By 1998 Manchilde, with new musical partner Ziploks, nabbed a slot on McGill University's CKUT 90.3FM and launched the Ill Groove Garden. These men dedicated the radio programme to exploding Montrealers, Canadians and innovative international Hip Hop artists. The programme won local and national awards for innovation. However, not satisfied with simply playing the music of others, Manchilde and Ziploks collaborated with the show's turntablist, DJ Raid, to form the group Butta Babees. The Butta Babees toured the CMW and NXNE music conferences and ultimately won a recording contract with Universal Records Canada. The band released the Ep, the Entrée and the album Urbanelo as well as several 12-inch wax singles. In 2001, the band was nominated for Best Independent at the MuchMusic Video Awards. The band won major radio and television rotation for no less than four singles and charted across the country. With the Butta Babees, Manchilde played festivals as large as the Montreal International Jazz Festival and performed alongside international luminaries such as Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Slum Village and Jill Scott.
Manchilde has recently relocated to Phildelphia, Pennsylvania to further his recording career while he immerses himself in the neo-soul sound of Philadelphia. In Philly, Manchilde now works in a professional capacity with renowned engineer and record producer, Phil Nicolo, original founder of Ruffhouse Records. From his current base in Philadelphia, Manchilde continues to perform dates in Philly as well as Toronto, New York and Vancouver.
Manchilde's most recent material appears on two albums by the Vancouver-born, Montreal-based Hip Hop producer, Think Twice. Released in Japan in 2007 and 2008, Think Twice's A Loop and Some Swing and Rock to this Beat have begun to develop a Japanese fan base for Manchilde and the new troop of artists with whom he now collaborates. Manchilde has already completed shooting on the first video from the upcoming solo album From Child to Man and has recently recorded with reggae artists in Kingston, Jamaica to round out the album.
www.manchilde.com
Rough Francis
In the early '70s, three brothers—Dannis, David, and Bobby Hackney—begin playing quick-tempo, high-velocity, hard rock as the revolutionary Detroit band, Death. Heavily influenced by the wild on-stage antics, political-tinged lyrics, and kick-in-the-face raw rock of fellow Detroit bands MC5 and the Stooges, as well as the high energy of more mainstream bands such as The Who in England, Death unknowingly helped create the genre of punk rock that later hit the music world full-force. Ahead of their time, Death, unfortunately, never had their moment in the spotlight. After changing musical directions; the three brothers moved to Burlington, Vermont. The Hackney's continued to develop their musical interest and eventually settled down and raised families of their own, the days of Death seemed only a memory of the distant past.
30 years after the group disbanded and after the passing of David Hackney, sons Julian, Urian, and Bobby Hackney Jr., unearthed the original Death recordings in their father's attic. Already well steeped in the hardcore and punk scene since youth and inspired by the power and magnitude of their father's recordings, the boys along with friends Steven Hazen Williams and Dylan Giambatista created Rough Francis as a way to help spread the word of Death and the newly re-discovered music. The bands name, Rough Francis, was in tribute to David Hackney, who created the moniker for himself years earlier. Shortly after forming, Rough Francis began playing and developing their own style and sound while sharing their own form of punk rock to select audiences. Although the loud howls, high-energy stage presence, and raw, gritty rock of Rough Francis echoes Death, they are exploring a musical style unique to them. Their sound has appealed to a wide range of fans, from the most core punk enthusiasts to backpacker hip hop kids. Fueled by their wide spread appeal but anchored in their core roots, Rough Francis has had a great year.
They've performed at the annual Joey Ramone memorial Birthday Bash and opened for hip hop heavyweight Mos Def. The band has been steadily gaining acclaim for their energetic performances from critics all over, which has included a feature in the New York Times in March of 2009 and mentions on Spin.com, to name a few. They are currently in the studio recording for a release set for early 2010 and getting out on the road performing at various clubs in select cities. The sons of Death are born; Rough Francis is inviting the world to take part and bare witness as a new generation evolves from a family story made for movies.
www.myspace.com/roughfrancis
In the early '70s, three brothers—Dannis, David, and Bobby Hackney—begin playing quick-tempo, high-velocity, hard rock as the revolutionary Detroit band, Death. Heavily influenced by the wild on-stage antics, political-tinged lyrics, and kick-in-the-face raw rock of fellow Detroit bands MC5 and the Stooges, as well as the high energy of more mainstream bands such as The Who in England, Death unknowingly helped create the genre of punk rock that later hit the music world full-force. Ahead of their time, Death, unfortunately, never had their moment in the spotlight. After changing musical directions; the three brothers moved to Burlington, Vermont. The Hackney's continued to develop their musical interest and eventually settled down and raised families of their own, the days of Death seemed only a memory of the distant past.
30 years after the group disbanded and after the passing of David Hackney, sons Julian, Urian, and Bobby Hackney Jr., unearthed the original Death recordings in their father's attic. Already well steeped in the hardcore and punk scene since youth and inspired by the power and magnitude of their father's recordings, the boys along with friends Steven Hazen Williams and Dylan Giambatista created Rough Francis as a way to help spread the word of Death and the newly re-discovered music. The bands name, Rough Francis, was in tribute to David Hackney, who created the moniker for himself years earlier. Shortly after forming, Rough Francis began playing and developing their own style and sound while sharing their own form of punk rock to select audiences. Although the loud howls, high-energy stage presence, and raw, gritty rock of Rough Francis echoes Death, they are exploring a musical style unique to them. Their sound has appealed to a wide range of fans, from the most core punk enthusiasts to backpacker hip hop kids. Fueled by their wide spread appeal but anchored in their core roots, Rough Francis has had a great year.
They've performed at the annual Joey Ramone memorial Birthday Bash and opened for hip hop heavyweight Mos Def. The band has been steadily gaining acclaim for their energetic performances from critics all over, which has included a feature in the New York Times in March of 2009 and mentions on Spin.com, to name a few. They are currently in the studio recording for a release set for early 2010 and getting out on the road performing at various clubs in select cities. The sons of Death are born; Rough Francis is inviting the world to take part and bare witness as a new generation evolves from a family story made for movies.
www.myspace.com/roughfrancis
