Friday 31 July 2015

REGGAE AT THE ROYAL - JULY EDITION

By Coral Consciouslee
31st July 


Some may be wondering why I am writing my second review of a monthly event that I have attended three times now. It was BRILLIANT that's why!!

There was the same intimate atmosphere, the same meeting up of certain friends, artists, etc. However this time it seems there was a freedom in the expression of those who performed. Although I have heard John McLean sing more than once, last night he sang outstandingly, moving on stage with obvious pleasure. His rendition of Ed Sheridan's "Thinking Out Loud" had the crowd in noisy rapture.

So John set us up very nicely for one of my favourite dancers on stage..Winston Reedy. I just love the way he dances and I can testify that the man can still hit those high notes, seemingly as effortlessly as ever. HIs singing whipped the audience into a frenzy, making John bring him back on to the stage for an encore. In total we were treated to six songs!

Last but by all means not least was Carol Vieira (Kofi). For me this was my first time seeing her live and I was mesmerised. She was strong, vibrant, looked great and she belted out her classic songs as if her life depended on it. The audience were right behind her. We cheered, we clapped, we danced! Special mention should be given to the Zaine Band and the backing singers (Errol Nicholson and Singer Mandee) - they delivered.

So nice seeing Barry Boom, Sutara Ji and Audrey Scottcoming out to support. I close by asking you to follow their example and support an outstanding opportunity to hear artists and musicians of a legendary calibre. BIG UP REGGAE AT THE ROYAL.

P.S. Pictures courtesy of Courtney Anglin




Thursday 30 July 2015

CARROLL THOMPSON'S LOVER'S ROCK RELAUNCH

By Coral Consciouslee
30th July 2015



Literally 30 seconds away from Southgate Underground station is The Maze Inn. At the front one would be forgiven for thinking they are entering a small place, but there the deception ends.
If one is coming straight from work or arrives early, there is a simple but effective eating area outside at the back. After sitting there for five minutes you would be forgiven for thinking you were back home in the West Indies. Taste the food and you would swear blind it's true.

Inside is a stylish, spacious and comfortable place, with beautiful red curtains and chandelier-like lighting that gives it a vintage feel. Add the bar which hints at another era, the persistent beat and bass of reggae tune after tune courtesy of Prezedent and the stage is set for the relaunch of Carroll Thompson's Lover's Rock Lounge re-launch. It didn't hurt at all that I was treated like a VIP having my own little alcove to sit in and not spending one penny on drinks - the lady knows how to treat people!

The atmosphere was one of a friendly, warm gathering, which was by no means small. Laughter and chatter mingled with the music, until we were welcomed by the Queen of Lover's Rock herself.

Then it began, the songs that made the legends: Carroll Thompson Paul Dawkins, Heather Haywood, Claudia Fontaine. Leading the listener down memory lane. As they sang, the sign of the future joined them in the form of Cassandra London singing "Just Cool".
Time-wise everything seemed just right and as I left, I was sure that this would be the first of many to come.

The relaunch was successful.

Sunday 26 July 2015

THE LOVER'S ROCK MONOLOGUES


By Coral Consciouslee
26th July 2015




Just got in from a brilliantly entertaining evening with Victor Romero Evans, Janet Kay and Carroll Thompson. 

Fairfield Halls was packed. We made it just in time before the show started. Normally the audience takes time to warm up and get into the show, but not this crowd. We were ready as Victor Romero Evans opened the show, we laughed at every nuance, every word, every flick of his flowing locs. 

For me it was my first time. I was not disappointed, or bored. I listened enthralled as all three described what it was like to be a "Lovers Rocker" back in the day. The clothes that was worn, what our parent's said/thought, the music we listened to, the times we fancied ourselves in love. We were even treated to a three-stage tutorial (he dare not take us any levels further) to what is was like to "rub down" by Victor Romero Evans.!!

Cleverly interwoven into the humour and singing, was the message that we as women, should love ourselves as God created us and not as society dictates we should be. The men were encouraged to appreciate the women. Most importantly we were all encouraged to love each other. We could easily have been sitting in a house on the sofa with a drink in hand, sharing experiences. It takes skill to pull something like that off!! The clapping and cheering carried on long after the singers and musicians left the stage and deservedly so.......

Victor Romero Evans, Janet Kay and Carroll Thompson, I commend you on thinking outside of the box; for taking your years of experience and songs and putting it altogether in a nostalgic, humourous and thoroughly engaging show. As I always say "Please continue xxx"

Wednesday 22 July 2015

RFUK DJ OF THE WEEK - GENERAL CULTURE - STOCKADE RADIO



By Coral Consciouslee
22nd July 2015




As you will read below, there is a lot to General Culture. I think from my perspective it is his unwavering support for UK Reggae Artists and the way he sucessfully engages the listener when interviewing them. Long may you continue General Culture!!

General Culture wears many hats. He is a Radio Personality/DJ/ Manager/Promoter at Reggaewave Radio Station (www.reggaewave.net), and CEO & Founder Of Stockade Promotions /RADIO (www.stockadepromotions.co.uk). General Culture presents a show called The Live Conversation Show, on Saturdays 6pm - 8pm GMT.  And on Wednesday you can catch my show "Simply British Reggae Non Stop" 6pm Til 9pm GMT.  This is a show which highlights the best of our british reggae artists.

Reggaewave Radio is an internet radio station created by Wayne Lyrics and managed by Tommoranks, Wayne Lyrics and General Culture.  Stockade Promotions Radio is dedicated to Raisng The Awareness Of Artists across the globe. In the day time we have promotions of artists, then in the evening we have live djs and presenters. General Culture has also been producing music for almost two decades and is a recording artist.

Please check out my LinkedIn profile:
Follow me on Twitter: @general_culture



**Biography of General Culture - "Di 10-Star General" **
I started out in the business in the early 90's (1992) when a good friend I had been working with, Gus Philip aka Speego, suggested we start a partnership. We both started to make music together producing various riddims, such as Rumble Rock, The Hype riddim, the Lamborgini riddim, the Up-Park Camp riddim, and many more all released on the Stockade Records label. I have worked with various artists, such as my very good friends, Wayne Lyrics, Lorenzo and Selvie Wonder, Little Hero, Nail Point, Nicky Dread, General Levy, Chuckle Berry, Sandeeno, Super Sass, Welchman, Booji, Three in One Crew, Diamond Ranks, Deeni Ranks, Miraculous, Action Fire, Pinchers, Baije Man, Qshan Deya, General Pecus and Leroy Simmonds.
Later on, some other friends of mine who had previously formed a band named Brimstone, decided to get together with Speego and myself, and we formed our own band named The Foreigners Crew, comprising of Bassie, Theo and Shaka (the true genius).
Check out General Culture, the artist, featured on the Planet riddim from Stockade Records, with Nerious Joseph, Wayne Lyrics, Jimmy Shandie, Little Hero, Chuckle Berry, Shugo Banton, Kingjay, Three in One Crew, Ky-Enie, Anthony B, Heavyman, and lots more artists. The Planet riddim was co-produced by Wayne Lyrics. I have been back in the studio recording and finished another album called the Pressure Rock riddim featuring Jamaican and UK artists.
Since the completion of the Pressure Rock riddim album, I started work on another album called the Stockade Crusha riddim, which also features Jamaican and UK artists. Also in the making is the Sitting and watching Riddim, which again will host many Uk & JA artists. More works are in the pipeline for Stockade Records, as i have my hands in many projects. My engineering sound is Lindel Lewis - one of the best in the business.
Stockade Records and Stockade Promotions/ Radio also promotes artists in conjunction with Reggaewave Radio. We are part of the conscious Partners Network