Lady Alliance BRIDGEZ  sparkles with “Han Up Deh”

Speaking more specifically to her current projects, she says “I have two new songs that I've already released since the year started and I've been getting good feedback on both songs. The songs are called "Han Up Deh" on the High Definition Riddim (Builder's Music Prod.) and "I Said It" on the Pedal Riddim (Echo1 prod.) The Pedal Riddim features alot of the Alliance artistes including A.N.G. "Han Up Deh" is a song that’s basically saying I careless about who wants to hate me and Big Up to the ones that rate me cause which ever one you do all it does is motivate me, the song also speaks about reality and its very uplifting while "I Said It" is pretty much the same, but it taps into women valuing themselves instead of putting a price on themself like a Benz and people minding their own business...both songs compliment each other.” Bridgez is also gearing up to release her collaboration with the Ward21 "BADDA BADDA BUNCH" artiste Timberlee. "I have collab coming out real soon with Timberlee and I'm very excited about it being that i've been a fan of Timberlee for a while now.

Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica. The melodic singer/songwriter Bridgett “Bridgez” Roache has had a passion for music from a very tender age. She began writing and singing in a group at church at the age of 11. It wasn’t long before the group split but Bridgez continued to write music and record her songs as demos on her computer. At the age of 16 Bridgez joined a group called “3 wishes” which was arranged by Norman Chambers aka “Doom” son of Jimmy Cliff. The group lasted for a while but wasn’t going in the direction that “Bridgez” hoped for so eventually she left the group. After some time Bridgez decided it was time to go solo. She entered contests and auditions but none seemed to come through. She did her first professional recording with upcoming producers David “Hizzle” Hayle and Jordan McClure from Chimney Records. She recorded two songs under their label “Have Fun Tonight” And “Distracted”.
Looking for variety of “riddims” Bridgez started working with other producers like The Legendary Producer “Jack Scorpio” who was impressed by her sound. He decided to work with the young artist. She recorded two songs under the Black Scorpio Label “If Love’s A Game” and “Shy”. This motivated the singer to work harder and write more songs.
Around this time Bridgez was introduced to Chart Topping Billboard Producer “Jah Snowcone.” He was open to listening to what the singer had to offer and was impressed and decided to work with her. She recorded quite a few songs under Jah Snowcone Entertainment Inc. such as “Best Friend”, “Put It Pon Me”, “Tun It Up” “No Teeni Tini” and she even collaborated with the Producer on a track called “So Fine” which is on the “Reggae Dancehall Nature” Album and collaboration with Tanto Metro and Devonte called “How You Like It”. She shot videos for “Best Friend” and Put It Pon Me” both got heavy rotation in the local and overseas network.
The songs started to give Bridgez recognition from people seeing her videos and performances and started to work with more producers such as Octavius “Vigor” Muir on a track called “Take My Breath Away” and Steven “Supa Hype” Davis on a track called “I Breathe You” and also Grammy Award Winning Producers “Sly and Robbie” with a song called “I’m In Like” which is in heavy rotation on numerous local and overseas stations such as MTV’s TEMPO where her medley video “Take My Breath Away/I’m In Like” spent 2 months on Tempo’s Countdown.
Bridgez went on to collaborate with Lukie D (Lead Singer of The Group Lust) in a single called “Come on Home” featuring Lukie D which was written and produced by talented chart topping producer Kemar “Flava” Mcgregor under Nodoubt Records and distributed by VP Records. Her most recent songs “Ghetto Boy” produced by Kemar “Flava” Mcgregor , “On Fire” produced by Enrapture Productions and “Pray For You” Produced by Upcoming Producers StoneAge Production are all growing in the ears of the people and picking up airplay each day. Her video for “On Fire” is in rotation in countries like Australia, England, Canada, and all over the Caribbean.
Bridgez has been in the business for a little over 3 years and has been now been recruited into the ALLIANCE Family by the Five Star General himself Bounty Killer. The Veteran Artist has decided to manage Bridgez flourishing career and has also collaborated with the song bird on Jah Snowcone’s Entertainment INC ‘s recent project on the “ World End Riddim” on a single called “Roll Out”. Bridgez is now the Newest Face of the Alliance Family and hopes that the collaboration will help her to win over people’s ears and heart with her music and new music she has to come.
Bridgez released her first digital self titled album “Bridgez” in all ITunes and Amazon Stores. She continues to write and perform her music so she can fulfill her dream of becoming a house hold name.

Man Who Shoved & Stole From Dub Poet Muta Gets 9 months

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

One word for First Annual Buckroe Beach Festival..... GREATNESS

On Saturday, May 7th, 2011 Buckroe Beach held its first annual Reggae Festival from 11am to 10 pm. The weather was sunny and warm and the crowd was positive and inviting. The all-star line up included local favorites Chris Puma, United Souls Band, Session Rockers with Tisha, Destined Nation, the mind blowing band Stable Roots and a few favorite icons including Ton of Hope, Ever-G and Tuff Lion. The Conscious Brothers in ease and style blessed us with their skills between artists with melodic tunes spun on vinyl. Their love for it had the crowd yearning for more. Radio Personalities Big Brown and Cree~ (Reggae Innovation, Hot 91.1) added their personality as they introduced some of the artists. Throughout the day the crowd became massive and even more united as they conversed and enjoyed the array of vendors and awaited the set up of the next artists. I can't remember the last time I have been to such a large function (est. 5,000 people) and felt a sense of family and unity without any adverse incident occurring. It was an occasion of peace, love, family and oneness. Many of the vendors commented on how pleased they were with the turn out and how they hoped many other Caribbean affiliated vendors would participate next year. Sunrise Catering from D.C, whose food and fresh coconut were refreshing, exclaimed how excited they were to be a part of something so "beautiful". They were excited to see what other festivities Hampton Roads had to offer and I so pleased with their gracious attitudes and flavorful foods, obliged them with invites to other functions nearing. Other vendors relished in the crowd and expressed their gratitude for simply being apart of something so progressive. West Indies United, The Zeitgeist Movement, Kush Cakes, Man Must Eat, Sha's Kitchen, Wadada, Crazed Creation and many other vendors were a part of something immeasurable. I am sure that everyone who participated, including myself left with a feeling of utopia. With the backdrop of a beautiful day, some frolicked on the beach, others mingled, but all were engaged and intoxicated by the sounds coming from the stage and the warm embrace of their fellow reggae lovers. I myself, had great company and left with a feeling of nostalgia and bliss, longing for more and a feeling of fulfillment.
If you missed this wondrous event, do your self a favor and mark you calendars for years to come.

"One Love, One Heart, Let's get together and feel alright"

Bless…
~Cree

**Thanks to Seko and Fulleroots(Conscious Brothers) for having Big Brown and I on stage, we were blessed**

"JR. GONG" MARLEY JOINS THE LINE-UP OF 'REGGAE 4 JAPAN' BENEFIT CONCERT IN NY

New York, New York -- Three-time Grammy Award-Winning artist Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley has officially joined the line-up of "Reggae 4 Japan," a benefit concert to support the Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Relief Effort of the American Red Cross on June 5, 2011 at the York College Performing Arts Center in Queens, New York. The addition of this world-renowned Reggae artist further solidifies the commitment of the Reggae music industry to aid Japan. "Reggae 4 Japan" is produced by Japanese sound system and ambassador of Reggae music Mighty Crown and their management team Irish and Chin with executive sponsorship from VP Records. "Japan has always had a great amount of fans support Reggae music and culture through out the years," says Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley. "It's only right that we give forward to lend some support to Japan in this much needed time." Popular Reggae artist Mr. Vegas is also new to the line-up. The singjay's involvement in "Reggae 4 Japan" injects a Dancehall element. In addition, "Reggae 4 Japan" has a roster heavy-hitting Reggae artists, who boast exceptional catalogues of music, including Freddie McGregor and the Big Ship Family (Stephen Di Genius, Chino and Laden), Maxi Priest, Tarrus Riley, Capleton, Fire Ball (Japan's #1 Dancehall/Reggae group), Tanya Stephens, Alaine, Gramps Morgan, Peter Morgan and Etana. Overall, Japan has played a strong role in the careers of most of the artists billed for the show. The artists deem their involvement with "Reggae 4 Japan" as a way of saying thanks and giving back.

Immediately following the event, Mighty Crown and Irish and Chin will donate profits from "Reggae 4 Japan" in the form of a check to the American Red Cross, specifically to their Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Relief Effort. To date, the American Red Cross has supported their partners the Japanese Red Cross with $100 million. Additionally, the American Red Cross is funding half of the UN World Food Program's logistical operation in Japan for the delivery and storage of relief items at a cost of $500,000. The American Red Cross will continue to support their Japanese partners as they help survivors take an important step toward early recovery. Since March 11, the Japanese Red Cross has been providing tens of thousands of Japanese with emergency relief, medical services, emotional counseling and now it's helping to equip 70,000 temporary homes with essential appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, rice cookers and microwave ovens. Additionally, the Japanese Red Cross, through local municipalities, will soon start to distribute cash grants to survivors.

"Reggae 4 Japan" tickets are on sale now -- there is limited seating: http://www.irishandchin.com/reggae4japan  Tickets will also be on sale at select retail outlets.

Serani Concert a Disappointment at the NORVA

Review by Cree - WIT Staff Writer

Saturday May 7th in a Lion Heart promotion, the Skip to Ma Lu Tour came to the NORVA and then to Tri-Som for an after party.
With the embarrassingly small turn out, the "tour" should have just stopped by the miniscule capacity venue Tri-Som and then it possibly could've been considered a packed house.

This is also questionable.
Serani, who in 2008 landed a contract to record for JVC Entertainment performed his singles " She loves me" and "No Games" following a less than exciting performance by Bugle and Ding Dong. Clearly this "tour" wasn't quite ready for such a large venue as the NORVA unless accompanied by a larger act. After all, who said Serani was deserving of headlining a tour...does anyone know anything other than "its its its serani playing games..."  
I did appreciate having the bar to myself and plenty of dancing room, and I have never seen the entire upstairs empty. I did enjoy the deejays opening music and his mothers day tribute of Beres Hammond and I did enjoy the company that was with me. I otherwise was bored and unimpressed which was unfortunate. So my apologies to you Vicky Hype (who was poised on stage the entire time with and a cake that was never cut) for a less than exciting Birthday Party in this conflicting themed show. I don't think we ever sang "Happy Birthday" to you, possibly because most of the four hours there was spent buying time in hopes of a larger crowd which at one time Walker acknowledged.  I did walk out with a few teenagers who stated they enjoyed themselves but were confused over the nature of the show. Was it a concert? a birthday party? a mothers day tribute? No one seemed really certain but most were glad it was over and many exited prior to its demise.
Lion Heart, we love you but ask us at WESTINDIANTIMES and we will either help you promote or give you better advice on timing and showplace.

Better Luck next time!
One Love
CREE~

The Album - Live On - Tribute to Culture (Rymshot Productions) 

When Joseph Hill passed away in August of 2006, the global reggae community lost one of its most engaging songwriters and vibrant performers. As leader of the group Culture, Hill had enjoyed a career that lasted over thirty years. Culture’s albums were some of the most enduring in reggae’s rich history and their concerts legendary. It was a very tall order for Joseph’s son Kenyatta to step into his father’s shoes and assume the leadership of Culture. However, any initial concern and skepticism was quickly allayed as the young Hill proved to be a charismatic performer and insightful interpreter of his father’s songs. Long-time Culture fans were not surprised, as they knew Kenyatta had been Culture’s live engineer for several years and, as a result, had a keen knowledge of Joseph’s material, stylings and legacy. This album, Live On: Tribute to Culture, is another milestone in the story of the group. Kenyatta demonstrates a remarkable understanding of the songs – both mirroring his father and giving his unique spin on the content. This CD highlights 14 songs from Culture’s full back-catalog. The songs here span several decades – from ‘Behold’ and ‘Land Where We Belong’, which Joseph originally recorded in his pre-Culture days at Studio One, all the way up to singles from the 1990s, such as ‘Wings of a Dove’. There are classics such as ‘Two Sevens Clash’ and ‘See Them A Come’, but also lesser-known gems such as ‘Lion Rock’ and ‘How Did I Stray’. This tribute CD demonstrates just how deep, witty and diverse the Culture catalog is. What is particularly remarkable is that these updates feel hearty and alive rather than mere museum pieces. Kenyatta’s singing on this release is accompanied by some very fine musicianship. This is in part due to the involvement of several veterans from Culture’s past. Drummer, and occasional bassist, Dean Pond played in Culture’s backing band for several years and made key contributions to the One Stone, Stoned and Trust Me albums. Likewise, backing vocalist Ire’ Taylor sang harmony with Culture during their highly fruitful mid-1990s period. Bassist Ryan Wilson also periodically played with the group during their vigorous touring schedule in the early 2000s. Clearly, all of these musicians have a great feel for Joseph’s songs. The music is true to the spirit of the original recordings, yet it is both lively and thoroughly appealing. The songs are not merely performed, rushed or rocked out, but have a subtlety and sympathy about them. The bluesy arrangement of ‘Armagiddeon War’ and the bouncy take on ‘Fussing and Fighting’ demonstrate an extraordinarily high degree of sensitivity and deftness of touch. Key contributions are made by keyboardists Maurice Gregory and Ian Johnson, and guitarist Jerry Simon provides some very fine riffs. There is also some enthusiastic and colorful brass work on this project courtesy of the Rock Steady Horns (Jonathan Lloyd playing trombone, Deniz Felder blowing sax and Jason Young on trumpet). It seems certain that this release will take its place with the best of Culture albums – and serve as a valuable introduction to the group for future fans. This CD is not merely a tribute, but is also a moving and winning sign of respect. It could not have been an easy task to tackle such beloved songs, but everything here is done with just the right energy and touch. Joseph can only be smiling and proud. Kenyatta’s Live On: Tribute to Culture is the absolute best sort of tribute – a living one. This album both compliments the past and bodes well for the future. It is fitting that this dynamic and exciting release closes with Joseph’s ‘Natty Never Get Weary’.