Dave Hillyard Hits Jackpot

Posted on April 2nd, 2008 by JJ Loy.
Categories: album review, reggae.

The concept of the newest release from The Slackers’ sax man, Dave Hillyard is nothing short of genius. We’ve heard his talent for composition, not only with The Slackers but also on The Rocksteady 7’s first two records. Anyone who’s seen him live can attest to the mind blowing effect his solos can produce, and that was captured on Way out East, Hillyard and the Rocksteady 7’s 2007 live record.

Now we have a new way to experience Hillyard’s Bop via Jamaica-style of Saxophone. Dave Hillyard Plays the Hits of Jackpot finds our hero riding the riddims of 13 classic reggae tracks from the Jackpot catalog. Like the DJ’s of the old sound systems, Hillyard improvises and reinterprets the songs on the fly, but instead of toasting with his voice… well you get the idea.

The idea was conceived by Glen Adams (original Upsetter, original Hippy Boy, original Augustus Pablo and sometimes Slacker). All of the original tracks are either produced by Bunny Lee or Lloyd Charmers, with the current production credits going to Glen Adams and King Django.

The whole record has a very familiar feel to it, and the new recordings fit seamlessly into these classic tracks.

Check out some of the cuts at Dave’s MySpace
And grab a copy of the disc over at JumpUp! -I did.

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Wired Magazine: Jamaica Birthed the Mash-up

Posted on January 5th, 2008 by JJ Loy.
Categories: news.

I just ran across this great article from Wired Magazine, my favorite Tech and Tech Culture periodical. Writer Scott Thill, draws a clear line from the birth of Dub Version and Reggae covers to our current Mash-Up culture. This connection is evidenced by Trojan Records 40th Anniversary, and their recent compilations.

“A host of musical all-stars — from reggae pioneer Lee “Scratch” Perry to Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood and Super Furry Animals bassist Guto Pryce — have put together collections of classic Trojan tracks showcasing the indelible impact reggae has made on hip-hop, rock and electronic music over the last four decades.

Certainly, the genre’s cutting-edge production techniques and intoxicant-friendly island vibe have earned it the highest respect among producers, musicians and DJs. But it is the reggae producers’ penchant for turning out remixes and cover versions of popular songs that has left the biggest impression on today’s share-alike digital culture.

Link to the Wired Article.

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