Busy Signal's new album set for digital release

Busy Signal's benchmark album Reggae Music Again will be available digitally and in stores throughout the Caribbean on April 10. The US in-store release date remains on April 24. This forthcoming album on VP Records shows the dancehall artiste in a new light as he pays homage to his roots with a full set of traditional reggae songs.

Better known for his sharp-spitting rhymes on hardcore dancehall hits like Tic Toc (remixed by M.I.A. and Rye Rye) and Wine Pon De Edge, Busy Signal emerges as a charismatic roots reggae artiste. The intricate, multi-layered one-drop rhythms heard on Reggae Music Again were created by some of Jamaica's most acclaimed musicians (Kirk Bennette, Aeion Hoilette, Lamont Savory, Kevon Webster, Robbie Lyn and Dean Fraser), and recorded live at Kingston's legendary Tuff Gong studios.

Even though this is a stark departure from the sequenced beats that have dominated most of Busy's previous material, it is not the first time fans will embrace his singing. In 2011, Busy covered the classic country song The Gambler, originally sung by Kenny Rogers for the Reggae's Gone Country compilation, and his ballad-like renditions of the 1985 Commodores' hit Night Shift and Phil Collin's One More Night off his last album D.O.B. were well received and showed his versatility as an artiste. All these songs were catalysts and motivation for his traditional approach heard on Reggae Music Again.

"Being a Jamaican, I feel like it is my duty to highlight and contribute to reggae music, and with the encouragement of my management and musicians who played on this record, it all came together," states Busy. "This album is like a renaissance for me, a rebirth - reggae style," he adds.

In addition to the full-length album, VP Records will release a vinyl companion piece titled REGGAE Music Dubb'n Again, available April 17, special for Record Store Day on April 21. The exclusive LP will feature extended dub mixes for six of the album's songs, which are all mixed and engineered by Shane Brown and his legendary father Errol Brown.

Mystic Bowie releases Sweet Jamaica EP through VP Records

International Maroon reggae artiste Mystic Bowie is best described as Jamaica's hidden musical gem. While he remains almost virtually unknown in his homeland, Mystic Bowie has been making a name for himself in the international music scene since the 1980s.

Mystic Bowie's career has been an impressive musical journey which seems to have no end in sight as the talented composer and singer continues to thrill audiences around the Globe. In 2009 alone, he did 217 performances, which included headliner appearances at major music festivals such as the Tribal Funk Fest (BC, Canada), the New Haven Arts and Ideas Festival (CT, USA), SoNo Arts Festival and the MIMA Music Festival (Brazil).

He has independently released three studio albums on his label Funky Ska Music, Funky Reggae (1992), which was followed by Rebirth (2002), and Nevah Kiss & Tell (2009).

Mystic Bowie has also lent his signature vocal style to several compilation projects including, Sharin in the Groove: Celebrating the Music of Phish (2000), Creole Bred: Tribute to Creole & Zydeco (2004), and Occupy This Album: supporting the Occupy Wall Street Movement (2012).

His latest project is the three track EP titled Sweet Jamaica, which was recently released through New York-based reggae distribution giant VP Records. The EP which was produced by Mystic Bowie features the title track Sweet Jamaica, which was done in tandem with Ed Robinson who is popular on the New York Reggae scene and Sherell Rosegreen of Jamaica. The other two tracks on the album are solo efforts titled Freedom Train and Bad.

Lovebook rhythm released

Do you remember your first kiss? Your first warm embrace? That first boy or girl you fell in love with? Well, this rhythm will have you reminiscing about your first true love.

The Lovebook rhythm was birthed out of hours of intense mixing, collaboration and coordination by the musical stalwarts of Tripledose Production. Tripledose Production is a group of young entrepreneurs in the music and entertainment business. Tripledose have been pioneers and promoters of many in-town events throughout the years, and have been continuously creating quality music and developing the raw talent and skills of their artistes.

The Lovebook rhythm arose from the skilful blending of musical instruments of studio engineer Phillip 'El Taurus' Ellis and producer Craig 'Dallasign' Fullwood who were experimenting with a new style and sound, as they continuously explore creative styles.

The rhythm has an infusion of both African and Caribbean influences, bridled with a Creole vibe. The songs features the concept of love, relationship, jealousy, hurt and betrayal.

This one drop/cultural/ lovers rock Rhythm boasts industry names such as Jah Vinchi, Chozenn, IQ, AnnA Fraser, Voicemail, Stylish and Chuck Fenda. The rhythm is is slated to release soon. With recordings from well-known local talents as well as an eclectic mix for a soon-to-be released music video.

The Lovebook rhythm promises to 'tug' at the heart, and the discerning hearts and mind, while taking you on a soulful ride, back to the days of good, old-fashioned love. What better time than now to recapture the good old days with your first true love?

G-Whizz takes Jamaica by Storm - All Island Tour

Reggae/Dancehall Singer G-Whizz has taken the island by storm, sending his fans into a pandemonium.

The multi-talented artiste never failed to disappoint his fans at the Grace Chillin Roadshow where the artiste performed at the last leg of the tour at destinations: Runaway Bay, Discovery Bay, Falmouth and Sam Sharpe Square in Montego Bay.

The No Dirt hitmaker is slated to perform at a number of events Islandwide:

Thursday, March 29, 2012

4H Clubs Parish Achievement Day, St Ann - Steer Town Primary and Junior high School, and Trelawny - Multi Purpose Stadium

April 9, 2012 Easter Monday

G-Whizz Invades Warwick District, Manchester, Pele shop

On April 8, he is scheduled to perform at Caymanas Park, where proceeds are in aid of the the Portmore Self-Help Disabilities Organization & Martha's House which is a part of the Mustard Seed Communities.

However, the Life Soon Sort Out artiste is also scheduled to be part of the HIV campaign alongside Gyptian, which is being held by a group of UWI students to create an awareness of the AIDS virus.

"G Whizz promises a performance that will be within the scope of promoting safe sex," his publicist said.

Look out for G Whizz this Summer as he takes on one Parish at a time.