SOJA: EVERYTHING CHANGES
A Review of Lincoln Hall Chicago
02.15.11
Cold Cold Chicago.... I thought to myself when I arrived at Lincoln Hall to see the show. How did I end up in my hometown after not being here for over 3 years and during the worst part of winter, FEBRUARY. My mind kept thinking "this better be worth all of this freeze". Had a few good meetings earlier that were a surprise and many people asked me "Why would you come back here now?!?"... This question does not have a simple answer but for me no questions have any simple answers, even when it's simple. I mean come on, it's the music business. What is simple?
Earlier I had remembered my phone call with Sly Dunbar and thought about the beginning of my answer for "why?" regarding the existence of digital music in Jamaica and what many people don't take into account when they make an album. He said, "Zo, people don't understand the importance of producing an original album and too many are just quick to put out whatever and think they will make money". Now, at this show, I feel Sly's presence and the meaning of his words.
The famous actor and entrepreneur, Paul Newman, once said "Some relationships were meant to happen". This is very clear when you hear anything that is produced by DMV records...a long time childhood friendship vastly growing into a large Indie Label. Anything this crew does is methodically thought out, as proof when you hear SOJA, Mambo Sauce, and their newest artist Chris Boomer!
The show starts! First I see Mambo Sauce, an urban hip-hop, rock, electrified group. Even though they are from D.C., in my opinion they have a little bit of southern edge to them like Zydeco meets Hip Hop at a reggae rock show. Who could have thought or fathomed you would see a band like this at a reggae show? Well, unless you have been asleep for the last few years, you must know that crossover is king in the music industry right now so anything goes. Lead singer JC has a sensational voice while Black Boo completes her with his vocals and rap. Tonight was all her show and vibes! Salem on Keyboards, Charles on Drums, Khari on Bass, OluSola on Guitar, and of course to level it all out, Pep on Percussion. I understand why they are finally called "Mambo Sauce". I have been curious for quite some time as to why DMV Records chose to sign this band to their label. As they say in Jamaica, "Once You Go You Know". This is a must see live show... I honestly believe they have an even greater impact on stage LIVE.
A short break and then here comes the HEADLINER, the biggest reggae rock jam sensation to hit the US, SOJA. I thought about my conversation with Sly earlier again and said "YES! THEY KNOW WHAT IT TAKES!". SOJA's 2009 release, "Born In Babylon", continues to reign in the top 10 on the iTunes charts as most of their previous albums have while making a lasting impression on fans and reggae bands alike. SOJA continues to rule the charts year after year. All of their productions are original and they continue to change and re-arrange getting progressively better in every way. Puts a smile on my face and takes me back to the days of dancing around for hours at live Umphrey's shows. Now, Sly and I did not discuss SOJA or any US reggae for that matter, but his point hit me hard at the SOJA show. A segue of medleys started from the stage and I run to finally see the show. I mean, its 20 degrees and I am freezing far away from my home, so already the music heats my body into my soul. I enter and hear all the goodness to the beginning of a fabulous show.
The importance of a long time partnership, master craft of musicianship and a lifetime bond that cannot be penetrated or broken is something many upcoming or current artists and bands lack. TEAMWORK and SHARING, is what is needed in order to build the empire. Most do not know this, or just don't care to do this, but this is what it takes.
US Reggae is a blend of roots rock Jamaican Reggae influenced by American musicians and in SOJA's case, their influences stem from Metallica, Paul Simon, Sade, Wu-Tang Clan, Cypress Hill, Israel Vibration, and Bob Marley. This mega giant reggae rock jam band knows what it takes. They look at nothing but the caress of the music and what has been built between them. Jacob, Bobby, Kenny, Ryan, and Patrick have been together since kids and they let nothing stand in their way. As I start to move with my friends, I think to myself, "gosh so much of the world needs more of them"... LIVE REGGAE MUSIC THAT SEES PURE FRIENDSHIP THROUGH NO BOUNDARIES. The medley starts and I hear "True Love", one of my favorites from their 2002 "Peace in a Time of War" album. This song has so much beauty and reminds me of a great love story such as Romeo and Juliet... Ok enough sappiness. As the show begins with "Born in Babylon", I think "Oh yes this is it!" For some reason during this song I thought of Ras Achis. He is one of my most beloved bloggers and this song makes me think of him for a second. If he would only jump on the SOJA Tour Bus he would see that they are just as blog worthy as the dancehall DJ's... But I love him anyway.
Ok so the next song is a heart pumping sing along, "Don't Forget;" I just absolutely adore the bodacious horns on this tune that magnify the whole song. The best part is "tables gotta leg to stand on life to land on." As I think to myself, "if you don't have life to land on you're gone." I start to dance and look at the crowd to see a packed venue, women and men alike dancing and spinning. As I dance around and meet people, they say how much they love reggae and SOJA has brought them to a higher level.
Now at this point I think about all of the biggest artists in Jamaica. What happened? Why don't people know them? Some of the fans claim to know the usuals, Sly and Robbie, Bunny Wailer, Burning Spear, Wayne Wonder, Sizzla, Vybz Kartel, Sean Paul, Shaggy, Mavado, Buju Banton, you get the picture.... But what about the rest? I realize that a lot of the others refuse to promote outside of Jamaica and this is the problem. Back to the show. I get turned around to an earlier song of SOJA's existence which is "Brothers and Sisters" oh oh such a Jamaican vibe. If you research SOJA's catalog you will realize that Jamaica is a significant part of their influence. Jacob (lead vocals and guitar) just keeps progressing as all lead singers of bands do and becomes even more in tune with the world around him. From Brazil to US, he is receiving worldwide recognition. A 6 ft larger- than- life Rastafarian of reggae jam with every fanatic running his way to hear what he has to say. Then there is Bobbie, a blonde dreaded white Rastafarian... I have heard many serious players in Jamaica describe Bobbie as "a white Capleton". Tonight was a night I could truly agree with that! Jacob is a charismatic leader with a unique voice, reminding me a little of Bob Dylan meets Bob Marley. Bobbie compliments that with his DJ vocals. Together the two make a great combination. Reggae built on all walks of life... Again, back to the show...
Next up is the biggest new and noteworthy song, "Everything Changes" I was sooooooooooo happy to hear this in surround sound bass pumping speakers. A song that truly accentuates Jacob Hemphill as a writer, not just an artist. His ability to capture the world as an everlasting circle of life from bottom to top, different to same, and in the end.. as one. SOJA has released multiple versions of this song and my favorite version has to be the original. However, if you watch the video and saw the show in Chicago, they seem to be most inspired by playing the serious Helmut Version, which reminds me of the state of emergency our planet is in today. The fans seem to respond better to the original version, which is the roots rock version; and this might have something to do with the uncertainty change can bring. From when I first heard this song and still to this day, it makes me think of how we take life for granted, good or bad, without acknowledging that things can, and ultimately at some point will, change without our needs in mind. "Everything Changes" reminds me that life is temporary and perseverance and tenaciousty is key. This song was written a while back and I am not sure why SOJA chose this time to release it. Whatever the reason, Jacob is a brilliant writer and much of a genius, which is true of many leaders. In a way, sometimes he reminds me of Vybz Kartel, two phenomenal artists that are HOT on the scene right now, enough said...
As they continued to Rock the house I wondered "where the heck is Chris Boomer?" The kid from Guam that Jacob and Elliott co-produced. I am waiting in anticipation for him, wondering, "where is this star?" All of a sudden, the crowd goes wild as he appears. His album debuted at number 4 on the iTunes US reggae chart and has been holding firmly. He played 3 songs from his album and all I could say is "a star is born". He doesn't know why but he will soon see. I mean, isn't that how it works? Then the JAMS kick in Kenny, the keyboardist starts it out with "You Don't Know Me" from the 2007 EP, "Stars and Stripes". I just love him on the keys on this tune, best song of the night. Now I'm in dance heaven and just start to twirl as I look around and see one woman on her man's shoulders. I look in my circle to find the crew that would never dance, throwing there hands up saying "bup bup bup". Then I hear Bobbies voice and that is it... I completely release and turn loose and wave to Soljie (legendary JA sound engineer) and twirl to the front of the stage singing away in my own world. A fanatic asks "Do you work for SOJA?", I smile and spin away as Kenny plays the keys. Then I begin to jump and point. As I finish and slow down, they play a tune from Syr Mahber and I think YES, MORE! I wish Queen Ifrica and President Brown were sitting in on this. If you are not aware of Syr Mahber then you must go and download the album on iTunes and "take the message to every yute". The show begins to slow and I was pleased that they ended with "Bleed Through" feat. Black Boo of Mambo Sauce, one of my favorites. SOJA is one of the only reggae bands to cross over into mainstream jamband rock. I think again to myself, I miss seeing pure Jamaican music however this is inspiring and it's wholesome and continues to ride on even bigger each day. SOJA in reggae rock jam fashion all in one.
Then I think Sly said it earlier, "if you want to be successful in this business you have to produce albums that will sell for eternity". SOJA is a prodigy of that, a real good thing, no need to explain, just listen. They understand the importance of building an empire and the everlasting sleepless nights of writing music that will sell for eternity...As Jacob Hemphill says " It was written before so everything changes, maybe you should change this". The world is at a standing gate. Can you change this?
Look out for SOJA's upcoming album release "Everything Changes". For more information on SOJA and their tour dates visit www.sojamusic.com
Zoe K. Espitia
Zojak World Wide
Okay! In January, Zojak World Wide let loose BIG releases from the likes of future superstar Chantelle Ernandez for Necessary Mayhem from out of the UK. Also coming from England was the venerable Stingray Records who set up the very well received "Master"by Tyrone Taylor, as well as its latest creation, the big Run Run Riddim. There was also the latest release, "Patriots" from the legendary Reggae band, Third World. Also chiming in was the previously mentioned Shelly G for Vizion Sounds Records, an excellent 'flow' of riddim releases from Voice Stream Production and more, all of which are currently available. Mega Reggae Rock Giant SOJA finally unleashes 3 mixes of the song "Everything Changes." The rich musical arrangements lend themselves well to the thought-provoking lyrics of lead singer Jacob Hemphill. One who listens to the lyrics of this song will be hard-pressed not to find serious meaning within. The 3 mixes provide a universal appeal to the music, with something sure to please listeners of all tastes.
Viva La SOJA for coming in 2nd place on MTVU's vote for The Freshman. Check it out!
http://www.mtvu.com/music/the-freshmen/week-of-1-31-2011/
February is just as loaded. Arguably two of the biggest showcases of the month are productions from Virgin Islands, Washington D.C., and Guam. With newcomer Chris Boomer MASHIN UP the scene "I Am Who I Am" debuted on the iTunes Reggae Chart at number 3. BIG UP TO CHRIS, Music is A Weapon Records, and DMV Records!!! The thoughtful lyrics and smooth production blend seamlessly with Chris' voice to create a unique blend of soulful reggae music with an almost folk-music style. Acoustic tracks like "Can't Stop Me" and "Fiction Philosophy" create a balance with lushly-produced songs like "I Am Who I Am" featuring Jacob Hemphill of SOJA and the bouncy rocksteady-influenced "Bossman. "I Am Who I Am" provides an exceptional musical experience for the listener. Chris learned a life of music in Guam; he played with his family, he played with his friends... People stopped calling him Chris and started calling him Boomer. He enjoyed much local notoriety for his amazingly soulful and mesmerizing voice. In 2007, Boomer met "I Am Who I Am"'s co-writer and producer, Jacob Hemphill of SOJA, at a bar gig Boomer was playing while SOJA was on tour in Guam. The two instantly started collaborating on the song "You and Me" for SOJA's album "Born In Babylon", released in 2009. "You and Me" was one of the most downloaded reggae songs of the year. That was the beginning of "I Am Who I Am."
Virgin Islands super producer Dean Pond and his label, Rymshot Productions, teams up with Kenyatta Hill, son of legendary Culture front man, Joseph Hill, for this special project, "Live On: Tribute to Culture", which is live today. This most interesting release features Kenyatta Hill, who took over singing duties for the group when his incomparable Father passed on in August of 2006, covering some of the biggest hits of Culture. Included are classic tunes such as 'International Herb', 'Iron Sharpen Iron' and 'Two Sevens Clash'.
Also shining brightly this month is a trio of releases from Platinum Camp Productions. Veterans Shabba Ranks and Barrington Levy step in with big pieces - The former coming with "Old School Reggae Hits", while Levy has a brand new single, 'Gangsters', alongside Dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel and 2010's breakout star, Khago. Khago also provides the third release, 'Coppa Gone Too Soon', which is a tribute to Khago's good friend, Copper Cat, who was recently murdered in Jamaica. All three are available digitally via Zojak World Wide.
The UK, again, is well represented as both Necessary Mayhem and Stingray Records check in this month. Live today, Necessary Mayhem serves up "Love Directions", a compilation of Lover's Rock tunes from the big label, which arrives just in time for Valentine's Day. And a week later, Stingray pushes their relic of the "Only A Smile Riddim"which is certain to be full of even more tunes for couples. Teflon Blood Records release of Anthology, a collection of songs from California-based singer Dylan Judah, can be truly appreciated by fans old and young from any variety of backgrounds for its authenticity and and poignant meaning. Collective themes of righteousness shine through in this impressive compilation from Dylan Judah.
February also comes with more star power as releases abound from the likes of the sensational Bambú Station from of the Virgin Islands, their first studio album in nearly five years. Zojak is now working exclusively "Cheeny Big Son" on several exclusive releases from Jamaica's star studded Christopher Martin, former winner of the "Digicel Rising Stars" ['Jamaican Idol'] competition in Jamaica, who has had a hotter past few months than almost anyone in Reggae music today. There's also the debut album from veteran Junior X "Plead Me Cause"; he is coming off of a 2010 which saw him score one of the biggest songs of the year and of his career. 'Cross Me Heart' for Tiger Records. Anddddddddd, rumour has it that PERHAPS later in the month a certain very popular singer with the ' Almighty remedy' may very well make his much anticipated return with a brand new album.
All coming to you digitally from the magic workers at Zojak World Wide, The Leader In Distribution Of Reggae Music. Time to get excited.
