Midnite

Midnite

Midnite Rastar - To Mene

Yet another magnificent release from the best reggae band in the

world. Without apology!!!! Another great mix of great rhythms, superb

vocals and excellent lyrics. Its the rhythms that are of interest

here. They are minimal - not dancehall minimal, roots minimal. Its

something new to my ears. They are not making anything like this in

Jamaica or in the UK. And that is part of the problem in with reggae

today. They should be. Now is the time to work on something new.

Change the beat. And that means you come up with a new reggae beat.

Not something that sounds like disco or from some other part of the

planet. Of course what makes this work is the lyrics and vocals as

well. Midnite just make it seem so easy. When its the hardest thing

there is. Fantastic set.

Midnite - Lustre Kings - Infinite Dub - Lustre Kings.

Everything Midnite does is of great interest to the Small Axe massive.

A band yes, A collective yes, and a whole lot more. This is the second

dub album from them - and its another great work. A very complex - but

dense sound - unlike anything else. And that should not be a surprise

to the followers of Midnite. Lustre Kings - are working with a load of

artists - including Lutan Fyah and Norrisman and a whole heap of

talent. And tbat bodes well for the future, it would be great to see

artists like that and many others working with Midinte. And when it

comes to dub - lets hope that some of the great engineers like Solgie,

Peter Chemist and even Scientist get a chance to work on some of

Midnite rhythms in the future. Every aspect of reggae music as got a

link somewhere - and the more links there are - the stronger it is!!!

Midnite/Lion Tribe - Standing Ground -

Wtih so many great albums coming from the Midnite collective its very

hard to say if this is the first double - I have a feeling that it is.

And what another magnificent work it is. All the great

singer/songwriters have an ability to just make what they do seem so

easy and Vaughn Benjamin does this time after time. His lyrically

skill is on par with Marley and people like I Jah Man Levi who can

take the problems of the days and weave them into the fabric of time,

because there is nothing new under the sun - so it is written and the

truth remains today.

The production is always outstanding - connecting us back to the

seventies but also showing what can be done with new ideas. Once again

Indian tabla patterns can he heard - but unlike the add on feel when

used in dancehall rhythms. This is intergration into reggae rhythms

which is very important. Reggae can always handle new ideas. It is

after all the most outward looking music on earth - but those ideas

need to be worked on. Its like rock guitar most of the time it doesn't

work in reggae music, but when someone takes the time to try and work

it in - it can be truly magical. This is a another major work - please

don't miss it.

Midnite & Desmond Williams - Kayamagan

When the word roots is mentioned - you can go no deeper than than

those of Midnite - not sure when they started but this set dates from

around the late nineties and as got the same kind of feel of the early

Midnite music. Desmond's name is new to me - but its clear that's he's

another very important part of the Midnite family which is growing all

the time. Sometimes when they work with others its a major shift away

from there sound - this is very much the Midnite sound - its got the

same production values and the same kind of lyrics - that are intended

to make you think. Which of course are the best type of reality songs

- culture is something else again and a song of praise is a song of

praise - but when it comes to Midnite and Co - its always got an edge.

Midnite - Natural Vibes - Colloration - Maschaana

Truly remarkable - its always a real pleasure to discover that Midnite

once again have put out yet anothe classic time and time again they

have done it. Its matters not if they work as a band or with others

its always the same result. In terms of output they must be one of the

prolific reggae bands ever. The Twinkle Brothers released a vast

amount of works - but Midnite and Co must have now caught up with

them. And yet its not just the quantity - its the quality. Filling up

an album of nearly 80 minutes is a serious thing - in fact I have said

before you could easily make create yet another work out of one. And

if they did that there total tally would be double!!! So what makes

this so good - well its its the same excellent production, songs and

great roots rhytms. Every song is one kind of reality or cultural

work. Natural Vibes hail from Hawaii and there contribution to this

work is one that bodes very well for reggae from those set of Islands.

Midnite - Lustre Kings - Infinite Quality -

That title kinda says it all. With all the many and various

combinations that make up the Midnite family - the quality is always

there! The songs are always very very good and so is the singing of

Vaughn Benjamin. In terms of time - and most of the music from Midnite

tends to fill up a CD this goes beyond that! Musically there is more

sounds from India - unlike the last time Midnite went in this

direction these are full rhythms - melodies seemed to work better -

but they are good tracks vocally and lyrics which is what you expect.

It would be good to see a DVD from the band now - they have so much

music - and have played in Europe this year, sadly not the UK . All

there cover art is excellent and with that kind of thinking on a DVD

it should be fantastic.

Midnite - Bless Go Roun' - Higher Bound

It never made much sense what the likes of Frankie Paul, Sugar Minott

and Johnny Osbourne were doing back in the early eighties dancehall

explosion. Single after Single, album after album. But then someone

said, my old friend the Fencebeater in fact. That as long as it was

all good, did it really make any difference!!! It was a very valid

point. And of course it applies to very very well to the Midnite band.

I don't know how many albums now carry there name - but its a lot, a

awful lot. And the quality of all of them is excellent - Vaughn

Benjamin is without doubt one of reggae's music greatest songwriters -

his lyrics are like some ancient text full of wisdom, and timeless.

Rhythhmwise this is reggae music at its very best, full of twists and

turns that show the Midnite have a in-depth knowledge of the music -

down to it deepest roots. Another fantastic set from a fantastic band.

Midnite - Rastar Calloboration - Better World Rasta

The only reason that makes any sense for the indifference shown

towards this band, is the legacy of the reggae bands of the seventies.

Sadly none of them could put a run of works together that went beyond

a couple of albums. The reasons for this are complex, but some 30

years later they do not apply to Midnite. This band as now released

countless works, sometimes on their own, or like this set with other

bands . All of them are outstanding works of roots reggae music. This

is another grreat set. 12 songs coming in around 40 minutes plus. And

its better you don�t need to fill up a CD for it to be a great work.

Some of reggae best albums are only around 30 minutes or less!!! With

great songs and great rhythms - reggae people should want this.

Midnite & Mystic Vision - New 1000

Mystic Vision are the New Mexico chapter of this movement. The last

album had touches of hip hop and rap that actually worked. So its

great to see another set from this team up. Strangely its more roots

that the previous work. In any case its another great album. The US as

had some great reggae bands over the years, Jah Malla, Kalabash and

the Ark Band are just some that come to mind. Mystic Vision are up

there with them in fine style.What makes it even more interesting is

that Midnite are standing there with them. It would be like the

Wailers teaming up with Jah Malla way back when. It takes the thing up

another level. Truly excellent music.

Midnite & Lion Tribe - Suns Of Atom

This I was not prepared for. The music of the Indian Sub-Continent and

reggae do work well together to my ears. And the tedious sample driven

efforts that have come from Jamaica since Sly thought it would be good

fun to try back in 1993, have only convinced me more that its waste of

time. However. What if you take traditional reggae rhythms patterns

and add tabla's and sitar to them? It works!!!! There was no never no

need to change the reggae rhythm, just employ this instruments over

them. You also need good songs and great singing of course. But it

works, it all works.

Midnite & Groundbreaking - Aneed

In a tradtion that now goes back a few years - Midnite team up with

other reggae bands to change the vibes. In every instance so far its

produced very interesting results. And this set is no different. -

great vocals and harmonies, great songs - great rhythms. All original.

I ask again what more could anyone want? Yes reggae in Jamaica is in a

bad way years of neglect and exploitation and corruption are finally

taking there toll. But sooner or later the dark forces that are

holding the music back in Jamaica will be placed into the light.

Meanwhile great music is being very close to home. Celebrate that,

enjoy it. Reggae is all about roots - well this is one root that as

turned into a shoot and is blooming!!!

Midnite - Rule The Time - I Grade

Another fantastic album from Midnite. Not sure what number this is,

but we are now into double figures, and does it really matter anyway!

It may do, simply because we are back into the problems of the past. A

rock band can make a great album - and everyone will start raving

about them. No problem with that. But when a reggae band or act -

consistently puts out great music - with little or no recognition

something is seriously wrong. In the past the band have commented on

Dafur and the problems that Black people have in that part of the

world. On this set you can hear about therapy abuse - and the

experimention done in the name of medical science - drilling holes in

people's head. Its all here, and a lot more. Reggae music was always

outward looking, it didn't matter if a deejay or a singer wanted to

sing about sex, sex and more sex. There was always a good number who

wanted to report on the way of the world. Its what made the music what

it is - and until we get that balance back in the music - its not

going anywhere. Unlike Midnite who are forever going forward>>>

Midnite - Jah Grid - I Grade

And here is another event. The latest release from one of reggae's

best bands. In Jamaica last year the roots scene came fully forward

again after many years. That is a very good thing, and long overdue.

What is hoped is that the great works of this band will now be fully

appreciated because this band is the cutting edge of roots reggae .

They build great rhythms, new rhythms, and then Vaughn Benjamin starts

to add lyrics and vocals - that are as complex as the works of I Jah

Man Levi and with the power of someone like Bob Andy. Just a line out

of one song can do it. " I have the software, but I don't have the

key' It�s a topical message, that so many will relate too, but with

ancient meaning. You know he's talking about something else. It just

needs a little bit more listening and that is not an hard thing to

when you have such a great work at hand.

Midnite & Mystic Vision - Current - Natural Vibes

Different vibes again , and still deep roots, just another root. Still

reggae, but something less rhythmic - more melodic. Mystic Vision from

New Mexico provide most of these different vibes. Know nothing of them

at all - although that means little in itself!!! 'Build Love' feat.

Andres Estrada & John Bento in fine style. And 'Seashells' feat.

Andres Estrada & Marisol Mirabel is another fine work. Very few bands

release two albums at once, and this is not the first time Midnite

have done this. This shows that they are reaching people. It could not

be done on a whim. Hopefully that success will grow, like they say in

reggae - nothing ever happens before its time. And this band, are

timeless.

Midnite/I Grade - Let Live - I Grade

People looking for what made reggae great in the seventies, should

look no further than Midnite. That is not to say they are a sevenites

reggae band, to say that is madness. This band is a vibe, a

collective, and ideal. Its reggae people helping other reggae people,

without the need of big record companies.

Whose time as come and gone anyway. The internet as changed their

business forever and when broadband becomes the standard - worldwide -

what will they able to do for bands like Midnite - that Midnite cannot

do for themselves? This is yet another magnificent set packed full of

lyrics, ideas and great rhythm. The

production is warm and friendly. Another great example of this band

work which represents, the past, the present and the future of reggae.

Midnite - Full Cup - Natural Vibes - CD

Midnite filled the night sky with good vibes and a positive message

last year, which was a year full of problems for reggae music. Reggae

music's function is a social commentary, to offer wisdom and

enlightment where there is none. Not just to condemn. Although the

sexual exploitation of the third world by the first world, will always

be condemned by reggae music and that includes this site. This set by

Midnite by this greatest of reggae bands shows them under the guidance

or production skill of Ras L. He takes them off into new areas, but it

all sounds like forward roots reggae music to me, and it offers plenty

of wisdom and enlightment with all the lyrical and musical skills that

followers of this band have come to expect. This is a great way to

start the new year - the only way it could be bettered would be to

have another set from this band!!!

Midnite - Branch I - Project III - Natural Vibes - CD

Much more traditional than 'Full Cup' and yet that does make it better

or worse. Such is the excellence of this bands works. They all must be

heard. Midnite are at the same new and old. That is the appeal. You

will hear all kinds of influences on this set, once that is done, you

will hear the originality and that originality is going to carry

Midnite onto great things. With lyrics and vocals coming from Vaughn

Benjamin and production coming from bassist/producer Phil Merchant.

They go to the very foundation of reggae music, and then raise a

mighty structure that all reggae music should be very proud of. And it

can only be a matter of time before the entire music world truly comes

around to the appreciation of this magnificent band.

Midnite - Ainshant Maps - Rastafaria

An incredible band! With an output that matches people like Gregory

Isaacs and a few other singers from reggae past. Although one album a

year is the considered norm, with reggae music its only ever been a

guideline. If you have loads of stuff to release and the means to

release it, better to release it today than wait. It can lead to

confusion, but with everything so consistent from Midnite. Anything on

this group of labels out of the Virgin Island is going to be good. The

songs are so deep full of passion and reason. The singing of Vaughn

Benjamin draws on so many kinds of vocal inspiration that it becomes a

challenge to determine them. Some can her the chanting/ranting of

Sizzla, other the tones of the Twinkle Brothers - and yet none can

deny the originality of the Band. Another great work.

Midnite - Scheme A Things - Rastafaria - CD

Go to the deepest roots in reggae music those that go straight back to

Africa, and you will find Midnite. This set pulls together all the

various stands that make the band so good. The chanting, the dense

rhythms, and most of all the lyrics - that are full of worldview

concepts. The sort of messages that have been spoken about in reggae

music from time, but with the way the world is today need to be

repeated/chanted until the understanding they contain is understood.

Just listen to 'Where Are They Now' one of the most powerful messages

to come forward from reggae music in years. The Truth Is Out There,

are you willing and able to listen to it!!!!

Midnite - Intense Pressure - Rastafaria - CD

The very first dub album from the band, and what a magnificent set it

is. The power and majesty of the bass and drum as never sounded so

good. This is a set for those who like there dub minimal - not a

gimmicks thing. It works it way through a number of great rhythms

allowing the bass and drum to come and go, keyboards and guitars come

forward in the mix provide melody and then move off into the distance.

This is dub at its best, providing light and shade to the foundation

of reggae music which of course is bass and drum. With two great

releases in one year - will this be the year of Midnite.

Midnite I Grade - Vijan - I Grade

Another very important album from the Virgin Island based band.

Midnite at this moment in time are one of the most important reggae

bands ever. What is interesting is our they combine the best

traditions of Jamaica bands - studio based outfits working on and with

a number of producers and labels, like Soul Syndicate, The Roots

Radics, Now Generation, in this instance I Grade. And then switching

over to an even more tradtional 'Band' role. Like for instance the

Wailers, Aswad, Misty In Roots. These bands did do production work -

but not on the scale of Midnite! And with all due respect to Soul

Syndicate, The Radics and Now Gen - none of these bands had a

singer/songwriter like Vaughn Benjamin - who sounds like so many

artists - but once you hear him, you know its him, that is the mark of

a great talent. Each every one of the 14 tracks on this set show in

one way or another the talent of this band from the bass and drum

Kenyatta Itola & Dion "Bossie" Hopkins , Tuff Lion on guitars and Eric

Williams on keys. A truly forward and excellent set.

Midnite Branch I - Geoman - I Grade Records 2003

I had heard of Midnite but not heard them. So I was curious when

Carter Van Pelt of the 400 Years website told me he was sending me a

couple of cds by the band. When I finally got around to playing them

it turned into one of best musical surprises I have ever had!

Musically the rhythms had a more basic minimal feel - natural, how

reggae music should be. Vocally - you could hear the influence of

Misty In Roots and Sizzla. Lyrically it was something else again.

These are complex lyrics and ideas - but the group want you to hear

them - the combination of complex lyrics and minimal rhythms take

reggae music to new heights and back to its roots.

Having 'discovered' the band, my enquires about them resulted in a

conversation with Theo at the Reggae-Vibes website. He also told me

that the band had just released a new album and this is it. 'Geoman'

is excellent, on par with 'Rasta Mek Peace' and 'Unpolished' These

three albums are all excellent, and there are others.

So check them out, or keep checking on this site to find out more.

A great way for reggae to start 2003!!!