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!!!