iDrop aka Rootstime Riddim – Press Release
Grammy Nominated reggae guitarist and award winning Music Producer Jason “Jahson” Murphey creates the iDrop riddim aka Rootstime riddim and teams up with internationally renowned reggae artists including: Luciano, Big Mountain, Anthony B, Yami Bolo, and Freddie McGregor (one of reggae’s most durable and soulful singers), to bring you another Classic Reggae Album entitled; “iDrop Riddim (Rootstime Riddim).”
Born in Los Angeles, where he attended his first Bob Marley concert at 3 years old, Jason grew up with reggae music and began performing at the age of 14. After 29 years playing reggae guitar with many different artists, he states; “My first experience with music was the heartbeat in my mother’s womb. When I make music, I draw inspiration from life, Jah meditation, and the musical spring deep within my heart and soul. Reggae music was always playing at every family get together at Grandma’s house: The Maytals, Jimmy Cliff, Mighty Diamonds, also Marvin Gaye and Taj Mahal. My dad had every Stevie Wonder album, and they’re all a part of me. Peter Tosh was regularly bumping in dad’s car stereo. About 7th-8th grade I started listening to a lot of the Gladiators, Dennis Brown, and Black Uhuru. Bob Marley Babylon by Bus was my favourite album as a youth. Also close to me: King Sunny Ade, Carlos Santana, Earth Wind and Fire, and Jazz guitarists Earl Klugh and Wes Montgomery. These influences are what keep my production style unique, versatile, and progressive; and as Anthony B said, ‘Jahson your production is not normal.’”
Versatility is evident on this album right from the very start with an introduction prayer by Haile Israel leading to the rich baritone voice of Luciano singing “Never Leave The Roots“; followed by a Roots Reggae and Dancehall mix duet by Anthony B and Luciano. The Hawaiian flavoured cut from Kalani Kealoha – “Irie Eyes” features the Lap-Steel Guitar of Greg Sardhina; and a combination of conscious rap and smooth vocals with the L81Z – “Brother’s Keeper” ads a ‘new roots’ style in the old time tradition familiar to classic reggae. Syncopation between drum and bass, organ, rhythm section, and play on a major-minor tone centre, have a meditative effect with a swinging grove creating a wide open platform for each artist. This album is indeed a unique and must have piece to add to your music collection. “From Africa to Jamaica to Hawaii, Reggae Roots Time is now!”
DJ Pauze aka Gav Pauze says….
Fantastic riddim! This is real roots reggae at it’s best. The first time I dropped the iDrop aka Rootstime riddim in the Unique Reggae Mix Show the listeners feedback was buzzing right away with emails and text messages flooding in right away from Reggae lovers.
I really like how this riddim was made, the production and overall quality of the complete product is off the hook. This has to be one of the best riddim releases of 2013. The live musical edge it has with the deep driving bass lines round off the music to perfection creating and generating a warmth that real reggae music does.
There are many great artists on this project, through out it is very consistent and I feel a valuable release for reggae music in general. This is a must have riddim and is bound to get everyones foot tapping and mind in tune to the subjects covered by the artists featured. Absolutely brilliant piece of work from Rootstime Production.
MP3 Download: Idrop Riddim (Roots Time Riddim) – Various Artists
