Keeling's Caribbean Showcase: Roots Rock Reggae

Sunday, April 7th, 7:30pm

Keeling's Caribbean Showcase

Curated by Keeling Beckford

Roots Rock Reggae

Jeremy Marre, 1977, 60 min

Director Jeremy Marre places the viewer in the center of the Jamaican reggae scene at its pinnacle in this remarkable documentary. The film is worth it just to see The Gladiators perform a never released song, "Play on Mr. Music" with Lee Perry at the boards of his legendary Black Ark recording studio. But Roots Rock Reggae offers so much more, including performances by Jimmy Cliff, Joe Higgs, the Abyssinians and U-Roy. In addition, Roots Rock Reggae places the music in the social context from which it emerged, offering views of Jamaican life in Kingston and the countryside, Rastafarianism and political turmoil. This is a must see for any fan of conscious roots music at the height of its brilliance.

Trailer:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2JyMg1LWgQ

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http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ref/17367/event/352728

Keeling's Carribean Showcase

Sunday, February 3rd, 7:30pm

Keeling’s Caribbean Showcase

Curated by Keeling Beckford

The Story of Lovers Rock

Menelik Shabazz, 2011, 101 min.

The Story of Lovers Rock documents a musical movement in Britain that defined a generation in the late 70s and 80s. Lovers Rock is romantic reggae that was uniquely British. It developed from a small UK scene to become a global brand through the likes of UB40 and Maxi Priest. Lovers Rock was particularly influential to a new generation of black British young women and men who identified with this music that reflected their experiences. Female artists like Louisa Marks, Janet Kay, Brown Sugar, Carroll Thompson led a ‘girl power explosion in it’s early phase. The music provided a coping mechanism against a backdrop of racial tension and riots across the UK as well as being a counterpoint to the male dominated ‘roots’ scene. The film combines live performances with some of the Kings and Queens of Lovers Rock with comedy sketches, interviews and archive material. Interviews include Denis Bovell, UB40, Levi Roots Linton Kwesi Johnson, Angie La Ma, Maxi Priest, Mykaell Riley, The comedy sketches are provided by the likes of Eddie Nestor, Robbie G, Wayne Rollins, Glenda Jaxson. Rudi Lickwood, John Simmit., Annette Fagon.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=uyJwZwkqg8U

BPT: www.brownpapertickets.com/ref/17637/event/317855

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