Category #Reggae

DOUBLE TIGER, RELEASES RED HOT SOULFUL NEW SINGLE, “YEARNING” FEATURING REGGAE ICONS , SLY AND ROBBIE

The Whole Kameese 1 Comment

We had the extraordinary opportunity to check out the soulful new single, “YEARNING”, from Easy Star Records artist and producer Double Tiger(aka Jay Spaker)

“YEARNING”, is a can’t miss track, Double Tiger is absolutely brilliant alongside SLY & ROBBIE

Marking his first release since 2020’s acclaimed The Journey. The track, out today (July 25) , rides atop previously unreleased riddims laid down by reggae legends Sly & Robbie, recorded in Kingston, JA and mixed in Boston, MA. 

You can listen to “YEARNING” Here

Watch the video premiere on Reggaeville: 

The song also features horn arrangements by Lee Hamilton(John Brown’s Body, Double Tiger) and is paired with a deep dub version mixed by Craig Welsch aka Dub Fader of 10 Ft. Ganja Plant.

Photo credit JayDee

Being that it is such an honor to sing on Sly & Robbie riddims, I was initially a bit intimidated, honestly,” says Spaker. “But as I stepped into the booth that first night, a feeling came through that was effortless and full of vibes. When I felt the energy coming from Sly & Robbie’s playing, I just composed the lyrics and melody in one rough take. What an honor to be able to create alongside my musical heroes. Rest in Power to the mighty Robbie Shakespeare.”

Double Tiger is no stranger to critical acclaim. Best known for his decade-long work with progressive reggae powerhouse John Brown’s Body, Spaker has toured nationally and internationally alongside artists like Rebelution, Chronixx, Slightly Stoopid, Stick Figure, Morgan Heritage, Dirty Heads, Thievery Corporation, and many more. He also co-founded Dub-Stuy Records, and has collaborated with a who’s-who of reggae luminaries including Luciano, Johnny Osbourne, Lutan Fyah, Omar Perry, Eek-A-Mouse, Scientist, Rankin Joe, Brother Culture, and of course, Sly & Robbie.

UPCOMING LIVE DATES

AUGUST
Aug 2 – Surfside, NH
Aug 3 – Bernie’s Beach Bar, NH (w/ 10 Ft. Ganja Plant)
Aug 14 – SPACE, Old Forge, NY
Aug 23 – 118 North, Philadelphia, PA
Aug 27 – Ocean Mist, RI
Aug 28 – Sanctuary, Maynard, MA
Aug 30 – Hop Culture, CT

SEPTEMBER
Sept 19 – Caz, Buffalo, NY
Sept 20 – Levitate, MA
Sept 25 – Westcott Concerts, Syracuse, NY
Sept 26 – South Hill Cider, Ithaca, NY

OCTOBER
Oct 3 – Lizard Lounge, Boston, MA
Oct 4 – Zen Barn, Burlington, VT
Oct 31 – Bayside Bowl, Portland, ME (w/ Mighty Mystic)

Big D and the Kids Table Bassist Ben Basile Keeps The Sweet Grooves Coming With Latest Single, “74 Leonard Street”

The Whole Kameese Leave a comment

Upcoming Solo LP ‘Benergy’ Out May 2nd; East Coast Shows Announced

We recently had the delightful opportunity to check out the second single , “74 Leonard Street” from acclaimed bassist Ben Basile, best known for his work with Big D and the Kids Table, who is thrilled to share the new single, will be on his debut solo album “Benergy”, set to drop May 2nd via Sleep Walk Sounds.

You can listen to “74 Leonard Street” Here

“74 Leonard Street” from Ben Basile, is one of those magical melodic melodies that you can’t help but fall completely in love with the minute you hear it

A heartfelt tribute to the legendary Knitting Factory venue in Manhattan, “74 Leonard Street” reflects on the golden era of ska shows that shaped Basile’s musical journey. “I wrote this as a tribute to the old Knitting Factory when it was still in Manhattan in the early 2000s,”says Basile. “It was at this venue that my love and appreciation for the genre grew even deeper. This was where I first saw many artists who would influence my career: The Skatalites, New York Ska-Jazz Ensemble, Pilfers, Westbound Train, and Victor Rice. Fast forward ten years, and I would later have the chance to perform with both New York Ska-Jazz Ensemble and the Pilfers!”

The single features standout performances from longtime musical collaborators Matt Garrison (Saxophone) and Vince Tampio (Trumpet), delivering a vibrant sound that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the genre.

Benergy’, the album’s title, originated from a lighthearted moment with one of Basile’s bass students. “When I play ska punk, like with Big D and The Kids Table, it’s all about playing on top, playing with momentum and energy. Pushing the music the entire time,” Basile explains. His student’s response? “Benergy?”—a phrase that stuck and ultimately became the album’s name.

“74 Leonard “ from Ben Basile, is an absolute must listen.

LA’s Wiretap Records Announces Eclectic New Imprint Sleepwalk Sounds, First Release Is “Benergy” New Solo LP From Big D And The Kids Table Bassist Ben Basile

The Whole Kameese Leave a comment

First Single Is Mountain Road

Independent Record Label, Wiretap Records, has announced the launch an offshoot imprint label, Sleep Walk Sounds. The newly formed imprint, will specialize in releasing music in various genres from soul, roots reggae/rocksteady, jazz funk, americana, indie and more.

“For the past 10 years of running Wiretap Records, I’d constantly receive submissions from bands/artists of all types of genres. From soul, country, R&B, roots reggae and more. I love all sorts of music as we all do. While a lot of times, the music and artists were not the ideal for a Wiretap release, I still found it appealing to possibly create an imprint that was able to cater to those sounds that weren’t punk/hardcore, alternative/rock leaning.”–Rob Castellon, Owner Wiretap Records, Sleep Walk Sounds

The newly formed Sleep Walk Sounds,has announced it’s debut release due this spring, a solo record Benergy from Big D and The Kids Table bassist Ben Basile.

While Ben has performed and recorded with dozens of artists throughout his career, this is his first album consisting of his original compositions. In February of 2023, Ben enlisted the help of his best friend and bandmate Jon Degen to produce the new album. Recording took place in the spring and fall of 2023 and was completed just before the year’s end.

The pun “Benergy” was coined by one of Ben’s students during a bass lesson. From its initial inception, Benergy was simply a collection of compositions; now it is an album that encapsulates the joy, rhythm, and spirit of the music that has helped shape Ben Basile as an artist.

Benergy” is a pun that one of my bass students came up with. I was explaining to my student what it means to play “on top of the beat” which means playing just slightly early to push the feel of the bassline. “When I play ska punk, like with Big D and The Kids Table, it’s all about playing on top, playing with momentum and energy. Pushing the music the entire time.” Her response was: “Benergy?” with a smile. We shared a laugh and I wrote it down for later.

The debut single, “Mountain Road” from Ben Basile is an absolute musical treat that simply can’t be ignored. It is a burst of traditional ska/rocksteady goodness that’ll have you tapping your foot in no time.  You can listen to “Mountain Road “ Here

Ben says, “”Mountain Road” was written to represent where I am now in life… It’s literally the road I live on currently.” The track is now streaming everywhere via Sleep Walk Sounds.

Announcement: The Whole Kameese Is Going On Hiatus

The Whole Kameese Leave a comment

We started The Whole Kameese back in 2020 as a way to keep busy during the pandemic. We are so lucky to have worked with so many wonderful artists, promoters and other music professionals. We were also so blessed to be able to share so much amazing music . We have made the difficult decision to put the blog on the back burner. At this time we need to focus on other important matters. We do not know how long we will be away but, we will return. We thank all of you for your support

-Jay

We Are On The Hunt For Vinyl!!!

The Whole Kameese Leave a comment

We are looking for Bands/Artist to send their vinyl releases for 2024. We are putting together a new video segment where we will be featuring vinyl releases. If you are a band or artist and you are going to be putting out a vinyl release in the new year we want to tap to you . You can find our information on the contact section of our website or send us a message through our socials @TheWholeKameese

Central California Latin ska reggae band MENTO BURU releasing new EP “East Bakersfield Christmas II”

The Whole Kameese Leave a comment

We recently checked out Mento Buru, a 7 piece band from Bakersfield, CA that combines an energetic blend of Latin alternative, Jamaican SKA and reggae sounds.

You can listen to East Bakersfield Christmas II on Spotify Here , Apple Music Here

Veterans of ska music’s hyperactive nineties third wave, the group has released music on the Moon Ska and Steady Beat record labels establishing their reputation as a genre-defying musical act around the globe.

Now, the band is excited to announce the release of, “East Bakersfield Christmas II,” a six-song follow up to their hugely popular 2020 holiday ep. Titled in honor of the historic and culturally diverse neighborhood where the group formed and still resides, the ep is a sonic reflection of the culturally rich area that also boasts its own colorful musical history.

“We had such an overwhelming response to our last holiday release,” said lead vocalist Matt Munoz. “There was no doubt in our minds that we had to keep this project going. We are so Thankful to KCSOS and our generous community sponsors for this collaboration and look forward to sharing this new collection of songs with our fans who’ve given us so much support all these years. Merry Christmas and Feliz Navidad!”

Recorded at Summit Studios in Bakersfield, the project was mixed by acclaimed studio engineer Reade Wolcott (We Are The Union, Fat Mike’s Fat Mic Podcast) and mastered by Dave Fore (Collie Buddz, The Lacs, N2Deep.)

Over the years the band has also shared stages with musical heroes The Specials, The English Beat, Los Lobos, The Dirty Heads, Fishbone, Ozomatli, Buck Owens(of course!) and countless others in addition to performing at The Broad Stage, The Roxy, Whisky a Go Go, The Viper Room, BB Kings venues, and countless festivals

Made possible through a collaboration with Kern County Superintendent of Schoolsand generous community sponsors, “East Bakersfield Christmas II” will be available at Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon, Pandora and YouTube beginning Dec. 15.

We are absolutely loving “East Bakersfield Christmas II from Mento Buru, It’s the perfect dose of Christmas joy .