Wednesday, January 30, 2019

Gifted and Brown interview, 1992

Wellington group Gifted and Brown, photo by Phil Simpson, Planet magazine 1992


Gifted and Brown; Soul of the Pacific

By Makerita Urale, photo by Phil Simpson. Planet magazine, #8 Winter 1992, p34

The big noise in Wellington dance club scene these days comes from Gifted and Brown, purveyors of Polynesian rap, funk, and soul. The name was coined by the group's youngest member MC Bran Muffin [now known as King Kapisi], and it's an expression of what much of the music’s about.

The face of programmer and producer Gerrard Tahu, framed by long dreadlocks draped casually over his shoulders, is thoughtful and serious when he says that this is a band with a message.

“One of the things we write about is being Polynesian and living in the 90s in Aotearoa. Our overall message is an affirmation of ourselves as Polynesian. Don't be shy - you can do anything you see people of other races and cultures do. Feel positive about who you are and get out there and do whatever you want to do. Whether it be photography, journalism or music, don't be half-pie about it or treat it as a joke or something to do until you get a so-called real job.”

Tahu, Muffin, [MC AT] and NZ DJ champion DJ Raw started the band about a year ago as a live rap group, but when Mara Finau (formerly of the Holidaymakers) joined, the style broadened to taken soul influences.

“Suddenly we had a soul diva,” Tahu explains. “And we had to use her singing. That really took us into the singing world because Bill [Bran Muffin] and Atawhai [MC AT] have beautiful voices too.”

The band’s Maori and Samoan heritage doesn't stop at sweet harmonies either. Their live spontaneity and “brown” humour flows from the stage in gibes and quips to each other and the crowd, ensuring warm vibes without diluting the hype. They even schedule in opportunities for people in the crowd to jump up and jam onstage. There's something for everyone.

“The samples and grooves we use are predominantly 70s-based, but there's a contemporary production done on them. It has a heavy dance beat, so we have a strong appeal to young people, including the urban Polynesians. But we also appeal to older people because of the soul influence

“I've called us hardcore in the past but I think there's too much soul in it to be considered as such. It doesn't mean the soul influence weakens our music, it strengthens it.”

The links with black America extend beyond sweet soul music. Tahu feels an affinity with American blacks and sees a relevance here in the history.

“Whatever ground the American blacks gain in terms of human rights filters out to other cultures living within a European-dominated society.”




Two songs, ‘Chocolate city’ and ‘So much soul’ have been recorded at Wellington’s Village Sound studio and a release is pending. The work they’ve put into live performances should ensure big hometown sales to a growing posse of enthusiastic fans.

“As far as the music scene in Wellington goes, I think what we've created is something totally new. What we've done for ourselves is like job creation. We can now go to nightclubs and do 40 minute sets within their dance scenes. We’re not like any other band in Wellington because we sound different and we work within the dance scene, which means our format is different too, making our sets shorter and more intense.”

Gifted and Brown have already demonstrated that their name is something more than a collective ego trip. But perhaps the last word on that should go to Tahu:

“Our name”, he says with a grin, “is not an exaggeration. It is an affirmation.”

Gerard Tahu, Planet magazine, #3, 1990
Gerard Tahu, Planet magazine, #3, 1990

Sunday, January 27, 2019

Duncan Campbell interview, Planet magazine, 1989

Photo of BFM reggae DJ Duncan Campbell, 1989. Photo by Haru Sameshima/Planet magazine


Photo by Haru Sameshima, interview by Planet, 1989.

Duncan Campbell is an expert. His appearance may lead you to imagine many things, probably none of which bear the slightest relation to what he actually does. But don't be fooled. This man has the gen! He has spent some twenty years listening to and reading about reggae music. 

Sunday evenings at five pm on BFM, Duncan's authoritative voice welcomes listeners to Sound System, and the skanking begins! Playing from his personal collection of over three thousand records, Duncan powers out the newest and brightest reggae, 

In response to the current predilection for the reggae sound, Planet went to find out what Duncan Campbell has to say.

Planet: How did you become interested in reggae music?

Duncan Campbell: My interest started around 1967-68. The first reggae record I ever owned was The Israelites [by Desmond Dekker], which was a big hit here. At that point I was just beginning to get serious about music, and being about 14, my music tastes went everywhere. Until what time Bob Marley released his Natty Dread album in 1975, a sort of watershed year for reggae as far as the world market was concerned. 

Reggae crossed over to white audiences and suddenly the rock audience started to listen to reggae, and I began collecting seriously. BFM, then an AM station, asked me if I would do a fortnightly show. By 1981, after 2 years the show was popular enough to move up to a weekly slot. I class the show as my expensive hobby.

Planet: What is going on in the reggae scene here at the moment?

DC: It's booming. Each year gets better, this is the best year we've had yet. We've got at least two dance venues that are playing reggae now. The 12 Tribes of Israel Band are in the process of finishing their first album, and it's going to be a monster album, they should get international release without a problem. 

The Auckland Twelve Tribes house is gaining an international reputation which has done a lot for the music locally, and also gives the impetus for the international artists to come. There's a chance Black Uhuru will be touring here soon, and the rumour that Ziggy Marley could be here in January. It's very hard to get them across to NZ but I think they would do far better here than in Australia, which is a bit of a redneck place musically.

Planet: Do you see space in Auckland for a radio station playing reggae, hip hop, black music?

DC: There's definitely space for something of that ilk. There's still a vast cultural underworld in Auckland that is not catered for nearly enough. With the deregulation of broadcasting, the way is open for anyone who is able to get the money together to do something like that. It's a financial undertaking that few are prepared to risk in the current economic climate. BFM works on a shoestring budget and is very much a labour of love. 

I have enormous admiration for the people who do it, the hours they put in to keep that station going is quite staggering. it requires a commitment not many are prepared to give. The returns can be intangible. Alright, you can get a certain amount of audience feedback, but beyond that it's very much what you derive in terms of individual satisfaction and putting out something like that, and that's mostly aesthetic and certainly not financial. 

The promotion game is fraught with difficulties as well. Several promoters have taken a bath in recent years, and are less willing to take the risks to bring out lesser known artists. I was amazed to hear a band like Dinosaur Jr played here, the fact that Tackhead made it here was astonishing considering how far it is to come. The sheer cost factor! But you know, there are people who are prepared to take a punt on it. People here have to give up their support and order for these people to keep coming.

Planet: Often it is the pirate radio stations in London that introduce new music. Could you see that happening here?

DC Well, Auckland, per head of population, has more radio stations in anywhere I can think of, although there is still potential for expansion. The policy of the government is basically, if you want to do it, you should be frequencies available. You set it up, you take the risks. Keep listening, keep supporting, try to broaden your horizons a little. 

Auckland as a broad minded community. There are a lot of people who are working very hard to try and show the public that there is a wealth of talent and listening pleasure available beyond the mainstream media program. We should be asserting our identity more as a city, Auckland does have a specific character to it which is unique. There are a lot of interesting ideas out there, we don't need to copy from overseas, there are certainly a lot of mistakes we can avoid.

Planet: Who would be your favourite live performers?

DC: Burning Spear! I've seen them twice. Bob Marley was a major event for reggae in this country. Everyone who was there will never forget it. It was the birth of reggae here for a lot of people. I Jahman Levi Is one of the most compelling stage performers. Ini Kamoze, for sheer sex appeal on stage, he's like The Beatles all over again, people screaming ‘Ini you're beautiful’. Sly and Robbie’s stage show is certainly one of the best you can come across.

Planet Who do you see assuming the mantle of Bob Marley?

DC: I don't think we'll ever see anyone with such great stature as Bob Marley again. Ziggy Marley has the potential but always will carry the burden of being the star’s son. Bunny Wailer would be my pick, he's got charisma. The sole surviving original Wailer, and he’s still producing music of a calibre that simply crosses all barriers. His last album was just phenomenal. It makes the hair on the back of your neck stand on end!


Duncan Campbell profiled at Audioculture by Murray Cammick

Duncan Campbell passed away after a brief illness on Tuesday, 3rd July 2018. He was 64. RIP.

Saturday, January 26, 2019

Ring The Alarm playlist January 26

Born Jamericans - Yardcore
Luciano - Police and thieves (Groove corp remix)
Manasseh - Maga dub
Sonsine - Believin'
Katchafire - Sensemillia (Pitch Black sensi dub)
DLT with Mighty Asterix - One love
Julien Dyne - Like glue
Lord Echo - Cosmic echoes
Nightmares on Wax - Deepdown
Quantic - Creation (East LA)
Jimi Tenor - Vocalize my luv
Vula Viel - I learn
Preston Love with Shuggie Otis - Cool ade
Jackie Wilson and Count Basie - Uptight
Barbara Mason - Keep him
Jackie Wilson - Just be sincere
Margie Joseph - Stop in the name of love
Lloyd Price - They get down
Gene Faith - Family man
Meters  - Chug chug chug a lug
Coco and Misha Panfilov Sound Combo - Soul strut
Soul Brothers Six - You better check yourself
ZZ Hill - Think people
Jerry Butler - He will break your heart
Impressions - You must believe me
United Image  -African bump
Chico Mann - Sound is everything (Rich Medina mix)
Dengue Dengue Dengue - Semillero

Sunday, January 20, 2019

Vula Viel new album



This sounds like 80s NYC punk-funk transplanted to Ghana. Very wild, very cool.

"Forward-thinking UK trio Vula Viel release their sophomore album, ‘Do Not Be Afraid’ on 25th January 2019, continuing their unique musical journey centred around the Gyil (Ghanaian xylophone).

The band’s new set confidently weaves sparse polyrhythms and intricate rhythm structures around bandleader Bex Burch’s Gyil lines and take the instrument’s sound into new territory, with bassist Ruth Goller (Acoustic Ladyland, Melt Yourself Down, Rokia Traore) and drummer Jim Hart (Cloudmakers, Ralph Alessi, Electric Biddle) introducing a rough, post-punk edge to the band’s sound.

Vula Viel was formed in 2013 by Bex Burch. After studying at Guildhall and training as a classical percussionist, she embarked on a life-changing three-year period living, farming and studying with xylophone master Thomas Segura in Upper West Ghana; the band’s name means ‘Good is Good’ in the Dagaare language.

After being mentored in the deep traditions around the Gyil, a large African xylophone made of sacred lliga wood, Burch began the journey to bring the instrument into her own music. The acclaimed debut Vula Viel album in 2015, ‘Good is Good’, was the first realisation of her vision and ‘Do Not Be Afraid’ is the first set of Burch originals,written on traditional Dagaare forms.

Described as “Ghanaian minimalism”, with the unassuming ability to blur the lines between atmospheres – Vula Viel’s sound may nod to Steve Reichian jazz, but influences don’t stop there: one can hear echoes of Bill Laswell and the irresistible energy of Arthur Russell."

Out Jan 25 on vinyl/CD/digital

New Jimi Tenor 7 coming



Bouncy bit of brilliance from Mr Tenor: " Jimi Tenor delivers another 7" on Philophon. This time he teamed up with the two glorious gospel queens Florence Adooni and Lizzy Amaliyenga from Bolgatanga/Northern Ghana.

This release is a first insight into the next album by Jimi on Philophon, which will be released later the year.

Vocalize My Luv is a charmingly presented lure for love. The secret of the song is that
 drummer Ekow Alabi Savage's upfront high-life beat is triggering a Jimi-operated Korg MS-20 bass synth. Man and machine are melting down into a light and sportive groove, which irresistibly invites you to do some frisky aerobic moves on the 3am dancefloor.

Ki'igba is a classic Frafra gospel song by Alogte Oho, completed with some jubilating flute by master Jimi.

7"/digital  out Jan 25 2019 on Philophon.

Saturday, January 19, 2019

Ring The Alarm playlist January 19

Alphabethead - They're not hot
Ladi6 - Bang bang
Amin Payne - Give me the inside love
Lance Ferguson - Oblighetto
Preston Love - Pot likker
Shirlene King - Super stuff
Erma Franklin  - Light my fire
Dionne Warwick - Just being myself
Isaac Aesili - Stranjah
Sound Foundation  - Ram dancehall
DLT - Liquid skies (Kava mix by Soane)
Fat Freddy's Drop - Roady (Nextmen burger edit mix)
Yami Bolo - When a man's in love
Ragga Twins - Love talk
Kraftwerk - Trans Europe Express (Mr K edit pt2)
Art of Noise - Beatbox diversion 10
Vanity 6 - Drive me wild
Stone City Band - Strut your stuff
Marvin Gaye - You're a wonderful one
Shirley Ellis - The puzzle song
Aaron Neville -Why worry
125th St Candy Store - Is it love
Patti Jo - Make me believe in you
Bobby McClure - Doing it rite on time
Durand Jones and the Indications - You and me
Betty Harris - Cry to me
Lulu - Sweep round your own back door
Timmy Thomas - Opportunity
DNA with Susan Vega - Tom's diner
Troy Kingi - Time lapsium gangtasium
Paper Tiger with Steve Spacek - The cycle
Dur Dur Band - Heelo

Saturday, January 12, 2019

Ring The Alarm playlist January 12

Sulata - Never
Riot Jazz Brass Band - HudMo medley
Lance Ferguson - Smokey Joes La La
Preston Love - Omaha Bar-B-Que
Lou Pride - Phoney people
Patrizia and Jimmy - Trust your child
Wild Magnolias  -Soul soul soul
The Dap-Kings - Nervous like me
Dixie Cups - Iko Iko
Betty Harris - Mean man
James Brown - Take some, leave some
Geno Washington - Different strokes
Barbara Acklin - Aint no love
Aretha Franklin - Rough lover
Donnie Elbert - Sweet baby
Little Esther - Hound dog
Billy Stewart - Billy's blues pt1
Melvin Jackson - Funky skull
Oliver Sain - London express
Bernard Edwards  -Your love is good to me
Peaches & Herb - Roller skatin' mate pt1
Pointer Sisters - Thinking of you
Ardijah - Give me your number
Shannon - Give me tonight (dub version)
Audiosauce - Bee bo
Supergroove - Bloody shame (DLT remix)
Aaradhna - Keep my cool
Delroy Wilson - Get ready (12" mix)
Jo Jo Bennett - Canteloupe rock
Instigators - Five-o
Dub Connection - Mike quality
Ballistic Bros - Prophecy reveal
Lance Ferguson - Am I wrong

Saturday, January 05, 2019

Ring The Alarm playlist January 5

Massive Attack - Weather the storm
Freddie Cruger - Something good
Boozoo Bajou with Top Cat - Killer
Rae and Christian with The Congos - Hold us down (Groove Corp remix)
Roy Ayers - Running away (12" version)
Galaxy - Visions of tomorrow
Lonnie Givens - The heat is on
Beside with Bernard Fowler - Odeon (dance mix)
Pete Shelley - Homosapien (12" elongated dancepartydubmix)
Sheila E - Love Bizarre
Jill Jones - For love
Clarence Wheeler and the Enforcers - Hey Jude
Arlean Brown - Impeach me baby
Lonnie Mack - Memphis
Phil Upchurch Combo - You can't sit down pt1
Bo Diddley - She's fine, she's mine
Keil Isles - Monkey stomp
IQU - Witchcraft
King Kapisi - Subcranium feeling inst
Ladi6 - Royal blue (Silent Jay, Sensible J and Leigh Fisher remix)
Isaac Aesili with Aaradhna - With you in my bed
Julien Dyne - Design
Karl Hector and the Malcouns - Push na ya
Y-Bayani - We are the Band of enlightenment, reason and love
Ariya Astrobeat Arkestra - Crosstown traffic
Issa Bagayogo - Filaw (Senor Oz remix)

Thursday, January 03, 2019

Y-Bayani new single out Jan 11




From Philophon: "With his third single release, Y-Bayani (pronounced like Why-Bayani) shows clearly that he is the most intriguing roots-reggae sensation coming out of Ghana.

Here, he’s backed again by the lushly grooving Band of Enlightenment, Reason and Love.


‘Asembi Ara Amba’, sung in Fanti language, is an old Fanti story about having bad luck if you see a vulture up in the sky.

As Y-Bayani sees one suddenly and for no reason he gets in trouble with the police. Being held back in the police station he finally takes his chance to escape into freedom while the police men taking a nap.


On ‘We Are The Band of Enlightenment, Reason And Love’ the group presents their personal anthem. The song is a cinematic journey, taking off with a mighty horn theme, followed by a mantric chant. A bijou symphony for sure."


Out January 11th on 7" vinyl/digital.