BUJU BANTON - BUJU BANTON AND FRIENDS

.....

BUJU BANTON - BUJU BANTON AND FRIENDS

Disc 1

1 Bonafide Love - (Featuring Wayne Wonder)

2 Who Say - (Featuring Beres Hammond)

3 Little More Time - (Featuring Beres Hammond)

4 Wicked Dickie - (Featuring Nadine Sutherland)

5 Hotness - (Featuring Heavy D)

6 Love Dem Bad - (Featuring Red Rat)

7 Teaser - (Featuring Bounty Killer)

8 Get It On - (Featuring Wayne Wonder)

9 What I'm Gonna Do - (Featuring Nadine Sutherland)

10 I Do - (Featuring Fundisha)

11 We Set The Principle - (Featuring Beenie Man)

12 Ring The Alarm - (Featuring Tenor Saw)

13 Watch How You Flexin' - (Featuring Ed Robinson)

14 A So - (Featuring Tony Rebel)

15 Weary - (Featuring Culture)

16 Hang On - (Featuring Gregory Isaacs)

17 I Dare Not Be Ungrateful - (Featuring Leroy Sibbles)

18 54-46 Was My Number - (Featuring Toots Hibbert)

Disc 2

1 23rd Psalm - (Featuring Morgan Heritage)

2 Massa God World - (Featuring Wayne Wonder)

3 Complaint - (Featuring Garnett Silk)

4 Give I Strength - (Featuring Ras Shiloh)

5 We Will Be Alright - (Featuring Luciano)

6 Mother's Cry - (Featuring Jah Mali)

7 Sound In The Air - (Featuring LMS)

8 Can You Play Some More - (Featuring Beres Hammond)

9 My Woman Now - (Featuring Beres Hammond)

10 Childish Games - (Featuring Marcia Griffiths)

11 Closer - (Featuring Marcia Griffiths)

12 Poor Old Man - (Featuring Stephen Marley)

13 We Want It - (Featuring Twiggy)

14 Make My Day - (Featuring Brian and Tony Gold)

15 Commitment - (Featuring Wayne Wonder)

16 No More Misty Days - (Featuring Rancid)

17 Tribal War - (Featuring Tony Rebel, Brian & Tony Gold and Terry Ganzie)

Jamaican dancehall veteran Buju Banton has featured duets with a wide array of artists on his albums right from the beginning, and this two-disc 33-track compilation from VP Records collects several of them in one convenient package. There's none of the slackness here that brought Banton his first taste of fame (and controversy), and his remarkable (and critically lauded) conversion to socially conscious material is well in evidence. Buju's gruff-voiced DJ stance has always been stronger than his singing side, and these pairings with the likes of Beres Hammond, Toots Hibbert, Garnett Silk, and Gregory Isaacs play to his strengths, as he leaves the singing to the pros and interjects his powerful raps at key junctures. Among the highlights here (and there are plenty) are the steamrolling groove of "Little More Time" with Hammond, the quirky and cautionary "Ring the Alarm" with Tenor Saw, a heartfelt "I Dare Not Be Ungrateful" with Heptones singer and bassist Leroy Sibbles, and a barn-burning version of "54-46 That's My Number" with Toots Hibbert of the Maytals, a pairing that -- in hindsight -- seems as obvious and natural as the sun and moon. The anthemic "No More Misty Days" with punk-pop group Rancid is surprisingly effective, as is the lovely and soothing "23rd Psalm" with Morgan Heritage. One of the most striking tracks is Banton's duet with the late Garnett Silk on the gorgeous and vital "Complaint." Banton has continually bridged the distance between hardcore dancehall and socially conscious roots reggae, even embracing hip-hop, R&B, and straight pop elements in his music, and as an emblem of positive synthesis, his position in Jamaican music (and internationally) in the 21st century is vital. Dedicated Buju fans may well already have most of the these tracks, but having these songs collected together like this in a single package makes a sprawling testament to Banton's inclusive vision. ~ Steve Leggett Live Recording Editor: Paul Shields. Personnel: Buju Banton (vocals); Toots Hibbert (vocals); Marcia Griffiths, Nadine Sutherland, Wayne Wonder, Beres Hammond. Liner Note Author: Buju Banton.

****BUJU BANTON AND WAYNE WONDER - FLASHBACK****

.....

****BUJU BANTON AND WAYNE WONDER - FLASHBACK****

TRACKLIST


1. Buju Banton - How Could You
2. Wayne Wonder - Zero
3. Buju & Wayne - What You Gonna Do
4. Wayne Wonder - Rumours
5. Buju Banton - Sensimella Persecution
6. Buju & Wayne - Commitment
7. Buju & Wayne - Searching
8. Buju Banton - Loving Was A Crime
9. Wayne Wonder - Do You
10. Wayne Wonder - Movies Star
11. Buju & Wayne - Bonafide Love
12. Wayne Wonder - Heal The World
13. Buju & Wayne - Massa God World 2
14. Buju & Wayne - Hey Lorna
15. Buju & Wayne - Give My Love A Try
16. Buju Banton & Wayne Wonder - Reunion
17. Buju Banton - Bad Boy
18. Wayne Wonder - Emptiness

LABEL PENTHOUSE

Deejay Buju Banton and singer Wayne Wonder in combination and on their own, produced by Donovan Germain between the years 1993-1999.

****BUJU BANTON - BEFORE THE DAWN****

.....

****BUJU BANTON - BEFORE THE DAWN****


TRACKLIST


1. Rasta Can't Go 4:31
2. In The Air 3:35
3. Do Good 6:59
4. Battered & Bruised 4:08
5. Bondage 5:15
6. Struggle Together 4:32
7. Life 5:03
8. No Smoking at All 3:26
9. Try Life . 4:10
10. Innocent 10. 3:34




Detalles del producto
Audio CD (September 28, 2010)
Original Release Date: 2010
Label: Gargamel

Many are familiar with CCR’s version of the American folk song “Midnight Special.” The subject matter requires a little more research and insight. The song was chanted by men imprisoned in the American South in the early 20’s and 30’s who would often wait until midnight to see their only light of day, a rumbling late-night train passing close enough to the prison grounds. The light from the locomotive shining through a tiny cell window would give prisoners some sliver of hope, some who had been incarcerated wrongly or set up by political machinations.


So the now-venerable reggae/dancehall vocalist Buju Banton, who has been locked up since December 2009, is finally getting his day in court in a trial that kicked off September 20, 2010. The news reports say Buju and two associates met with a connection in Tampa Bay in late ‘09 (a connection who turned out to be a government informant) and negotiated a deal to purchase (with intent to distribute, according to the indictment) 5 kilos of cocaine. There is no denying Buju had made some sort of terrible decision getting involved with this sort of thing but it also seems clear he had been targeted and entrapped. It is a sad commentary on the plight of many a reggae artist: despite the genre’s universal appeal, seldom do its creators reap the financial rewards of their less-talented pop counterparts.


The artist has been plagued by controversy ever since he recorded “Boom Bye Bye” early in his career. Despite a turn towards consciousness in the mid-90’s, his inescapable bad boy image has found him in the middle of peril throughout his tenure as one of the best and brightest talents ever to emerge from the cauldron of Jamaica. Much of the singer’s content betrays this pigeon-holing and this latest set is no exception. From the outset, there is an urgency and sincerity in the songwriting and compositions lacking in his experimental Rasta Got Soul album from a year ago (while garnering critical accolades and decent record sales, the album was largely dismissed by much of the reggae massive). Here we find Buju in a more straight-ahead reggae mood, with many a backing track that could be turned into a worthwhile dubplate. “Do Good” is as soulful as it is thought-provoking and “Battered & Bruised,” while clearly paraphrasing the classic Bob Marley cut “Jump Nyabinghi,” just plain works.


It is this reviewer’s opinion that the more compact an album is, the less chance for misstep. That rings true here and even if these cuts were plumbed from the vaults of earlier sessions, everything flows superbly with the only hint at dissnonance being “No Smoking At All.” The Gramps Morgan (of Morgan Heritage)-aided “Try Life” evens things out and the pointed “Innocent” ties this 10-cutter all together.


Buju has as many detractors as he does fans but say what you want about his lifestyle and choices, the strength of the music in this session speaks to the existential conflict that all of us feel. It is often hard just to be human, plain and simple. So before you judge, lock the prison cell and throw away the key, consider your own faults and mistakes and thank the ever-loving light you still have your freedom.


Free all political prisoners worldwide (and Mark Myrie just might be one of them, contrary to seemingly damning early trial reports from the Washington Post) but I suppose we should consider the self-prophetic “Driver A” as well. The powder is Babylon business anyhow star, it would be a shame to settle for prison recordings from Buju Banton in the near future.

****BUJU BANTON - RUDEBOYS INNA GHETTO****

.....

****BUJU BANTON - RUDEBOYS INNA GHETTO****


TRACKLIST


1. Stamina Daddy
2. Quick
3. Binghi Jump
4. Glamatize
5. General
6. Mr. Tie and Jacket
7. Gold Spoon
8. Louq Di Buddy
9. Poorer Class
10. Mampie Size
11. Mumma Long and Tounge
12. Live and Fret
13. Gun Unna Want
14. Bring Your Body Come to Me
15. Mystery Babylon


Label Jamaican Vibes
Orig Year 2000
Discs 1
Release Date Apr 13, 2000
Studio/Live Studio
Mono/Stereo Stereo
Personnel Buju Banton - vocals
Zarro
Commanche
Simpleton

RUDEBOYS INNA GHETTO features early Buju Banton recordings as well as efforts from five other dancehall DJs, collectively known as Posse.


Personnel: Commanche, Johnny P. , Simpleton, Zarro, Buju Banton (vocals).

****BUJU BANTON - TIL SHILOH****

.....

****BUJU BANTON - TIL SHILOH****


TRACKLIST


1. Shiloh
2. Til I'm Laid To Rest
3. Murderer
4. Champion
5. Untold Stories
6. Not An Easy Road
7. Only Man
8. Complaint (with Garnett Silk)
9. Chuck It So
10. How Could You
11. Wanna Be Loved
12. It's All Over
13. Hush Baby Hush
14. What Ya Gonna Do? (With Wayne Wonder)
15. Champion (Remix)


It was not pure ego that led Buju Banton to title his 1993 album VOICE OF JAMAICA; his unique voice is a gruff, melodic instrument, and his lyrics are precise. He built his career on controversial hits and slacker anthems, but has since helped spearhead a movement to swing reggae's pendulum away from sex and violence, back towards conscious lyrics and Rastafarian themes. On `TIL SHILOH, the voice of Jamaica has visibly evolved.


Still, don't let all this consciousness talk scare you; Buju's strength is his ability to create hooks that buoy the weight of his words. The choruses of singles like "Murderer," "I Wanna Be Loved" and "Champion" drill themselves into your head and nest there for days. 'TIL SHILOH is also one of the most experimental dancehall releases ever, utilizing an a capella intro, a track built out of African chanting and percussion ("'Til I'm Laid To Rest"), and a song featuring an acoustic guitar ("Untold Stories"). A duet with the late Garnett Silk ("Complaint") provides a nice respite from Banton's trademark growl. For the most part, Buju and executive producer Donovan Germain steer clear of pandering to cross-over audiences, choosing instead to rely on innovative rhythms and Banton's natural pop sensibilities to win over listeners.


While Buju may not yet be ready to inherit Silk's "Next Marley" tag, 'TIL SHILOH is without a doubt the most roots-oriented dancehall release of 1995. And if Banton continues to revitalize reggae's sound and vision, it will not seem strange to mention him one day with the same reverence reserved for Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Burning Spear.


Recorded at Studio 2000, Digital, Penthouse, Cell Block Studios, Kingston, Jamaica in 1995.


Reissue producer: Dana G. Smart.


Personnel: Dalton Browne (guitar); Glen Browne (acoustic guitar); Dean Fraser (saxophone); Junior Chin (trumpet); Handel Tucker (keyboards, drums); Leroy Mafia, Lloyd "Gitsy" Willis, Robert Lyn, Steely (keyboards); Dave Kelly, Clevie, Dave Fluxy, Andre "Dreddy Ranks" Tyrell, Sly Dunbar (drums); 2 Friends Crew, Marcia Griffiths (background vocals).


Audio Remixers: Charles "Prince Charles" Alexander ; Rob "Fonksta" Bacon.


Recording information: Cell Block Recording Studio, Kingston, Jamaica; Digital Recording Studio, Kingston, Jamaica; Penthouse Recording Studio, Kingston, Jamaica; Studio 2000, Kingston, Jamaica.


Editors: Drew Lavyne; Lisa Cortes.


Photographer: Geoffroy de Boismenu.


Personnel includes: Buju Banton, Wayne Wonder, Garnett Silk (vocals); Danny Browne, Firehouse Crew, Mafia, Fluxy (various instruments); Glen Browne (acoustic guitar); Lloyd Willis (guitar, keyboards); Dalton Browne (guitar); Dean Fraser (saxophone); Junior Chin (trumpet); Handel Tucker (keyboards, drums); Junior "Left Toe" Don (bass); Sly Dunbar (drums); Two Friends Crew, Marcia Griffiths, Twiggy (background vocals).


Producers include: Bobby Digital, Buju Banton, Cell Block Crew, Donovan Germain, Steely.


Rolling Stone (5/13/99, p.74) - Included in Rolling Stone's "Essential Recordings of the 90's."
Spin (p.128) - "Banton chatted and sang over live instrumentation, proving dancehall could be conscious, spiritual, and hard-core as ever."
Spin (12/95, p.63) - Ranked #12 on Spin's list of the `20 Best Albums Of '95.'
Q (9/02, p.122) - 4 stars out of 5 - "...Pithy and heartfelt..."
Vibe (8/95, p.134) - "...social commentary reigns supreme on these 15 tracks, but themes of love and violence are also incorporated....combines Buju's rough, gritty vocal style...and slammin' sound system quality, and shows that the longevity of reggae music is directly related to its ever-changing rhythm."
Musician (11/95, pp.93-94) - "...the deejay with the jagged-saw voice brings us a few surprises....Banton...has become a Rasta, and is attempting to introduce more consciousness and positivity into the dancehall....it's his turn to shine..."
Village Voice (2/20/96) - Ranked #27 in Village Voice's 1995 Pazz & Jop Critics' Poll.
Mojo (Publisher) (8/02, p.78) - Included in Mojo's 50 Greatest Reggae Albums.
NME (Magazine) (8/26/95, p.43) - 6 (out of 10) - "...peaceful, positive and spiritual....The shock part of 'TIL SHILOH is that it doesn't shock. Buju's made a good album, pure and simple..."


Label Island
Orig Year 1995
Discs 1
Release Date Jun 11, 2002
Studio/Live Studio
Mono/Stereo Stereo
Engineer Dave Kelly; Mikey Williamson; Gary Sutherland; Andrew Thomas; Sylvester Gordon; Andre Tyrell; Bobby Digital



Label Island
Orig Year 1995
All Time Sales Rank 14379
CD Universe Part number 3670527
Catalog number 586854
Discs 1
Release Date Jun 11, 2002
Studio/Live Studio
Mono/Stereo Stereo
Engineer Dave Kelly; Mikey Williamson; Gary Sutherland; Andrew Thomas; Sylvester Gordon; Andre Tyrell; Bobby Digital




PERSONNEL :


Buju Banton
Robert Lyn
Dalton Browne - guitar
Handel Tucker - keyboards, drums
Danny Browne
Glen Browne - acoustic guitar
Twiggy - background vocals
Junior Chin - trumpet
Dave Kelly
Mafia
Fluxy - various instruments
Two Friends Crew
Firehouse Crew
Andre "Dreddy Ranks" Tyrell
Clevie
Junior "Left Toe" Don - bass
Steely - keyboards


Also: Sly Dunbar, Marcia Griffiths, Dean Fraser, Wayne Wonder, Garnett Silk

****BUJU BANTON - TOO BAD****

.....

****BUJU BANTON - TOO BAD****


TRACKLIST


1. Your Night Tonight
2. Try Offa Yuh
3. Nothing
4. Too Bad
5. Waistline
6. Jig
7. Me & Oonu
8. Til It Bend
9. Hey Boy
10. Go Slow
11. Driver A
12. Girl U Know
13. Lonely Night
14. Who Have It
15. Better Day Coming
16. Don & Dupes (With Pinchers)
17. Fast Lane


After expanding his repertoire over the years, dabbling in dub, ska, and even rock collaborations, Buju Banton returns to his roots with a harder, more traditional dancehall sound on his 2006 release, TOO BAD. Buju gets beats from Steely & Cleevie and legendary reggae producers Sly & Robbie, as well as a cameo from Pinchers on "Don & Dupes." Fans of his 1995 release 'TIL SHILOH will be pleased by TOO BAD, which could very well be his best since that classic album.


Recording information: Gargamel Music Studio, Kingston, Kingston, Jamaica.


Author: Buju Banton.


Photographer: Jonathan Mannion.


Personnel: Buju Banton (vocals); Pinchers (vocals).


Audio Mixers: A. Judson Green; J. Arrows; L. James; T.D. James; M.J.S. Thompson; Rev. L. Thompson.


Rolling Stone (p.126) - 3 stars out of 5 -- "The beats hammer along, often relying on pleasingly weird and surprisingly effective low-pitched sounds in the organ family."


Label Gargamel Music
Orig Year 2006
Discs 1
Release Date Sep 12, 2006
Studio/Live Studio
Mono/Stereo Stereo
Producer Andrew Davies; A. Judson Green; L. James; Michael Brissett; Robin Shakespeare; C. Garibaldi; M.J.S. Thompson; Ashoy Beharie; M. Sterling; Mark Myrie; Michael Brissett
Engineer A. Judson Green
Personnel Buju Banton - vocals


Also: Pinchers

****BUJU BANTON - LIVE AT SUMMERJAM 2000****

.....

LIVE AT SUMMERJAM 2000


TRACKLIST


Buju Banton - Destiny
Buju Banton - Lord of Lords
Buju Banton - Not an easy Road
Buju Banton - Mighty Dread
Buju Banton - Dancehall Medley
Buju Banton - I wanna be loved
Buju Banton - Better must come
Buju Banton - Hills and Valleys
Buju Banton - I don't know why
Buju Banton - Murder
Buju Banton - Right or wrong

****BUJU BANTON - INNA HEIGHTS****

.....

****BUJU BANTON - INNA HEIGHTS****


TRACKLIST


1. Our Father in Zion
2. Hills and Valleys
3. Inter Lingua
4. Destiny
5. African Pride
6. Cry No More
7. My Woman Now - (featuring Beres Hammond)
8. Small Axe - (featuring King Snitch)
9. Inter Lingua
10. Redder Than Red
11. Single Parent
12. Inter Lingua
13. Give I Strength - (featuring Ras Shiloh)
14. Close One Yesterday
15. Inter Lingua
16. Love Dem Bad - (featuring Red Rat)
17. Love Sponge
18. Inter Lingua
19. Mother's Cry - (featuring Jahmali)
20. 54/46 - (featuring Toots Hibbert)
21. Circumstances




Buju Banton Inna Heights 10th Anniversary CD


INNA HEIGHTS was nominated for a 1999 Grammy for Best Reggae Album.


Those who despair that reggae hasn't been the same since the passing of Bob Marley will rejoice when they listen to Buju Banton. Without sounding like an imitation, Banton seems to have derived the most of his stylistic inspiration from Marley. This is melodic reggae with an irresistible beat that's easily accessible to those who might not be hard-core reggae fans, without appearing watered-down or "commercialized."


Banton uses '90s technology to carry on Marley's positive-song tradition--there's electronic percussion, but it blends in seamlessly. His voice is a bit similar to Marley's, but is somewhat raspier, and occasionally slips into a rap-influenced dancehall style. Banton even incorporates a bit of dub (echo, reverb and spacy special effects) into his songs, without losing the melodic flow ("My Woman Now"). INNA HEIGHTS will put some bounce into your day.


Engineers include: Michael Cooper, Steven Stanley, Andre Tyrell.


Personnel: Buju Banton (vocals); Beres Hammond (vocals); Keith Stanley, Steven Stanley (keyboards); Michelle Jackson, Danny Browne, Twiggy, Dorette Wisdom, Pam Hall, Juliet Nelson (background vocals).


Audio Mixers: David Kelly ; Steven Stanley; Tony Kelly.


Recording information: Main Street Studios; Penthouse Recording Studio; Tuff Going Recording Stuido; Tuff Gong Recording Studio.


Photographer: Richard Simpson.


Unknown Contributor Roles: Dalton Browne; David Cole; Dean Fraser; Donald Dennis; Funky; Fluxy; Frank Burt; Andrew Thomas ; C-Sharp; C. Sharp; Egbert Evans; Keith Green; Mafia ; Ras Shiloh; Sly Dunbar; Wycliffe "Steely" Johnson; Steven "Lenky" Marsden; Robert Browne.


Personnel includes: Buju Banton, Beres Hammond (vocals); Michelle Jackson (spoken vocals); Steven Stanley (keyboards); Twiggy, Dorette Wisdom, Danny Browne, Pam Hall, Juliet Nelson, Jamali (background vocals); Frank Burt, Keith Green, C. Sharp, Steven Marsden, Sly Dunbar, Donald Dennis, O.D., Andrew Thomas, Dean Fraser, Mafia, Fluxy, Wycliffe Johnson, David Cole, Egbert, Robert Browne, Toots Hibbert, Red Rat.


Producers: Mark "Buju Banton" Myrie, Donovan German, Danny Browne.


Rolling Stone (3/5/98, p.68) - 3.5 Stars (out of 5) - "...The gruff-voiced Banton blazes a wider--and far more colorful--social and stylistic path on INNA HEIGHTS....goes a long way toward further establishing Banton as a ghetto messenger of peace and social justice..."
Blender (Magazine) (p.87) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "[H]e doesn't so much vocalize as emote, radiating intensity with every syllable."




Category Rock/Pop, Reggae/Ska/Calypso, Reggae, Dancehall / Ragga
Label VP
Orig Year 1997
Discs 1
Release Date Nov 18, 1997
Studio/Live Studio
Mono/Stereo Stereo
Recording Time 62 minutes
Personnel Buju Banton - vocals
David Cole
Pam Hall
Keith Green
Andrew Thomas
Robert Browne
Danny Browne
Twiggy
Donald Dennis
Fluxy
Dorette Wisdom
Mafia
Steven Stanley - keyboards
Michelle Jackson - spoken vocals
A. C. Sharp
Egbert
Frank Burt
Jamali - background vocals
Juliet Nelson - background vocals
O.D.
Wycliffe Johnson
Keith Stanley


Also: Sly Dunbar, Dean Fraser, Beres Hammond, Toots Hibbert, Ras Shiloh, Red Rat, Jahmali, King Stitch

****BUJU BANTON -FRIENDS FOR LIFE 2003****

.....






****BUJU BANTON -FRIENDS FOR LIFE 2003****

TRACKLIST

1. Paid Not Played 4:02
2. Tra La La 3:24
3. Teaser 3:39
4. Excerpt Of A Speech By Marcus Mosiah Garvey 0:56
5. Up Ye Mighty Race 4:02
6. All Will Be Fine 5:33
7. Maybe We Are 6:21
8. Mama Africa 4:47
9. Hooked On The Love 3:58
10. Get It On 3:30
11. Friends For Life 3:51
12. Good Times 4:24
13. Damn 4:20
14. La Da De Da 3:22
15. Feeling Groovy 3:14
16. Pensive Mood 4:25
17. Spectacular 3:49
18. What Am I Gonna Do 4:03
19. Mr. Nine 3:36