Real Rock with Steve James LIVE - Saturdays 4-7pm
Listen to the Real Rock a mixture of British lovers' rock, reggae, and live gigs and interviews with producers, promoters, and artistes.
“The focus of the show is to highlight good, quality reggae music that seldom gets radio play among the other radio stations and to educate our listeners about our rich musical heritage,” said James. “We not only highlight the singers but the players of instruments, producers, promoters and all who played a part in the development of our music.”
Real Rock, he stressed, has given them the type of exposure not heard in Jamaica since the early 1980s, when mainstream radio embraced British singers such as Maxi Priest and deejays like Dominic and Smiley Culture.
“We get calls and emails on a daily basis from viewers and listeners who long to hear some well-produced and recorded music. We play songs, not rhythms, so that is key; we highlight the music. Don’t tell me about a Head Pon Shoulder rhythm or a Roll over and Skank, for argument sake,” he said.
James specializes in reggae produced in Europe, particularly the United Kingdom. Over the years, his shows have been a forum for artistes from that country including veteran vocalists Vivian Jones and Peter Hunnigale, and deejay Macka B.
A solid two hours of the rarely played popular classics. We also pay tribute to dancehall singer Pad Anthony. Selections by Kotch, Barry Boom, Vivian Jones, Dennis Brown, Peter Spence, Pam Hall, Mighty Diamonds and much more.
The live show aspect revisits historic concerts such as Gregory Isaacs at Brixton Academy; Dennis Brown performing at Montreux Jazz Festival; and Aswad at Reggae Sunsplash. Other segments of Real Rock are Feature Presentation which focuses on topics in music including spousal abuse and relationships; and Hospitality Lounge which covers various aspects of the Jamaican tourism industry.
See Steve James' profile and view his collection.