CD Review: Yahadanai, One Atonement

by Monica Espiritu

Yahadanai

[I Grade Records, 2004]

I Grade Records has done it again. They introduced the world to mystic Cruzan reggae music with Midnite, Dezarie, and Abja; demonstrating that they are adept at culling and nurturing artists dedicated to devotional music. Now, label owner Laurent “Tippy” Alfred and crew have moved beyond the borders of St. Croix to bring Guyanese singjay Yahadanai to the reggae listening world.  Read more... (541 words + 1 image)

CD Review: Luciano, Serious Times

By DJ-RJ

Luciano continues to be my favorite artist in the realm of cultural reggae inspiring me in many ways. I’ve been listening to this CD at work for the last 2 days almost non-stop so you can probably guess that I’m really digging on it right about now.  Read more... (605 words)

CD Review: Tanya Stephens, Gangsta Blues

By Monica Espiritu

Tanya Stephens , “Gangsta Blues”
[Tarantula/VP, 2004]

“My goal on this record is to show my diversity not only as a songwriter and also to breakaway from the stereotypical female in Dancehall selling plain old cliche sex, says Tanya Stephens about her newly released Gangsta Blues on the VP/Tarantula Records release.  Read more... (738 words + 1 image)

Book Review: Donald Nausbaum, Caribbean The Islands

By Rob Thompson

[Macmillan Caribbean]
Donald Nausbaum

Donald Nausbaum is a 49-year-old photographer who currently lives in Toronto with his family. He has been a professional photographer since 1985, working for a number of magazines and journals including many of the Caribbean in-flight magazines. He has specialized in travel photography and has photographed many parts of the world. His work has been on display for two public shows. His first book: Caribbean The Islands, has just been released by Macmillan Caribbean, and he is now working on his second which will focus on Cuba.  Read more... (1006 words + 3 images)

Taj Mahal: Autobiography of a Bluesman

Taj Mahal’s life, as told to Stephen Foer, is nestled on the pages of this book. Mahal, the man behind blues music, is giving his fans and those who don’t know him a view into his life.  Read more... (951 words + 1 image)