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Legendary guitarist Tony Chin has played on countless hit songs—songs sung by Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs, and innumerable other members of reggae’s royalty—and he is unquestionably one of the greatest guitarists—not only in all reggae, but in any genre of music. Having interviewed Tony extensively already—on several occasions—about his work with the legendary Soul Syndicate band, as well as his solo career, and having kept in touch with Tony ever since, I’m proud to call Tony a friend. As any reggae journalist and any reggae fan with any sense would, I’ve of course continued to follow Tony’s music with extreme interest; I take note each time Tony releases a new work, such as his super-irie new solo album—released April 1—called “Karma.” Just two weeks later, on April 15, I was blessed to be Tony’s guest at a historic show held at the famed Dub Club in Los Angeles: Legendary singer Sister Nancy backed by the Soul Syndicate, the best studio band in Jamaica in the 1970s during reggae’s “Golden Age.” During a break in the sound check for the show, I interviewed Tony about: the significance of Sister Nancy performing with the Soul Syndicate—for the first time in history; the span of time during Tony’s career when he played with California-based reggae band Big Mountain (including the critical part Tony played in making Big Mountain’s “Baby, I Love Your Way” such a giant, global smash hit); and finally, Tony I talked about his righteous newly released album, “Karma.” The complete audiotape of the interview is also available on YouTube :    • Tony Chin: “Reggae music is a message. It ...  

Some shows you know what you’re going to witness and hear is going to be historic. When I saw legendary Jamaican songstress Sister Nancy was going to perform in L.A.—at the Dub Club on April 15—and further, that she would be backed by the legendary Soul Syndicate (Jamaica’s best studio band during reggae’s “Golden Age”), I knew this would be such a show. Unsurprisingly, I was right. But it wasn’t just a historic show, it was mind-blowingly irie—a truly spiritual affair for music lovers. Furthermore, it’s important to understand: Despite Sister Nancy and the Soul Syndicate’s status as Jamaican music icons of the highest order, this show marked the first time the Soul Syndicate has ever backed Sister Nancy at a show! This is so despite the fact that the Syndicate created the famous “Stalag” riddim used on so many notable songs, including “Bam Bam,” the hit song that cemented Sister Nancy as a global ambassador of reggae for the ages. Without further ado (because honestly what more could I say to convince you of the majestically high caliber of the performers!?), the point of this piece is: I was blessed to attend the show as Soul Syndicate guitarist Tony Chin’s guest; at the sound check I interviewed Tony about his wonderfully righteous new album “Karma,” released April 1 on all music platforms (check back soon at Reggae-Vibes in a few weeks for that interview). Due to the fantastic access Tony generously provided me, I had literally the best spot—right in front of the stage, in the center—from which to view the show (and the sound check); this allowed me to shoot the video. I hope this footage helps to replicate the experience of having witnessed the show, and seeing some of reggae’s most important and influential musicians onstage with—one of the most soulful and powerful songbirds ever born in Jamaica—Sister Nancy, also known as her thick gold necklace reads, as “DJ Muma.” Photos/Clips by Stephen Cooper Edited by Teacher@ReggaeVibes Video compiled by Teacher@ReggaeVibes ©2023 Stephen Cooper

Some shows you know what you’re going to witness and hear is going to be historic. When I saw legendary Jamaican songstress Sister Nancy was going to perform in L.A.—at the Dub Club on April 15—and further, that she would be backed by the legendary Soul Syndicate (Jamaica’s best studio band during reggae’s “Golden Age”), I knew this would be such a show. Unsurprisingly, I was right. But it wasn’t just a historic show, it was mind-blowingly irie—a truly spiritual affair for music lovers. Furthermore, it’s important to understand: Despite Sister Nancy and the Soul Syndicate’s status as Jamaican music icons of the highest order, this show marked the first time the Soul Syndicate has ever backed Sister Nancy at a show! This is so despite the fact that the Syndicate created the famous “Stalag” riddim used on so many notable songs, including “Bam Bam,” the hit song that cemented Sister Nancy as a global ambassador of reggae for the ages. Without further ado (because honestly what more could I say to convince you of the majestically high caliber of the performers!?), the point of this piece is: I was blessed to attend the show as Soul Syndicate guitarist Tony Chin’s guest; at the sound check I interviewed Tony about his wonderfully righteous new album “Karma,” released April 1 on all music platforms (check back soon at Reggae-Vibes for that interview). Due to the fantastic access Tony generously provided me, I had literally the best spot—right in front of the stage, in the center—from which to view the show (and the sound check); this allowed me to take the photos. I hope this slideshow helps replicate the experience of having witnessed the show, and seeing some of reggae’s most important and influential musicians onstage with—one of the most soulful and powerful songbirds ever born in Jamaica—Sister Nancy, also known as her thick gold necklace reads, as “DJ Muma.” Photos by Stephen Cooper Edited by Teacher@ReggaeVibes Slideshow by Teacher@ReggaeVibes ©2023 Stephen Cooper

Stephen Cooper visiting Shinehead.

Kingston 12 Hi-Fi is the name of Shinehead's custom-built Sound System. Clips by Stephen Cooper Edited & Compiled by Teacher@ReggaeVibes Video by Teacher@ReggaeVibes ©2023 Stephen Cooper

Billed by the Miracle as “a showcase of ska, reggae, [and] soul,” the Hillyard Band was the headliner of the evening. Performing also with verve and aplomb (before Larry and the Hillyard Band basically burned the joint down with their blazing performance) was Roger Rivas and his “All-Stars,” and Jackie Mendez together with her band, too.

Photos/Clips by Stephen Cooper

Edited by Teacher@ReggaeVibes

Video comepiled by Teacher@ReggaeVibes

©2023 Stephen Cooper

Dennis wore the vest on stage and on the cover of his 1970 Studio One album “No Man Is an Island”.| Clip by Stephen Cooper. Edited by Teacher |

Tony Chin, George “Fully” Fullwood and friends. Live at The Golden Sails, Long Beach, CA. | June 30/July 7 – 2019 Musicians: Tony Chin, George “Fully” Fulwood, Delhart McGregor, Michael Hyde, Lloyd Hemmings, Cedric Bravo, Rock Deadrick, Bruno Coon and Denton. | Clips by Stephen Cooper / Edited by Teacher |

Tony Chin’s Unstoppable, Historic Career in Music (The Interview: Part 1). Stephen Cooper interviewed one of the greatest rhythm guitar players ever.

Sly Dunbar is one of the most innovative and influential drummers of all time. Individually and together with his “riddim twin” bassist Robbie Shakespeare, Dunbar has played with the biggest names in reggae (Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Dennis Brown, Black Uhuru . . . the list is endless), giant stars in other genres (Grace Jones, Bob Dylan, and The Rolling Stones, to name but three), and produced a treasure trove of hit songs, songs everybody knows and loves that will stand the test of time. Read interview @ Reggae-Vibes.com: https://bit.ly/slydunbar-int On February 19, thanks to legendary sound engineer Scientist (also known as Hopeton Brown), I was introduced to Mr. Dunbar at Studio City Sound (in Studio City, California). Clip by Stephen Cooper Edited by Teacher Copyright: 2019 – Stephen Cooper

A versatile and conscious vocalist with an effortless flow, General Jah Mikey recorded his first song as a professional at the tender age of 17 in 1985. Since migrating to the United States a year later, he’s carved out a successful career and continues to produce quality music. Although studio time is precious, on May 15 I was able to interview General Jah Mikey for about twenty minutes during a break in his work at Grammy Award-winning Studio City Sound with Scientist. What follows is a transcript of that conversation modified only slightly for clarity and space considerations, as well as a few photos and video clips showcasing General Jah Mikey’s undeniable charisma and prodigious skills. Read interview @ Reggae-Vibes.com: https://bit.ly/genjahmikey-int Clip/Photos by Stephen Cooper Edited by Teacher Copyright: 2019 – Stephen Cooper

When legendary Jamaican sound engineer Scientist (né Hopeton Brown), with whom I’m in the midst of conducting an exclusive multi-part interview series, asked recently if I wanted to watch him work in the studio, my heart skipped a beat. Immediately, reflexively, as any music fan with half a brain would, I agreed. Read more @ Reggae-Vibes.com: https://bit.ly/scientist-docu When Scientist told me he’d be working with some of the most distinguished musicians in reggae history (including drum-and-bass production duo Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare, guitarist Tony Chin, and keyboardists Franklyn “Bubbler” Waul and Michael Hyde), and that they’d be recording four tracks voiced by Odel Johnson (a versatile Jamaican-born, Canadian-based artist), I thanked the reggae gods, and smiled. Honestly I haven’t stopped smiling since, and I hope, after viewing some of the photos and video I took that day at Studio City Sound (owned and operated by Grammy award-winning mixer Tom Weir), you’ll catch some of these irie vibes, too. Clips by Stephen Cooper Edited by Teacher Copyright: 2019 – Stephen Cooper

King of Ska Derrick Morgan, a still-touring music legend who helped launch the career of (King of Reggae) Bob Marley and the careers of many other Jamaican artists, too, is a treasure. Over six decades Morgan has amassed a rich discography as impressive as any iconic international performer – replete with hit songs – songs that’ll forever mean so much to so many. As arguably no living soul knows more or has contributed more to Jamaican music in the world today, it’s an understatement that I was humbled to interview Mr. Morgan on April 10 – in his hotel room – before he delivered an unforgettably wicked performance at Los Angeles’s Dub Club. We spoke about his memories of Bob Marley, the backstory behind the massive ska tunes “Humpty Dumpty” and “The Great Musical Battle,” the range of emotions ska music is capable of expressing, the Jamaican government’s failure to properly promote and invest in reggae music, his friendship with former Jamaican prime minister Edward Seaga, the possibility of a future collaboration with Buju Banton, and more.

Read the interview @ Reggae-Vibes.com : bit.ly/derrickmorgan-int

Photos & Video: Stephen Cooper

Edited by Teacher

Copyright: 2019 – Stephen Cooper

“Cocoa Tea” is a popular Caribbean drink, but music fans know it’s also the name of one of reggae’s sweetest singers and best live performers. After more than four decades in music, Cocoa Tea is an uncompromising reggae legend. A worldly citizen-activist, his music has consistently advocated the upliftment of the poor, relief for the downpressed, for love, and for clean, conscious living rooted in the teachings of Marcus Garvey and Haile Selassie I, the Emperor of Ethiopia from 1930-1974. On May 5, for over forty minutes at the Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach, California, I was honored and blessed to speak about this subject with Cocoa Tea. Also we spoke about his new Coco Robics line of athletic clothing and the related tour he’s on; Rastafari; valuable lessons he learned as a fisherman and horse jockey; the inspiration behind his international chart-topping song “Rikers Island”; his new album coming out with Walshy Fire, and much, much more.

Read the interview @ Reggae-Vibes.com: https://bit.ly/cocoatea-int

Photos & Video: Stephen Cooper

Edited by Teacher

Copyright: 2019 – Stephen Cooper

In a career spanning more than fifty years, legendary reggae star Max Romeo’s many hit songs have brought joy to millions of fans and influenced generations of artists. So when Selecta Jerry, host of highly respected reggae radio show “Sounds of the Caribbean,” advised me via tweet I should “run[,]don’t walk” to see Romeo perform live at the famous Dub Club in Los Angeles, I did what any sensible California-based reggae journalist would: I got on the freeway early the evening of March 27 to make sure traffic – as predictable as the jerk chicken-sellers outside the Dub Club – wouldn’t impede my ability to capture every minute of reggae royalty possible.

Read the interview @ Reggae-Vibes.com : bit.ly/maxromeo-int I wasn’t disappointed. Mr. Romeo’s performance was sensational; his music after all these years is as rootsy and righteous – and as capable of igniting a revolution – as ever. Amazingly, afterward, though I wasn’t scheduled to meet with him, Mr. Romeo graciously agreed to be interviewed in a small room behind the stage.

Photos & Video: Stephen Cooper

Edited by Teacher Copyright: 2019 – Stephen Cooper

Hempress Sativa is one of the most dynamic and talented performers – male or woman – in reggae music today. Currently at work on her sophomore album following her extremely impressive debut “Unconquerebel” – and its dub version with legendary sound engineer Scientist (“Scientist Meets Hempress Sativa in Dub”) – Hempress Sativa is a spiritual, powerful, deeply conscious Rastafari singer. Born into a musical family, she grew up surrounded and nurtured by some of the biggest names in Jamaican music. Read the interview on Reggae-Vibes.com: https://bit.ly/hempsatint Photos & Video: Stephen Cooper Edited by Teacher Copyright: 2019 – Stephen Cooper

Hempress Sativa is one of the most dynamic and talented performers – male or woman – in reggae music today. Currently at work on her sophomore album following her extremely impressive debut “Unconquerebel” – and its dub version with legendary sound engineer Scientist (“Scientist Meets Hempress Sativa in Dub”) – Hempress Sativa is a spiritual, powerful, deeply conscious Rastafari singer. Born into a musical family, she grew up surrounded and nurtured by some of the biggest names in Jamaican music. Read the interview on Reggae-Vibes.com: https://bit.ly/hempsatint Photos & Video: Stephen Cooper Edited by Teacher Copyright: 2019 – Stephen Cooper

A KINGSTON REASONING WITH LEGENDARY GUITARIST EARL “CHINNA” SMITH (THE INTERVIEW: PART 2)

Back in early March, before “social distancing” and travel restrictions became the norm, before in many ways literally and figuratively (except online, at home, and in our hearts), the music died – killed by the coronavirus – one of my wildest dreams as a reggae fan came true. Read interview @ Reggae-Vibes.com: https://bit.ly/chinnasmith2-int Because of my friendship with legendary musicians Santa Davis and Tony Chin, whom I’ve interviewed and try and hang out with every chance I get, and, because of the kindness and professionalism of my friend Clifton Bygrave, I was blessed to interview legendary guitarist Earl “Chinna” Smith. Clifton helped me navigate Jamaica, including driving me from Negril to Kingston on March 9 to Chinna’s house, braving torrential rain through Fern Gully and other obstacles en route without worry; it was largely because of Clifton that everything, as is commonly said in Jamaica, was “no problem.” The interview took place at Chinna’s house, on the front porch overlooking his yard – a reggae mecca where countless legendary musicians have jammed – not far from Halfway Tree Square. Date: March 9, 2020 Clips: Stephen Cooper Edited by Teacher Copyright 202 - Stephen Cooper

Half Pint (né Lindon Andrew Roberts) is one of the most famous, gracious, and conscious of the cadre of iconic reggae singers in the world. His songs have been covered by superstars such as The Rolling Stones and Sublime and, whether publicly or privately, and in most cases both, true reggae lovers have on many occasions – at home, in the dancehall, at a party, or wherever – found themselves trying to imitate the inimitable, soulful sound of Half Pint. On May 24, after he delivered an energetic, exciting, one-of-a-kind show, and thanks to the assistance of Booking Agent/Tour Manager Robert Oyugi, I was ecstatic and greatly privileged to interview Half Pint behind the Jade Lounge in Monterey, California.

Read the interview @ Reggae-Vibes.com: https://bit.ly/halfpint-int

Photos & Video: Stephen Cooper

Edited by Teacher

Copyright: 2019 – Stephen Cooper

On March 12, when I had the opportunity to see Black Uhuru perform a riveting set at the Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach, California, and afterwards, when I was invited on the band’s tour bus to interview Duckie Simpson, I was conscious of the privilege I’d been given, and was determined to make the most of it. For approximately forty-five minutes, Simpson and I spoke about: the Grammy Awards; the making of “As the World Turns”; songwriting generally; ganja; Rastafari; the return of reggae superstar Buju Banton to Jamaica; his relationship with former Black Uhuru bandmates Garth Dennis, Don Carlos, and Michael Rose, and much, much more.

Read the interview @ Reggae-Vibes.com: https://bit.ly/duckysimpson-int

Photos & Video: Stephen Cooper

Edited by Teacher

Copyright: 2019 – Stephen Cooper

Sister Carol, respectfully and affectionately known as the “Black Cinderella” and “Mother Culture,” and both a pioneer and pillar of reggae music, headlined the first ever LA Reggae Vegan Fest, held on the first Sunday in October. Video by Stephen Cooper. Full story: https://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/2018...

If you’re a music lover the only thing better than interviewing Larry McDonald, one of the best percussionists in the world, is interviewing him twice. With more than fifty years of hand-drumming experience – congas primarily – for superstar performers in reggae, jazz, blues, and beyond (including Bob Marley, Lee “Scratch” Perry, Bunny Wailer, Peter Tosh, Taj Mahal, Gil Scott-Heron, and more), McDonald’s accumulated knowledge, experience, and worldly wisdom are unparalleled.

Read interview @ Reggae-Vibes.com: https://bit.ly/larrymcdonald-int Clips/Photos by Stephen Cooper Edited by Teacher Copyright: 2018 – Stephen Cooper

Radio personality Junor Francis introducing Jamaican rocksteady icons Keith Rowe and Phillip ‘Tex’ Dixon at the Dub Club in Los Angeles.

Read the full interview with Stephen Cooper here: http://wp.caribbeannewsnow.com/2017/1...

Despite a near 30-year separation, perhaps no singing duo in music history has enjoyed a comparably resilient, prolific, and successful partnership, as Jamaican rocksteady icons Keith Rowe and Phillip ‘Tex’ Dixon.

Read the full interview by Stephen Cooper here: http://wp.caribbeannewsnow.com/2017/1...