Driven by its credo “no hype, strictly roots and conscious music”, Ja'Sound 2006 gave festivalgoers an almost faultless edition with no cancellations. Well established for two years now in Bagnols-sur-Cèze, in the Parc Arthur Rimbaud, whose layout is virtually unchanged since last year, the organisers took care to keep their promises with a varied line-up marked by a few “big catches” (Soul Syndicate, Bunny Wailer, Cornell Campbell, Fantan Mojah or Perfect), even improving some aspects, such as a strict three o'clock curfew, which allowed the artists' performances to be fully appreciated.
Wednesday 2 August
Devoted to the English "Dub Academy", this first evening traditionally serves as a warm-up with no fewer than five dub sound systems: the French Lion Roots with their full system, the cosmopolitan Martin Campbell and the three English sounds Iration Steppas, Jah Tubby's and Channel One.
On a site that is already well filled, the arena principle has been kept on as last year, but this time it is further off to the side. As a result, it is impossible for the most tired to sit on the lawn and enjoy the sound: you either have to be in the dance or put up with the cacophony that sometimes reigns around the stalls.
It falls to Lion Roots to open the ball before handing over to Martin Campbell. It is still early but the crowd is starting to stream in. After a relatively short but intense session, Martin Campbell leaves the stage and the site, handing over to his English counterparts.
Channel One / Iration Steppas / Martin Campbell
Next it is the turn of the three English sounds to take their place in the arena. They decide to play one tune each, in a friendly clash atmosphere that lets us appreciate each sound and compare it with the others. The tunes nonetheless last no less than 10 minutes, with different mixes and live vocal sections.
Iration Steppas make the strongest impression, coming in for example on a cover of War, and will lift the crowd throughout the dance. Jah Tubby's, for their part, are distinguished by a more traditional but equally effective dub reggae, with very present MC-ing and singers. Only Channel One seemed a little below par, both in sound and selection and in the way they connected with the crowd.
Thursday 3 August
Commandant Zéro, aka Jo Corbeau, a veteran of the Marseille scene, acts as master of ceremonies for the three days of concerts, introducing the major artists of this third edition.
Kiddus I, Earl “Chinna” Smith
There is no better way to open this first concert evening than a return to the foundations of roots with the "Inna di yard" session led by Earl "Chinna" Smith and Kiddus I, accompanied by a second guitarist. On the lawn at the foot of the stage, the audience, mostly seated, takes in an intimate acoustic performance enhanced by Rastaman chant or Kiddus I's Graduation in Zion.
Lorenzo, Ras Mc Bean
Backed by the Artikal band, the two artists, who have already toured a lot in France in recent years, start separately and finish together with several duets. The lawn takes a little while to fill, but Lorenzo delivers the show with a strong vocal presence and tracks that are starting to be well known in France, such as Give Jah the glory or Trod in the valley. Ras Mac Bean then takes the stage in turn and performs, among others, Borderline on the riddim of the same name by Irie Ites, or The heathen.
Ricky Chaplin & Prince Jazzbo
The two artists are long-standing friends and so share the stage. Ricky Chaplin brings a slightly more dancehall touch, with astonishing vocal versatility and sound effects. The veteran Prince Jazzbo tells the audience that there was no rehearsal with Mafia & Fluxy, "but dem know the music", he states. The show is in fact a little untidy and ends up in outright freestyle despite quality backing. Jazzbo nonetheless treats the crowd to several of his hits such as Kick boy face, Every nigga is a star, Let go donkey or the classic Dirty Harry. It is a pity, though, that Jazzbo ran through these monuments of deejaying a little too quickly.
Cornell Campbell
The event of the evening, the all-too-rare Cornell Campbell, is awaited by all the festivalgoers with great expectation. With an impeccable voice, he strings his hits together, launching without dead time into Boxing, then Rope in, No man's land, Trick in the book or I'll mash you down. The show is admittedly not very lively, with a rather static Cornell Campbell, but this time the backing is spot on and the sound speaks for itself. Cornell Campbell delivers his tunes brilliantly, notably The Gorgon, Stars or Queen Of The Minstrel. The show ends in a blaze of fireworks with repeated "pull ups" on the superb Jah Jah mi horn ya. A solid demonstration from this veteran artist and a real treat for lovers of fine voices.
Empress Ayeola
The pressure drops a little and the crowd disperses for the show by the "Fire Mama", backed by Artikal. At ease on stage, this British-Jamaican performs her best singles, compiled on her first album "Isat Innat". Only the audience is missing. For greater coherence it would indeed have been better to schedule Empress Ayeola before or after Lorenzo and Ras Mac Bean, which would also have avoided a changeover for Artikal.
Fantan Mojah
Another event: Fantan Mojah's French debut is one of the highlights of the evening. Backed by the band Maka Tree, the show opens in the best way with the discovery Kashu, then Mr Flash. Fantan Mojah finally takes the stage for a tight and effective concert, but one that falls short of expectations: the singer seems to lack power in the sung passages and at times breath on the most energetic verses. Good hits nonetheless parade pleasantly by with Hungry, Only Jah love, Hail the King, Murderer or Corruption. The surprise comes rather from Mr Flash with his stunning rendition of Jah Cure's part on Nuh build great man. The duo will not, however, have time to sing Rastafari is the ruler.
The Congos
Cedric "Congo" Myton, who was initially announced during the Inna De yard session, opens this last concert of the evening with a short solo performance. The group is on form and sounds remarkable: Kiddus I even joined in on the harmonies. Unlike at Summerjam, Myton is in great form from the outset with his extraordinary falsetto. Coming on to their anthem Congoman, the Congos have planned a few classic tracks from the album "Heart of the Congos", such as Open up the gate or Children crying, as well as more recent compositions. Sodom & Gommorrow and the superb Fisherman are kept for the encore, but without Ark of the covenant this time.
Marked by the performances of Cornell Campbell and the Congos, and by a somewhat disappointing show from Fantan Mojah, this first concert evening was nonetheless well attended and drew some 4,500 spectators according to Midi Libre.
Devoted to the English "Dub Academy", this first evening traditionally serves as a warm-up with no fewer than five dub sound systems: the French Lion Roots with their full system, the cosmopolitan Martin Campbell and the three English sounds Iration Steppas, Jah Tubby's and Channel One.
On a site that is already well filled, the arena principle has been kept on as last year, but this time it is further off to the side. As a result, it is impossible for the most tired to sit on the lawn and enjoy the sound: you either have to be in the dance or put up with the cacophony that sometimes reigns around the stalls.
It falls to Lion Roots to open the ball before handing over to Martin Campbell. It is still early but the crowd is starting to stream in. After a relatively short but intense session, Martin Campbell leaves the stage and the site, handing over to his English counterparts.
Channel One / Iration Steppas / Martin Campbell
Next it is the turn of the three English sounds to take their place in the arena. They decide to play one tune each, in a friendly clash atmosphere that lets us appreciate each sound and compare it with the others. The tunes nonetheless last no less than 10 minutes, with different mixes and live vocal sections.
Iration Steppas make the strongest impression, coming in for example on a cover of War, and will lift the crowd throughout the dance. Jah Tubby's, for their part, are distinguished by a more traditional but equally effective dub reggae, with very present MC-ing and singers. Only Channel One seemed a little below par, both in sound and selection and in the way they connected with the crowd.
Thursday 3 August
Commandant Zéro, aka Jo Corbeau, a veteran of the Marseille scene, acts as master of ceremonies for the three days of concerts, introducing the major artists of this third edition.
Kiddus I, Earl “Chinna” Smith
There is no better way to open this first concert evening than a return to the foundations of roots with the "Inna di yard" session led by Earl "Chinna" Smith and Kiddus I, accompanied by a second guitarist. On the lawn at the foot of the stage, the audience, mostly seated, takes in an intimate acoustic performance enhanced by Rastaman chant or Kiddus I's Graduation in Zion.
Lorenzo, Ras Mc Bean Backed by the Artikal band, the two artists, who have already toured a lot in France in recent years, start separately and finish together with several duets. The lawn takes a little while to fill, but Lorenzo delivers the show with a strong vocal presence and tracks that are starting to be well known in France, such as Give Jah the glory or Trod in the valley. Ras Mac Bean then takes the stage in turn and performs, among others, Borderline on the riddim of the same name by Irie Ites, or The heathen.
Ricky Chaplin & Prince Jazzbo
The two artists are long-standing friends and so share the stage. Ricky Chaplin brings a slightly more dancehall touch, with astonishing vocal versatility and sound effects. The veteran Prince Jazzbo tells the audience that there was no rehearsal with Mafia & Fluxy, "but dem know the music", he states. The show is in fact a little untidy and ends up in outright freestyle despite quality backing. Jazzbo nonetheless treats the crowd to several of his hits such as Kick boy face, Every nigga is a star, Let go donkey or the classic Dirty Harry. It is a pity, though, that Jazzbo ran through these monuments of deejaying a little too quickly.Cornell Campbell The event of the evening, the all-too-rare Cornell Campbell, is awaited by all the festivalgoers with great expectation. With an impeccable voice, he strings his hits together, launching without dead time into Boxing, then Rope in, No man's land, Trick in the book or I'll mash you down. The show is admittedly not very lively, with a rather static Cornell Campbell, but this time the backing is spot on and the sound speaks for itself. Cornell Campbell delivers his tunes brilliantly, notably The Gorgon, Stars or Queen Of The Minstrel. The show ends in a blaze of fireworks with repeated "pull ups" on the superb Jah Jah mi horn ya. A solid demonstration from this veteran artist and a real treat for lovers of fine voices.
Empress Ayeola
The pressure drops a little and the crowd disperses for the show by the "Fire Mama", backed by Artikal. At ease on stage, this British-Jamaican performs her best singles, compiled on her first album "Isat Innat". Only the audience is missing. For greater coherence it would indeed have been better to schedule Empress Ayeola before or after Lorenzo and Ras Mac Bean, which would also have avoided a changeover for Artikal.Fantan MojahAnother event: Fantan Mojah's French debut is one of the highlights of the evening. Backed by the band Maka Tree, the show opens in the best way with the discovery Kashu, then Mr Flash. Fantan Mojah finally takes the stage for a tight and effective concert, but one that falls short of expectations: the singer seems to lack power in the sung passages and at times breath on the most energetic verses. Good hits nonetheless parade pleasantly by with Hungry, Only Jah love, Hail the King, Murderer or Corruption. The surprise comes rather from Mr Flash with his stunning rendition of Jah Cure's part on Nuh build great man. The duo will not, however, have time to sing Rastafari is the ruler.
The Congos
Cedric "Congo" Myton, who was initially announced during the Inna De yard session, opens this last concert of the evening with a short solo performance. The group is on form and sounds remarkable: Kiddus I even joined in on the harmonies. Unlike at Summerjam, Myton is in great form from the outset with his extraordinary falsetto. Coming on to their anthem Congoman, the Congos have planned a few classic tracks from the album "Heart of the Congos", such as Open up the gate or Children crying, as well as more recent compositions. Sodom & Gommorrow and the superb Fisherman are kept for the encore, but without Ark of the covenant this time.
Marked by the performances of Cornell Campbell and the Congos, and by a somewhat disappointing show from Fantan Mojah, this first concert evening was nonetheless well attended and drew some 4,500 spectators according to Midi Libre.
Friday 4 August : Ja'sound festival 2006, Friday 4 August
Sandwiched between the previous day's headliners and those expected the next day, Friday's programme looks lighter, giving pride of place to the younger generation.
Friday 4 August
Ethiopian World Federation
As the day before, the evening begins on the lawn in front of the stage, in a small gathering. The EWF's percussionists have invited the audience to a Nyabhingi session in the great tradition of the "grounations", those mystical Rasta gatherings in the middle of nature where collective chanting and drumming blend. It is a fresh chance to discover, and pay tribute to, the roots of roots reggae, which has often borrowed from this universe.
Tiwony & Straika D
Straika D, then Tiwony, are the first on stage with the Artikal band. They are the only two French-speaking artists in a festival with a strongly Jamaican flavour. They thus play in front of a small crowd, which nonetheless welcomes them enthusiastically. The two artists get an hour for both shows and revisit their most tried-and-tested tracks: Il est là for Straïka or Faut qu'on soit fort as a duet with Tiwony.
Jah Mali
The arrival of Jah Mali, again backed by Artikal, gives the real kick-off to the evening. This young Jamaican singer, far too little known in France, displays his vocal qualities with Let me live and immediately wins over the crowd, which presses against the stage. He of course performs the magnificent El Shaddai, Cry people, as well as the answer to Beres Hammond, Warriors don't cry, Wipe the tears or Stay strong on the Dis ya time riddim. Jah Mali seems to enjoy himself as much as the audience. His superb voice is refreshing and the show takes on another dimension with Politics and the hit Long long time, then the original Fade away by Junior Byles, which he sings while walking through the awestruck crowd. When Jah Mali leaves the stage, the lawn is full and seems to have enjoyed this quality show.
Bambu Station, Iba
A new guest from St Croix and in France for the first time, Bambu Station is accompanied by Ras Iba. It is the latter who kicks off the Virgin Islands session. Backed by Bambu Station, his deep voice makes a very good impression on the audience. The St Croix outfit, made up of a lead singer, Jalani Horton, and four musicians, offers a stripped-back roots show that is reminiscent of Midnite's performance last year. Those familiar with St Croix will have recognised Bambu Station's riddims reused for other artists (the promising Army, for example). The combination of Jalani and Tuff Lion's harmonies works well, notably on the very good versions of Fire and One Day, the group's hit. Despite the quality of the show, the group struggled to win over the crowd: it is true that the meditative, laid-back side of Bambu Station's music does not always set crowds alight.
Norris Man
Norris Man passed through France a few years ago, but it has to be said that he has progressed a great deal. Backed by the Maka Tree band, Fantan Mojah's group, he starts his show (too) calmly with a slightly long intro. The show really begins with Heathen on the Tempo riddim, which stirs the crowd, but the selection will be mostly reggae and, to our taste, a little too formatted for European stages. Despite impeccable vocal mastery and a few expected tracks such as Bright days, Persistence or Home and away, taken from his new album of the same name, the show seems very quiet, making us miss the furious-style Norris Man of the Jah Scout or Builders productions. The single Move hard on the Red Bull & Guiness riddim, one of Norris Man's biggest Jamaican hits in recent years, was also glossed over in this show, which could have been better than it turned out.
Jah Mason
A regular on French stages, Jah Mason is understandably at ease and shows a new maturity with a partly renewed show, of which we had the exclusive in London last November. The stage and vocal performance is almost perfect, and only imprecise backing from Maka Tree slightly tarnishes the show (notably on the Roots tonic riddim for Mi chalwa, which remains difficult to play whatever the backing). Coming on with Life is so joyful, Jah Mason follows with Lion's den or Natural vegetables. A sign of his new stature, My princess gone does not close the concert but serves as a judicious springboard for Think i'm gonna cry. The obligatory tribute to Jah Cure, his companion from the early days, comes with Run come love me and a medley of older tracks such as Burn dem down for a purpose, Dem love me, Dem gone, as well as Smoke and High grade for the ganja segment. Jah Mason slips away after a good hour of dynamic show on the very good Never give up.
Iqulah
After an hour of intense show, the transition is rough when Iqulah takes the stage. This fervent Rasta, Shashamane's representative at the UN and by extension a defender of the Rasta cause around the world, dispenses a mystical reggae. Accompanied by members of the World Ethiopian Federation, Iqulah delivers a show quite similar to the one he gave in the same place two years earlier at the last edition of Jamaican Sunrise. The late hour (almost two in the morning) does not really suit his music, and the park gradually empties, leaving only the diehards to listen to a show that borrows several times from Bob Marley. The sound quality and the mystical atmosphere are there, but the late hour has sent more than one festivalgoer scurrying to their tent.
Ethiopian World Federation
As the day before, the evening begins on the lawn in front of the stage, in a small gathering. The EWF's percussionists have invited the audience to a Nyabhingi session in the great tradition of the "grounations", those mystical Rasta gatherings in the middle of nature where collective chanting and drumming blend. It is a fresh chance to discover, and pay tribute to, the roots of roots reggae, which has often borrowed from this universe.
Tiwony & Straika D Straika D, then Tiwony, are the first on stage with the Artikal band. They are the only two French-speaking artists in a festival with a strongly Jamaican flavour. They thus play in front of a small crowd, which nonetheless welcomes them enthusiastically. The two artists get an hour for both shows and revisit their most tried-and-tested tracks: Il est là for Straïka or Faut qu'on soit fort as a duet with Tiwony.
Jah Mali
The arrival of Jah Mali, again backed by Artikal, gives the real kick-off to the evening. This young Jamaican singer, far too little known in France, displays his vocal qualities with Let me live and immediately wins over the crowd, which presses against the stage. He of course performs the magnificent El Shaddai, Cry people, as well as the answer to Beres Hammond, Warriors don't cry, Wipe the tears or Stay strong on the Dis ya time riddim. Jah Mali seems to enjoy himself as much as the audience. His superb voice is refreshing and the show takes on another dimension with Politics and the hit Long long time, then the original Fade away by Junior Byles, which he sings while walking through the awestruck crowd. When Jah Mali leaves the stage, the lawn is full and seems to have enjoyed this quality show.Bambu Station, Iba A new guest from St Croix and in France for the first time, Bambu Station is accompanied by Ras Iba. It is the latter who kicks off the Virgin Islands session. Backed by Bambu Station, his deep voice makes a very good impression on the audience. The St Croix outfit, made up of a lead singer, Jalani Horton, and four musicians, offers a stripped-back roots show that is reminiscent of Midnite's performance last year. Those familiar with St Croix will have recognised Bambu Station's riddims reused for other artists (the promising Army, for example). The combination of Jalani and Tuff Lion's harmonies works well, notably on the very good versions of Fire and One Day, the group's hit. Despite the quality of the show, the group struggled to win over the crowd: it is true that the meditative, laid-back side of Bambu Station's music does not always set crowds alight.
Norris Man
Norris Man passed through France a few years ago, but it has to be said that he has progressed a great deal. Backed by the Maka Tree band, Fantan Mojah's group, he starts his show (too) calmly with a slightly long intro. The show really begins with Heathen on the Tempo riddim, which stirs the crowd, but the selection will be mostly reggae and, to our taste, a little too formatted for European stages. Despite impeccable vocal mastery and a few expected tracks such as Bright days, Persistence or Home and away, taken from his new album of the same name, the show seems very quiet, making us miss the furious-style Norris Man of the Jah Scout or Builders productions. The single Move hard on the Red Bull & Guiness riddim, one of Norris Man's biggest Jamaican hits in recent years, was also glossed over in this show, which could have been better than it turned out.Jah Mason A regular on French stages, Jah Mason is understandably at ease and shows a new maturity with a partly renewed show, of which we had the exclusive in London last November. The stage and vocal performance is almost perfect, and only imprecise backing from Maka Tree slightly tarnishes the show (notably on the Roots tonic riddim for Mi chalwa, which remains difficult to play whatever the backing). Coming on with Life is so joyful, Jah Mason follows with Lion's den or Natural vegetables. A sign of his new stature, My princess gone does not close the concert but serves as a judicious springboard for Think i'm gonna cry. The obligatory tribute to Jah Cure, his companion from the early days, comes with Run come love me and a medley of older tracks such as Burn dem down for a purpose, Dem love me, Dem gone, as well as Smoke and High grade for the ganja segment. Jah Mason slips away after a good hour of dynamic show on the very good Never give up.
Iqulah
After an hour of intense show, the transition is rough when Iqulah takes the stage. This fervent Rasta, Shashamane's representative at the UN and by extension a defender of the Rasta cause around the world, dispenses a mystical reggae. Accompanied by members of the World Ethiopian Federation, Iqulah delivers a show quite similar to the one he gave in the same place two years earlier at the last edition of Jamaican Sunrise. The late hour (almost two in the morning) does not really suit his music, and the park gradually empties, leaving only the diehards to listen to a show that borrows several times from Bob Marley. The sound quality and the mystical atmosphere are there, but the late hour has sent more than one festivalgoer scurrying to their tent.
Saturday 5 August : Ja'sound festival 2006, Saturday 5 August
The festival's last day is without doubt the most eagerly awaited, with the historic appearance of Soul Syndicate, Bunny Wailer, and Perfect's French baptism.
Saturday 5 August
Omar Perry
Lee Perry's son, already known in France, opens this final evening with an effective show in a roots dancehall style. Backed by the Homegrown band, Omar Perry offers an original style that gradually draws in the crowd. He even surprises us with a very well executed version on the Jonkanoo riddim.
Soul Syndicate
Soul Syndicate in full force take possession of the stage with their horn section, an anthological bass and drum pairing made up of Leroy "Horsemouth" Wallace and Georges Fullwood, and Earl "Chinna" Smith on guitar. The sound is exemplary and transports us to the heart of the 1970s. The group performs classic covers (Fade away, Tonight), sometimes with a vocal part.
The singer Kiddus I will also appear for two tracks, including the magnificent Graduation in Zion.
Coming on with None shall escape, his biggest hit, Earl Zero, originally from Greenwich Town, seems at ease with Soul Syndicate and delivers a pleasant, very roots show punctuated by a few of the tunes that made his name, such as Please officer and Vision of love.
Tony Tuff
A change of style with the more dancehall singer Tony Tuff. Soul Syndicate turn themselves into the Roots Radics for the occasion and serve up the finest rub-a-dub riddims. With a perfectly controlled voice, Tony Tuff delivers a superb concert with his hits Nobody like you, Come fe mash it, Deliver Me, Gone clear or Big dance in town. The only downside is that the horn section, far too timid and poorly mixed, spoils the show a little on instrumentals such as Ruffer yet or Answer, which take on a "strictly rub-a-dub" tone that grows a little wearing in the long run.
Big Youth
Jah Youth, hyped up, delivers one of his best shows in a long time. His electric stage presence wins the crowd's affection. The selection of tracks is nonetheless fairly classic, drawing on the pure deejay style, as with Every nigga is a star or S90 skank, by way of reinterpretations of Hit the road Jack or Marley's Jamming for Jamming in the house of dread. The whimsical Big Youth also launches into more recent tracks, more sung than deejayed. The backing, for its part, is irreproachable and undeniably contributes to the quality of this concert.
Bunny Wailer
THE headliner of the evening, if not of the festival. Rare on stage and outside Jamaica, Jah B was able to see the extent of his popularity in France. For him, the Parc Arthur Rimbaud is packed to bursting. The group accompanying him, the Solomonic Orchestra, plays a powerful reggae that has no reason to blush in comparison with Soul Syndicate. Unlike Bob, he is accompanied by three male backing singers, and that will not be the only difference. While the show starts out roots, with a very personal take on Rastaman chant, Blackheart man, Fighting against conviction or the breathtaking, superb Armagiddeon, Jah B gives pride of place to dancehall and even makes several pauses to explain that since the ska era, dancehall has always existed in Jamaica. Here again he pays tribute to the Roots Radics sound with Rule dancehall, Don dada or the classic Cool runnings, without hesitating to call for several "pull ups". The third part of the show is logically devoted to tributes, first to the Wailers with a very original Fire fire or Simmer down, to Marley with No woman no cry (a little disappointing) or The heathen, and finally to Peter Tosh with Legalize it. Bunny Wailer leaves behind a delighted crowd after a good two hours of anthological concert.
Perfect
Delayed at the airport, it finally falls to Perfect to close these four days of festival. The young deejay from St Ann is in France for the first time and gives it everything he has.
Excused by the lack of rehearsal, the Homegrown band acquits itself rather well. Perfect, for his part, shows an almost astonishing vocal mastery, so flawless is it. You needed reserves to follow him after Jah B's marathon show, which many festivalgoers gave up on. Coming on with the superb Black Marcus, an ode to Marcus Garvey, Perfect unrolls his best tracks such as Handcart boy, Amerimaka, World Trade Center and a long version of Grow your natty in which he gets the audience involved. The concert ends in style with All i've got and the furious No badda me on the Sick riddim.
Perfect's impressive performance is the crowning moment that brings this very fine edition to a close. On the festivalgoers' side, a few black spots, recurrent at any large-scale event, remain to be improved, such as safety at the campsite and the sanitary facilities. The line-up, aimed above all at a knowledgeable audience with several concerts unique to France, nonetheless won its bet by drawing a large crowd. Coupled with good organisation, since all the announced artists were present and the schedule was fairly well respected, the 3rd edition of Ja'Sound was therefore a success both musically and in terms of attendance, for a mixed audience of some 21,000 festivalgoers over the four days.
Omar PerryLee Perry's son, already known in France, opens this final evening with an effective show in a roots dancehall style. Backed by the Homegrown band, Omar Perry offers an original style that gradually draws in the crowd. He even surprises us with a very well executed version on the Jonkanoo riddim.
Soul Syndicate
Soul Syndicate in full force take possession of the stage with their horn section, an anthological bass and drum pairing made up of Leroy "Horsemouth" Wallace and Georges Fullwood, and Earl "Chinna" Smith on guitar. The sound is exemplary and transports us to the heart of the 1970s. The group performs classic covers (Fade away, Tonight), sometimes with a vocal part.
The singer Kiddus I will also appear for two tracks, including the magnificent Graduation in Zion.
Coming on with None shall escape, his biggest hit, Earl Zero, originally from Greenwich Town, seems at ease with Soul Syndicate and delivers a pleasant, very roots show punctuated by a few of the tunes that made his name, such as Please officer and Vision of love.
Tony Tuff A change of style with the more dancehall singer Tony Tuff. Soul Syndicate turn themselves into the Roots Radics for the occasion and serve up the finest rub-a-dub riddims. With a perfectly controlled voice, Tony Tuff delivers a superb concert with his hits Nobody like you, Come fe mash it, Deliver Me, Gone clear or Big dance in town. The only downside is that the horn section, far too timid and poorly mixed, spoils the show a little on instrumentals such as Ruffer yet or Answer, which take on a "strictly rub-a-dub" tone that grows a little wearing in the long run.
Big Youth
Jah Youth, hyped up, delivers one of his best shows in a long time. His electric stage presence wins the crowd's affection. The selection of tracks is nonetheless fairly classic, drawing on the pure deejay style, as with Every nigga is a star or S90 skank, by way of reinterpretations of Hit the road Jack or Marley's Jamming for Jamming in the house of dread. The whimsical Big Youth also launches into more recent tracks, more sung than deejayed. The backing, for its part, is irreproachable and undeniably contributes to the quality of this concert.Bunny Wailer THE headliner of the evening, if not of the festival. Rare on stage and outside Jamaica, Jah B was able to see the extent of his popularity in France. For him, the Parc Arthur Rimbaud is packed to bursting. The group accompanying him, the Solomonic Orchestra, plays a powerful reggae that has no reason to blush in comparison with Soul Syndicate. Unlike Bob, he is accompanied by three male backing singers, and that will not be the only difference. While the show starts out roots, with a very personal take on Rastaman chant, Blackheart man, Fighting against conviction or the breathtaking, superb Armagiddeon, Jah B gives pride of place to dancehall and even makes several pauses to explain that since the ska era, dancehall has always existed in Jamaica. Here again he pays tribute to the Roots Radics sound with Rule dancehall, Don dada or the classic Cool runnings, without hesitating to call for several "pull ups". The third part of the show is logically devoted to tributes, first to the Wailers with a very original Fire fire or Simmer down, to Marley with No woman no cry (a little disappointing) or The heathen, and finally to Peter Tosh with Legalize it. Bunny Wailer leaves behind a delighted crowd after a good two hours of anthological concert.
Perfect
Delayed at the airport, it finally falls to Perfect to close these four days of festival. The young deejay from St Ann is in France for the first time and gives it everything he has.
Excused by the lack of rehearsal, the Homegrown band acquits itself rather well. Perfect, for his part, shows an almost astonishing vocal mastery, so flawless is it. You needed reserves to follow him after Jah B's marathon show, which many festivalgoers gave up on. Coming on with the superb Black Marcus, an ode to Marcus Garvey, Perfect unrolls his best tracks such as Handcart boy, Amerimaka, World Trade Center and a long version of Grow your natty in which he gets the audience involved. The concert ends in style with All i've got and the furious No badda me on the Sick riddim.Perfect's impressive performance is the crowning moment that brings this very fine edition to a close. On the festivalgoers' side, a few black spots, recurrent at any large-scale event, remain to be improved, such as safety at the campsite and the sanitary facilities. The line-up, aimed above all at a knowledgeable audience with several concerts unique to France, nonetheless won its bet by drawing a large crowd. Coupled with good organisation, since all the announced artists were present and the schedule was fairly well respected, the 3rd edition of Ja'Sound was therefore a success both musically and in terms of attendance, for a mixed audience of some 21,000 festivalgoers over the four days.
Report written by Benoit Georges & Sebastien Jobart
Comments (45)
Mis a part le camping c'etait genial!
Bonne programmation!
Bonne ambiance!
Bonne sécu(qui pour une fois avait des neuronnes!)
Bravo a toute l'équipe!
A dans 2 ans j'espere!
night · · rating: 5 out of 5
Qu'avez -vous pensez du son du camping où se trouvait GANJA TREE?
BIG UP à tous
jo lion · · rating: 5 out of 5
KING JAH WARRIOR · · rating: 5 out of 5
-Aux Congos
-A Bunny Wailer
-A Big Youth
-A Ras Iqulah (entre autre pour son engagement)
aux bénévoles et aux personnes souriantes ;-)
Pilou · · rating: 5 out of 5
Par contre, je trouvais que ca sentait vraiment la tune et je trouvais ça un peu paradoxal avec l'esprit "roots&love" du reggae... en meme temps c'est bien connu que les groupes de reggae (en général!) demandent un max...Ca fait chier !!!
J'espere en tout cas que ca ne prendra pas le dessus sur le côté spirituel du reggae et qu'j'aurai toujours ces frissons de bonheur quand j'ecoute cette musique du coeur...
good vibes.
ps: ijahman l'année prochaine? ;-)
Pilou · · rating: 5 out of 5
BouL!GaoU · · rating: 5 out of 5
ok 100% pour les wc
Pour le reste de la balle.........................
Depuis deux ans tou les artistes présent BIG UP JA SOUND et a l'année prochaine!!
redg@ wanadoo.fr · · rating: 5 out of 5
cest vrai que le seul probleme cest les sanitaires (les douches passent encore mais les chiottes sont infames!!)
le camping poussiereu mais a coté de la riviere avec une ambiance incomparable!!
Et bagnols-sur-Ceze est un village transformé en ville reggae!! cest genial
venez nombreux l'année prochaine!!
Alice · · rating: 5 out of 5
sonia · · rating: 1 out of 5
sonia · · rating: 1 out of 5
par contre je pense kil devrai plus aider les petit sound system sauvage car c eu ki te mette ds lambiance ki ty emmene o plus profon de toi. Ja sound a encore d progrés a fre mai l iddé son la dc ya pa de raison de pa se la couler roots la ba... et ceu ki veule pa etre roots et bien il von a l'hotel de babylone
moi jevite babylone a lannée et a bagnol rien ne ma choqué...
life up · · rating: 5 out of 5
coke-en-stock · · rating: 5 out of 5
rass · · rating: 1 out of 5
C une asso et ils sont tous bénévoles comme moi lors de la 1er édition.
nono 30 · · rating: 5 out of 5
rass · · rating: 1 out of 5
Mr Rass tu devrait organisé un festival
marcus · · rating: 5 out of 5
Et arretez d'interdire la critique, évidemment que j'étais content d'etre la bas et ke c'été un bon weekend, mais ces imprécisions sur les horaires ont fait ke le pauvre omar perry(avec homegrown) a fait un bon show devant peut-etre 100 personnes, et ke ras mac bean a du mettre de coté au moins 5 big tunes parce qu'ils ont laissé lorenzo trop longtemps, c la faute de l'organisation, point barre. et je te parle meme pas des problemes de sons: des fois on avait ke le son des retours, et les pauvres keyboardistes n'été pas très entendus pendant beaucoup de live. Désolé mais pour un festival de ce standing ils se doivent d'etre pro.
rass · · rating: 1 out of 5
I-zoe · · rating: 1 out of 5
Mais excuse moi passioné mais on a le droit de critiquer: les horaires mal défini ki ont saloper plus d1 live, artikal crew a torché certains de leur live parce k'ils font 6live en 2jours, par mment c'été vraiment abusé, trop brouillon. Le commandant zéro(l'annonceur) completement idiot. G fait un paquet d'autre festival, et crois moi k'a la summerjam les horaires sont carré, ça s'appel du professionalisme.
Autre chose: g fait une overdose de selassie I, en effet je pense que le festival aurait pu invité des artistes pas rasta mais tout aussi reggae.C le cas par exemple d'une tanya stephens...
mais on big up kan meme le festival pour des moments exceptionnel comme inna de yard, bambu station, jah b,soul syndicate...par contre tu cite chuck fenda je l'ai pa vu moi ;)
rass · · rating: 1 out of 5
jannah · · rating: 5 out of 5
C'est bien la mentalité française jamais content. Ils critiques tous mais sont incapable d'en faire autant !!!!
Vivement 2007....
nicos · · rating: 5 out of 5
un passioné · · rating: 5 out of 5
a l'année prochaine
un passioné · · rating: 5 out of 5
Smoko6 · · rating: 1 out of 5
Et personne ne s'insurge sur le blocage de l'allée du "off"!!! Et personne ne se demande où sont passés les blacks, les familles, les gens roots, pépères, qui peuplaient le camping avant que ne débarquent les lycéens défoncés avant les concerts et qui dorment sur la pelouse pendant que je danse, tant pis tiens je leur marche dessus, oups! et que Bunny Wailer leur explique que le dance hall ça existait avant qu'ils naissent... partis ailleurs, faire un autre festival peut-être, où on voit moins de zonards crados avec 4 ou 5 clébards se torcher dans les rues, où on n'est pas abrutis par de la jungle ou de la hard-tec( si: de la hard-tec, j'hallucine ! ) toute la nuit au camping, bref!!! D'accord, Jah Sound, j'ai adoré Jah Mali, Big Youth en pleine forme, le son c'est vrai était énorme par moments malgré des ratés déjà mentionnés par d'autres, des sound-systems aux vieux papys, et pour ça mille fois merci... Mais vraiment, non, c'est f-i-n-i, adieu, je reviendrai quand tu te seras à nouveau laissé pousser les cheveux, quand tous tes invités auront retrouvé le sourire, et quand mes copines n'auront plus à craindre de se faire dépouiller leur tente par un shetan!!!
shy-d · · rating: 3 out of 5
jahh · · rating: 4 out of 5
1 : le tarif prohibitif et le prix des conso :No hypepatatipatata...
2: l'absurdité d'interdire les appareils photos alors que les téléphones sont autorisés.
3 : la lourdeur des maitres de cérémonies (énorme le trou de mémoire, la panne de micro...)
4 : le camps de réfugié est indigne , alors que les champs alentours sont adéquats pour le dubnival
5 : la panne de façade pour le rappel de Fantan Mojah
Un bon point à la présence de Gussie P en tant que sondier de M&Fluxy qui a fait du remarquable boulot, au Jah Tubby's et Big Up à tous les activistes làbas présent !
voilà pour quelques crtiques objectives qui se voudraient constructives...
U-zine · · rating: 4 out of 5
avm · · rating: 4 out of 5
Begou · · rating: 4 out of 5
daddy high · · rating: 1 out of 5
Les concerts sont carrés, le son est bon...
YOG · · rating: 5 out of 5
- yavait il plus de personnes que l'an dernier REPONSE NON
IDEM 2005 SOIT 21 000 PERS
- et doit on s'attendre a une edition 2007
NORMALEMENT OUI SI LA POLICE NATIONALE ET LA PREFECTURE N'INTERDIT PAS DEFINITIVEMENT LE FESTIVAL
BRUNO · · rating: 5 out of 5
Surpris par l'arrivé des flics le mardi soir dans le camping toujours aussi pourri (train & station d'épuration)
Bravo a la secu, j'ai pu me balader le mercredi à 17h devant les stands et sans bracelet pendant 30m avant de me faire racompagner a la sortie.
Le dernier soir a la fin de perfect, je suis passé derrière la scène pas de vigile en vue et j'ai pu passer le bonsoir a Mr Perfect qui était avec deux filles entre deux voitures, j'ai vu aussi un breden d'annecy qui était sur scène avec son drapeau tout étonné de me voir ici.Pour cette 5è année a bagnols, on a toujours bien rigolé et bien fumé.
Big up au 74 et au Mystik Sound
Poff
Papa · · rating: 4 out of 5
On peut quand meme critiquer l'organisation, pour de fréquents problemes de sonorisation ki ont par exemple fait flopper la fin de fantan.quand gussie p a mixer le live de mafia et fluxy c'était autre chose!De plus les horaires été pas bien défini, du coup ras mac bean a du écourté son show, le pauvre omar perry, programmé tro tot, n'a joué ke devant peu de monde alors ke c'été un bon live...
Sinon l'annonceur commandant zero aurait du fermer sa gueule du week-end c'était lamentable!
Enfin, artikal band est plutot sympa, mé avec 6 live quasiment pas répété pour les meilleurs chanteur, et completement a la vibes pour les autres, il n'y a eu quasiment rien de carré, forcément des trucs baclé, des fins de morceau pull-up.On paye 80 euros alors ça mériterait d'etre plus pro.
Mais l'ambiance été bonne, les concerts étant le soir on peut profiter de la journée, et encore une fois les exclusivités font de ce festival un grand rendez-vous, il serait temps que les organisateurs soit a la hauteur du sérieux de leur programmation.
quinze · · rating: 4 out of 5
little mi-c · · rating: 5 out of 5
2)Aucune annulation??Dans ce cas j'aimerais qu'on me fasse un résumé du concert de LADY PASSION prévue avec Bambu Station....j'ai raté un épisode peut-être?
3)Steph a raison,ou sont passés les big ups aux sounds qui assuraient la selection alors qu'ils avaient trop envie d'aller checker la vibes devant la scène??Pas forcément besoin de faire un compte rendu de chaque tune qui passe,mais bon un petit big up ca aurait été respectueux envers eux....
3,5)c'est vrai ca MAXIMUM RESPECT & BIG UP aux sounds qui ont assuré les vibes(souvent bonnes)
4)BIG UP aux cooks du camping qui faisaient des itals 2x moins chers et 100x meilleurs que les "kebabs" a 5€ sans frites proposés sur l'aire du festival(bun dung wicked bizniz)
5)Faut vraiment faire quelque chose pour le camping,se faire taxer son ticket ou meme se faire lacerer sa tente c'est vraiment pas possible surtout quand c'est le fait d'une mini-minorité de vampayas noyés dans une masse de gens venus pour les vibes....mi buss one bad gunshot at dem wicked deh!
6)MAXXXXXIMUM BIG UP JAH MALI !!!Je lui souhaite le succès que mérite un chanteur aussi talentueux,humble que lui.Moi qui était venu pour le roots oldies c'est lui que j'ai le plus apprécié je crois.
Et pour finir BIG UP au hasard d'avoir amené tant de jolies ladies dans ce festival !!
Prince Daddy Ranking Lion Drea · · rating: 5 out of 5
Pour les toilettes,ceux qui étaient la l'an dernier savaient que se munir d'encens était indispensable...les autres le sauront pour l'an prochain.
Ras Imperial Emperor · · rating: 5 out of 5
Les satnds étaient sympas a part la bouffe, en règle général pas terrible et chère...
toto · · rating: 5 out of 5
les concerts sont carrés, le son est bon...juste un bouffon de vendeur de disque (que je nommerai pas) se permettait de jouer du son alors qu'un artiste se produisait...no resepct!
On attend une programmation aussi bonne l'an prochain...!
Les pt négatifs sont lié aux camping:
pas survéillé et les douches sont à l'arrache à un rond point...ps cool...
prévoir des choses a faire avant 18H!!les portes n'ouvrent pas avant....
big up pour les organisateurs!
bless dem
faya!
faya · · rating: 5 out of 5
evandro · · rating: 1 out of 5
- yavait il plus de personnes que l'an dernier (j'ai pas l'impression)
- et doit on s'attendre a une edition 2007 (j'espere avec tjrs des raretés comme W.Williams, P.Gad ou bien P.Broggs)
oldies but goodies · · rating: 5 out of 5
JEUDI 3 AOUT
TOGEDA INNA DI GIDEON +INVITES = KOUSI - NETNA - VYBRATE
ANTHONY LION
DUB ADDICT
IRIE ITES
RED LION
VENDREDI 4 AOUT
KAWULE SOUND
GUIDING STAR
EQUAL BROTHERS
RED LION
SAMEDI 5 AOUT
GANGUNGURU
KABA MASSAGANA
RED LION
DOU · · rating: 5 out of 5
present pendant les 3 soirs
steph · · rating: 4 out of 5
Pi-Why · · rating: 4 out of 5
pierreyves · · rating: 4 out of 5