Radiola Records label is like American basketball: it has the biggest stars, but from the Ska/Reggae world!

Since 1992, the American basketball team has been called the "Dream Team" because it brings together the greatest stars of the sport. It is the team with all the players who drive the crowd and their opponents wild. São Paulo label Radiola Records can be considered a true ska/reggae "Dream Team". Starting with the leadership of its head, Bruno "Kaskata", who hosted the radio program "Skabadabadoo!" for five years on Brasil 2000. Recently, two Radiola releases caught the attention of lovers of the best Jamaican rhythms. One is "In America" by Victor Rice, a sought-after reggae and ska producer. The American has already produced names like Pietasters and The Slackers, played in bands like The Scofflaws and Toasters, and accompanied genre legends like Desmond Dekker and Laurel Aitken. On his album, Rice plays bass, organ, tambourine, guitar and melodica (popularly known as a mouth organ). The 19 tracks are perfect for long-distance travel or even staying put, like the charming "Toque" or the mind-blowing "JD". Except for "Baby Dub", which features vocalist Caz Gardiner, the rest of the CD is entirely instrumental. In short, it is an excellent album packed with ska, rocksteady, reggae and dub — rhythms that also make up the self-titled album by trio Firebug. Besides Rice, guitarist and vocalist Felipe Machado and experienced drummer Rodrigo Cerqueira, who has played with Easy Big Fella (from Seattle) and Skuba, make up Firebug. The band has a very strong influence from the old Jamaican guard but also absorbs jazz, funk, soul and rhythm'n'blues. "I don't like labeling our sound much, but I usually call it 'vintage' Jamaican music," says Cerqueira. That is what you hear on tracks like "Commercialized Man", "Not Anymore" and "You and Me". The lyrics address themes like relationships and everyday situations and, although they are in English, some received Portuguese versions. "The initial idea was to do everything in English, but as people listened to the songs, they said there should be some in Portuguese," says Cerqueira. "Our choice of English was made only because of the sound. It is like Sepultura, for example. It has everything to do with the musical style they play, and our style also calls for songs in that language." Among the 20 tracks, "Gimme Your Love" stands out the most. It opens the album in reggae style, gets a Portuguese version and a dub mix. Firebug will have its CD released in Europe by Leech Records. The Swiss label will include two bonus tracks that did not appear on the national version. They are currently negotiating with some US labels, but for now nothing is set. "We are still rehearsing the show repertoire. With the European release, the possibility of a tour there increases," says Cerqueira. Here at home, shows begin next month. Don't miss them, for Jah's sake.

MORE INFORMATION

Click here to learn more about the band.