[RIDDIM SHOWCASE] "BACKYARD RIDDIM" (BACKYARD TV)
The Backyard
TV Bandwagon Riddim project includes a body of compositions and ideas that goes
back about 8 years.... produced by Howell Allen & Multi Platinum producer:
John 'Raf' Allen.
The latest
rhythm from composer Howell Allen of famed Backyard TV media comes with a story
as told by Allen himself. The project, which includes a body of compositions 8
years in the making initially started as a tribute honoring his grandmother-
Miss Susan and has evolved to what it is today - 'The Bandwagon Riddim'. All
the artists performing on this compilation have a personal relationship with
Allen and each reflected their truths and integrity in their contribution. They
were all drawn to Howell and the riddim by what some would describe as divine
intervention, but the finished project imparts a sense of something new and
fresh. Here are their stories:
Little Hero,
Pzed & Crazy Dude visited the studio as Allen was adding the finishing
touches to the project when suddenly Little Hero started singing "mama
said to leave It alone". With no direction, he had picked up on the
original sentiment behind the rhythm. The song, entitled "Mama Said to
Leave It Alone" was completed in one sitting. Shortly after, Anthony B
sent vocals of a song he had just completed; Allen perceiving the song would
definitely have something topical to impart and be a good addition to the
project, spoke to him and quickly added his vocals. Chrisinti, who had
positively impacted one of the Backyard TV Showtime series was approached and
without hesitation he added "Let The Freedom Reign".
Gumbae
Culture changed the tempo with "Ragamuffin Style" which provides a
contrast and balance to the finished project. Gumbae's concerns that his
contribution would not fit in with the overall theme were definitely misplaced.
High Ranks, NYC Assistant Principal, personal friend and uncanny Buju Banton
sound-alike keeps the memory of the incarcerated reggae artist in the forefront
with his "It's Not Funny", recorded without a beat or proper key,
giving the track the feel that it was recorded in a sparse jail cell. Returning
to the maternal theme, DJ Bugz adds “Mama Make Mistake Sometimes”, while
"Who Are You To Judge Me" is performed with a passion that strains
through every note straight from the heart of RightUp.
The first
track on the mix tape “She Makes Me Jealous”, penned by Howell himself and
produced by unsung musician Raf Allen who has a slew of hit songs under his
belt is performed by Mr Easy and resulted from ongoing talks about a future
collaboration. Dennis Walk, legendary reggae artist (credits include ‘Having a
Party’, ‘Sad Sweet Dreamer’ and a remake of the popular ‘Margaret’) added his
touch with a cover of “Makes Me Feel Good”. The first female on the project
Ashley received coaching from Dennis Walks and the resulting “Treat Me Like
Somebody” is a fitting addition and representation from a female perspective.
The second
female to drop her vocals is an unknown vocalist, but known to many New
Yorkers, a popular writer who also dabbles in poetry and songwriting – she came
up with the lyrics in less than an hour and her demo so impressed Allen, that
he decided to add her sultry vocals on “Love Triangle”
Last but
certainly not least, wrapping it up with the artist known for his tributes to
the females the Reggae Gentleman, Stephen Souza had an opportunity to add his
distinct vocals to the Bandwagon Riddim with his "Sleeping Beauty" a
fitting tribute to his lovely wife, and as Allen says “in my humble opinion, I
believe as long as Stephen lives, he is going to have a roof over his head and
a certain two long arms wrapped around him”.
This, ladies
and gentlemen is the story behind the Bandwagon Riddim. Get used to it, you’ll
be hearing much more.
TRACKLIST
1.
Mr Easy -She Makes Me Jealous
2.
Dennis Walks - Make Me Feel Good
3.
Ashley - I Just Want Somebody
4.
Anthony B - Done Wid Di War
5.
Little Hero / Pzed - Leave It Alone
6.
Stephen Souza - Sleeping Beauty
7.
Gumbae Culture - Ragamuffin Style
8.
Chrisinti - Let The Freedom Reign
9.
Sheron - Love Triangle
10.
High Ranks - It Not Funny
11.
DJ Bugz - Mama Make Mistake
12.
RightUp - Who Are You To Judge
