|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CD
|
|
CCT 3026CD
|
Overproof Sound-System started its life in 2000 as a monthly reggae night called "Overproof" held at the Medicine Bar in Birmingham, England. The night was started by Different Drummer's Richard Wittingham (Rockers Hi Fi) Adam Regan (Leftfoot) and Birmingham's dub duo G.Corp. Since the '70s, reggae music in Birmingham had become ghettoized, pushed out of city venues into illegal parties and split into genres. With violence on the increase, it was only the brave that would get to hear it. The "Overproof" night was not only a way for those involved to escape the recording studio and party but a way of bringing reggae back to the masses. The night soon grew, often bringing together 1500 regulars for what have now become legendary parties. From the start, the microphone and DJ'ing duties were shared by Ras-T-Weed (Rockers Hi Fi) and Juggla and over time percussion was added in the form of The Mighty Magoo. Messenger Douglas later joined Overproof in 2003, and has been part of Overproof ever since. In 2001, a European promoter attended the club and so impressed with the good spirit and almost tribal quality of the party, he invited Overproof over to Europe, thus giving birth to the Overproof Sound-System. The Sound System has been touring constantly since 2001 and has become a solid core of five people Messenger Douglas, Juggla, Mighty Magoo, Stallion (G.Corp.) and Jah Grizzly (G.Corp.). In order to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the original club night, Overproof have once again returned to the Elephant House to record their second album Pull It Up!. The album includes vocals from the main crew messenger Douglas and Juggla and a guest appearance from one of the originals, Ras Tweed. One of the tracks, an acoustic version of "War Must Cease" includes a unique appearance by the Myspace Choir. People from all over the world were invited to add their harmonies to what has ended up as a beautiful protest against the act of war. As with the first album, this is a collection of styles bound together by a strong reggae influence, catchy melodies, heavy bass lines and conscious lyrics.
|