Smudge All Stars Intends To Remind Reggae Lovers About Their Roots
Some of the vanguards of reggae and dub have come together to form a collective called the Smudge All Stars. The group features many old school stalwarts like George Clinton, Lee Scratch Perry, Pee Wee Ellis, Soul II Soul’s Charlotte Kelly, Dennis Bovell, Earl Sixteen, Omar, and more.
The collective’s mastermind is seasoned musician Richie Stevens, who according to a press release took years to put the project together. Their album is now complete and due to come out later this year.
The first single from the new funk and soul collective, titled ‘Our Lives’, features Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, Earl Sixteen & Dennis Bovell and was released on July 3.
It’s a smooth blend of old school reggae that may reawaken interest in the music that was the foundation for so many other genres today. According to the press release the track is a revivalist tune.
“Delivering an intricate dub, Our Lives is a revivalist anthem. Showcasing instrumentation from Dennis Bovell and pronounced vocals from the legendary Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry and Leftfield/Dreadzone collaborator Earl Sixteen, the track is a resonant beckon call to the forever distinctive sound of Jamaica. Its breezy lyrics drift through consciously delivered preaching for carefree enlightenment and stands up as a timeless restoration of the genres intrinsically good-natured temperament.”
The album was also created to reflect the cultural melting pot of reggae and the UK.
“Smudge All Stars is a sprawling intelligence network reflecting London’s cultural melting pot – it’s ever-revolving door policy deep-rooted by some of music’s most esteemed innovators. The group’s debut single, ‘Our Lives’ marries funk and reggae’s vintage relationship and is a ray of sunshine reminding all to get the most out of life, even in these increasingly testing times.”
Stevens said the track represents the golden age of reggae and has a traditional reggae feel.
“Reggae has a big place in our hearts by virtue of the cultural history in the UK. It was common for funk bands to incorporate reggae-flavoured music into their work, so we thought we would keep up the tradition. Lyrics written by reggae musicians during the 60s and 70s were ahead of their time, so this track is a continuation of a golden generation,” he said.
The press release further stated that: “‘Our Lives’ is first track from Smudge All Stars upcoming debut album – coming later this year. The album spans a deep multitude of genres, all compiling into one neatly folded funk record. Other artists featured include: Pee Wee Ellis, Camelle Hinds, Charlotte Kelly, Dennis Bovell, DJ D-zire (Jamiroquai’s DJ) Dr Mouthquake, Earl Sixteen, Fred Wesley, George Clinton, James Gardiner Bateman, JC 001, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, Mary Pearce, Mitt Gamon, Niara Scarlett and Omar.”