Alborosie Releases Sound the System LP on Greensleeves Records

Sicilian-born reggae singer Alborosie released his self-produced album Sound the System in North America on Greensleeves Records September 30.  Available in Europe since July, the album continues the singer's mission to produce top-quality riddims and conscious lyrics that promote his Rastafarian beliefs.  A tour is scheduled beginning February 2014, with dates and locations to be announced.

Highlights of the album include a guest appearance by Ky-mani Marley for a remake of "Zion Train", as well as a special collaboration with the iconic group The Abyssinians, who sing in Amharic on "Give Thanks", paying homage to Ethiopia, the country dear to the hearts of Rastas everywhere.  Alborosie also shows that he can more than hold his own among the dancehall crew with tracks like "Rock the Dancehall" and "Who Run the Dance".

Alberto D' Ascola was born in the town of Marsala in Sicily. In his teens he moved to Milan, where he eventually joined the band Reggae National Tickets.  Touring with the band through Europe and eventually Jamaica completely changed his life.  He relocated to Jamrock and started working at Gee Jam Studios in Portland.  Over a decade later, he is still going strong and leaving a lasting imprint on the roots reggae scene.

photo courtesy of With Love PR

Sound the System Track Listing (Greensleeves Records)

1.  Intro
2. Play Fool (To Catch Wise)
3. Rock the Dancehall
4. Zion Train (featuring Ky-mani Marley)
5. To Whom It May Concern
6. Who Run the Dance
7. Goodbye (featuring Nina Zilli)
8. U Got to Be Mine
9. Love is the Way
10. There is a Place (featuring Kemar)
11. Positiveness
12. Don't Pressure It
13. Warrior (featuring Nature)
14. Give Thanks (featuring The Abyssinians)
15. Shut U Mouth
16. Outro

Video of the Day: Tessanne Chin - Hide Away

Today's video of the day is "Hide Away" by Kingston, Jamaica native Tessanne Chin. She is actually a contestant on this season's The Voice.  Though most Americans don't know who she is, including the four judges on the show, reggae fans know how amazing her voice is.  "Hide Away" was on the Reggae Gold 2007 compilation.  Love this tune!

Tickets on Sale for "Welcome to Jamrock" Reggae Cruise

The "Pearl" courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Lines

On Wednesday, September 11, Norwegian Cruise Lines and Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley announced the first annual "Welcome to Jamrock" Reggae Cruise.  Departing from Miami, Florida on October 20, 2014, the cruise will make stops in Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, Jamaica, returning to Miami on October 25.

Confirmed artists for the cruise include Marley brothers Damian, Stephen, and Julian, Shaggy, Jah Cure, Tarrus Riley, Busy Signal, Morgan Heritage, Sean Paul, Christopher Ellis, Black Am I, Wayne Marshall, Etana, and Jo Mersa.  In addition, iconic sound systems and DJs' Stone Love, Mighty Crown, Renaissance, and David Rodigan will be on hand to ensure that passengers are never without a moment's entertainment.

The Jamaica Tourist Board has officially endorsed the cruise as a way to bring attention to the beauty that Jamaica has to offer and at the same time providing top-notch entertainment to reggae lovers from across the globe.

Tickets are on sale at the official Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise website, where you can check out the itinerary as well as view the different cabins available.  You can also order by phone at 1-800-248-7471. Payment plans are available with deposits starting at $250 per person.  If you are interested, you need to jump on this now, because the cruise was just announced and some cabins are already sold out according to the site.

"Out in the streets, they call it murderrrr!!!!"  De cruise gwaan be mad mi seh!