Jahmings Maccow & E-Rif

Artist Information

Biography

Anguillian reggae guitarist/singer/songwriter Jahmings Maccow has risen from the quiet island of Anguilla, through the ruff ghettos of South Bronx, to become one of New York City's tuffest reggae acts during the 80's, with bands like Catch-A-Fire and The Enforcers. Since that time Jahmings Maccow has branched out from Catch-A-Fire and The Enforcers bands to become more of a Rhythm & Blues, Rock Guitar Player and a more polished Songwriter.

Studio 45 was the home of "Catch-A-Fire Band" in Mid-town Manhattan. The band emerged out of several bands, "Rhythm Dimensions" and "Creation", in late 1981, early 1982. The band opened for acts like "Ken Boothe", "Alton Ellis", "The Meditations", "Israel Vibration", "Dennis Brown", "Culture" and many more. They shared the same stage and toured with groups and bands like "Michigan & Smiley" and "Mojanya". After the separation of Catch-A-Fire manager Joe, bandmembers Cliff and Jahmings, tried to put the band back together, but with little success. The fire was burning out of control. In 1984 Jahmings put together a band called "The Enforcers" doing mostly studio work for Bullwackies Artists like "Max Romeo" and "Sugar Minott". This was the same time period he ran into singing group "Love Joys", "Leroy Sibbles" and "Hopeton Lewis".Hopeton invited him down to his studio in Montego Bay, Jamaica to do some recording.

In the fall of 1987 Jahmings headed west to Los Angeles California to attend Dick Grove's Music School continuing his musical education. Jahmings was there from 1988 - 1990. During his time at Grove, he signed a songwriters contract with "Sunrise Records" and wrote a single for "Buddy Raye" entitled "Yesterday" that came out on an album entitled "Hollywood Sessions."

In the summer of 1989 Jahmings went back to New York City to record the track title:"Isn't This Love" at his friend Paul Henton's home studio, and to do some shows. After his days at Grove ended, Jahmings did some TV shows and wrote a string of songs in Los Angeles. In 1991 he flew back to New York City to record the track title:"Doomsday" with his friend Paul in his home studio. In 1993 he took a break from writing and recording to put together his home recording studio in the San Fernando Valley where most of the tracks for the "New Way" CD were pre-recorded.

Instrumentation

Jahmings Maccow Rhythm & Lead Guitar/Vocals, Princess Background Vocals, July Background Vocals, JR Guitar, Tafari Bass, Dayda/Jacob Keyboards, Carlos Drums

Discography

Man Redemption CD
"Catch-A-Fire Live At Mikells" CD.
"The Enforcers," Shanty Town Rock, Mini CD.
"Jahmings Maccow & E-Rif," New Way, CD.


RADIO STATIONS WHERE JAHMINGS MACCOW IS PLAYED.

REGGAE VIBES C.R.M. RADIO 102.7 FM (The Netherlands)

92.5 FM and 101.95 cable (Germany)

REGGAE CLUB RADIO MALTA (Malta)

REGGAE POWER 106 FM (Israel)

Radio Solar 94 FM (Portugal)

Tropical Reggae KGLP 91.5 FM (NM) USA

Caribbean Cruise WAWL 91.5 FM (TN) USA

WVOD 99.1FM (NC) USA

KTUH 90.3 FM Honolulu (HI) USA

KPOA 93.5 FM Maui (HI) USA

KSJV 91.5 (Saallite) Fresnor (CA) USA

KTOO 104.3 FM (AK) USA

KRCL 90.9 FM (UT) USA

99.3 FM & 89.3 FM (Cyprus)

Radio 2, Gonsiori 21 (Estonia)


FM 106.2 (Norway)

91.3 FM (Spain)

KCBS 91.9 FM Santa Barbara (CA) USA

104.1 FM Berkeley (CA) USA

KDVS 90.3 FM Davis (CA) USA

KBOO 90.7 FM Portland (OR) USA

WESU 88.1 FM Hartford (CT) USA

KRCC 91.5 FM Colorado Springs (CO) USA

WRBB 104.9 FM Boston (MA) USA

KDHX 88.1 FM St. Peters (MO) USA

KBCS 91.3 FM Seattle (WA) USA

WHRW 90.5 FM Binghamton (NY) USA

WGVU 88.5 FM Muskegon (MI) USA

Reggae 97.3 FM Tortola British Virgin Island

WEBK 105.3 FM Ludlow (VT) USA

KKUP 91.5 FM Felton (CA) USA

WUSB 90.1 FM Stony Brook (NY) USA

KKCR 91.9 FM Kauai (HI) USA

ZION Radio (Bermuda)

Radio Anguilla 95.5 FM The Valley (Anguilla)

KOOL FM North Side (Anguilla)

Island Radio 105.7 FM Crocus Hill, Then Valley, (Anguilla)

Laser 101 101.1 FM Philipsburg, ST. Maarten, (Netherlands Antilles)

Heartbeat Radio South Valley, (anguilla)

WLRN 91.3 FM Miami, (FL) USA

Official Website

http://www.myspace.com/jahmings

Links

• Twitter
• Facebook
• MySpace
• JAHMINGS MACCOW & E-RIF LIVE FROM THE ROXY

Audio

• How You Gaan Crucify
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• Free The Pain
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• Man Redemption
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• Let Dem Grow
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• Set Me Free
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• Boys & Girls
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• Dread
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• Put You Down
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• Cry For Tomorrow
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• Didn't You Hear
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• See Dem Fighting
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• Jah Jah Say
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• Shanty Town Rock
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• She's Gone
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• Memories
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• Scamper Dread
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• New Way
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• Leave This Town
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• Pay The Price
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• Check Me Out
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Lyrics

• Scamper Dread
• She's Is Gone
• Memories
• Put You Down

Video

Man Redemption (Perform Live) At The Element Lounge By: JAHMINGS MACCOW

Photo Gallery

Press

• Catch-A-Fire [+ Show ]
  

  Catch-A-Fire do little to differentiate themselves from influences such as Bob Marley an...Catch-A-Fire
  do little to differentiate themselves from influences such as Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, but that's not such a bad thing. Their lead vocals and backing band have a warm, vintage sound that should please fans of classic Roots Reggae. Jesse T.
  
  

• Jahmings Maccow [+ Show ]
  

  Born on Crocus Hill on the island of Anguilla, US based musician, singer, songwriter Jahmings Maccow...Born on Crocus Hill on the island of Anguilla, US based musician, singer, songwriter Jahmings Maccow has released his self-produced album "New Way", actually the CD version of his cassette that was released in 1999 on his own label "Liquid Cyber Records". Jahmings Maccow has branched out from Catch-a-fire and The Enforcers bands to become more of a Rhythm & Blues Rock guitar player and a more polished songwriter. All of the programing and most of the instruments were played by Jahmings Maccow, who is furthermore joined by such fine musicians like Paul Henton, Cesar Garcia, Michael Bolger, Maria Paul and backing vocalists Carolyn Tenore and Tita Hutchison. The thirteen to fifteen months it took to record this album have been spent well regarding the final result. "New Way" is a well produced and polished album on which Jahmings Maccow explores the styles of R&B, Rock and Latin Music while still maintaining his Roots in Reggae. This makes that the listener is treated to a well varied album, which has the potential to reach a mainstream audience. The songs are well constructed, the backing is tight, the vocals are crisp and clear, and the riddims are all fresh originals. Not exactly an album for the Roots Reggae purists, but beyond all doubt incorporating enough entertainment for music lovers with an open ear and mind.
  Teacher & Mr. T.
  

• Jahmings Maccow [+ Show ]
  

  Jahmings Maccow & E-Rif ~ New Way Posted on Saturday, July 07 @ 00:25:41 EDT Quote: "This is ... Jahmings Maccow & E-Rif ~ New Way
  Posted on Saturday, July 07 @ 00:25:41 EDT
  
  Quote: "This is a deep kind of musical spirituality, and manages to avoid the commercialized sound that has become synonymous with Americans’ idea of reggae music".
  
  
  
  Reggae records have a tendency to go either one way or another. There’s just not much in the way of “middle ground”, musically speaking. Either it’s virtually devoid of emotion, instead cashing in on the classic reggae beats and themes, or it finds a way to touch a chord in your soul, and moves you to listen more closely. Jahmings Maccow is the real thing. This is a deep kind of musical spirituality, and manages to avoid the commercialized sound that has become synonymous with Americans’ idea of reggae music. It is something felt, rather than implicityly heard, and the message is often easily translated without having to utter a word. But what it is more than anything, is a serious form of music that tends to tackle more lofty subjects than your typical “I wanna ROCK!”. Maccow tells stories, spins yarns, asks big questions, the type typically reserved for the inner workings of the brain, and questions his existence, the need for suffering, and directs them at the audience and Jah Almighty simultaneously.
  
  This is a good record for many reasons. First, it’s a nice break from loud guitar, crass lyrics, and homogenized alt-rock. Second, NEW WAY uses classic reggae instrumention, but adds a personalized twist, and since Maccow does the majority of the playing on this record, it becomes a personal vessel for one man. Next, this record feels very “live”, there’s really a freshness to this that spills over to the listener.
  
  Of course, even though this record makes me long for warm weather, walks on the beach, and various other things that prove to find difficult in Indiana these days, it also puts me in a political mindframe, and makes me want to overthrow my government. I’m sure this is being monitored, so I should probably stop there. Highlights on this record include “Check Me Out”, “Scamper Dread”, “True Love”, “Why” and “Doomsday”.
  
  Artist Website: http://www.rebelsproduction.com
  
  (Liquid Cyber Records)
  

• Jahmings Maccow [+ Show ]
  

  Jahmings Maccow & E-Rif - New Way ...Jahmings Maccow & E-Rif - New Way Reggae
  
  
  This is probably some of the smoothest and soulful reggae music that I've heard in a long time. Great vocals, great lyrics, great all around sound and style. New Way is an album with irresistible charm and a highly alluring essence. Like a lot of reggae music, the lyrics jump out and hit you with a great sense of reality and compassion. Very intelligent songwriting and a very powerful sound. This is definitely one of the best reggae albums that I've had the pleasure to review. My recommendation comes high for this album. Simply amazing! - Michael Allison - THEGLOBALMUSE.COM

• Jahmings Maccow [+ Show ]
  

  Jahmings Maccow & E-Rif Reggae Guitarist/Singer/Songwriter Anguillian reggae musician Jahmings M...Jahmings Maccow & E-Rif
  Reggae Guitarist/Singer/Songwriter
  
  Anguillian reggae musician Jahmings Maccow has recently released his twelve song CD entitled New Way. Maccow handles the rhythm. lead and acoustic guitars on the project, as well as lead vocals, keyboards and drum programming. He is joined on the CD by Paul Henton (bass, keyboards), Cesar Garcia (sax) and Michael Bolger (trumpet), among others. Unlike a lot of reggae musicians, Maccow is not shy about putting lead guitar breaks in his songs - he unleashes a raw, unpredictable sonic blast of overdriven/distorted guitar filled with trills and hammers on a good number of cuts, including the title track. Of course the arrangements feature the piano work and horn sections common to a great deal of reggae music, however the intemperate rawness of Maccow's solos give the music an edge not normally heard. The music on the New Way CD was recorded over a period of thirteen to fifteen months - from the winter of 1997 to the spring of 1999.
  Born on the island of Anguilla, Jahmings started out singing with his school choir and playing the harmonica. Later in life, he would relocate to New York City, where his guitar playing caught the attention of reggae musician Henton, and they put together a band called Rhythm Dimensions. In 1984, Jahmings put together a group called the Enforcers, who did studio work for artists such as Max Romeo and Sugar Minott. From 1988 to 1990, he attended the Dick Grove Music School to continue his musical education. During that time he signed a songwriting contract with Sunrise Records, and wrote a single for Buddy Raye entitled "Yesterday" that was featured on the album "Hollywood Sessions".
  
  Maccow is now busy promoting New Way, looking to acquire reviews and other press for the album.
  

• Jahmings Maccow [+ Show ]
  

  September 1, 2002, by Bill Ribas Jahmings Maccow & E-Rif, New Way (© 1999 Liquid Cyber Recordin... September 1, 2002, by Bill Ribas
  
  Jahmings Maccow & E-Rif, New Way (© 1999 Liquid Cyber Recordings)
  Far be it from me to call myself a know-it-all, and when it comes to reggae, well, it's probably a category on Jeopardy where I wouldn't win too much cash. Yet there's something calming about that reggae beat, the chinking of the guitar chords on the 2 and the 4, that just relaxes you. Jahmings Maccow, who has been around in various shades and forms since the late '70s, offers a disc that isn't full-blown reggae either, with some R&B, jazz, even hip-hop inflections and nuances, all popping up here and there. There are some beautiful moments with female backing vocals as well, as on the title track, for instance. And, who knows, maybe reggae purists will scoff at the various styles here, but hey, I like it. It calms me, and if you want to chill a bit, trow da disc on mon. www.rebelsproduction.com
  

• Jahmings Maccow [+ Show ]
  

  Jahmings Maccow & E-Rif - New Way Liquid Cyber Records By: Ben Ohmart Though I've tried t...Jahmings Maccow & E-Rif - New Way
  
  Liquid Cyber Records
  By: Ben Ohmart
  
  
  Though I've tried to label this recording as Reggae, once you are past the very Marley-esque 'Scamper Dread' which opens your 12 song journey, the music goes off in so many other directions, it's hard to keep up with it. The one thing you can Really say about this New Way is that it's looking island-grown, and seems to be sweetly self-produced. On some tracks, it's like sitting in with someone very talented at his home. Sometimes he gets the guitar player in, as the quite fluid 'New Way - part II' illustrates for a good 2 minutes. Sometimes Jammings brings in his back-up girls to help 'Leave This Town'.
  
  He relies heavily on keyboards, but the strength of the Caribbean voice and the world-flavored rock put this CD into a party-political arena seldom heard on mainstream radio in the States.
  
  There are some tracks that could use cleaning up, unless this is their charm. The highly synth-dominated 'Doomsday' is like 2 different songs in one - acoustic, and not. There is a little drum machine in the left speaker that, early on, sounds like static of some sort. If only it were on an acoustic piano to give realism to the earnest voices, it would be a much better tune in my humble opinion.
  
  Same for 'Pay the Price', which has a great horn, sound, but mixing with the keys brings it down a notch. A pity since Maccow is a rather strong singer/arranger/composer. But this reviewer may be just oversensitive to hybrids. 'I pay the price - in parasites places / What a disgrace amongst the human race / Many are called but - few are chosen / Haven't you heard lord - Jah had risen'.
  
  But looking past instrumentation into spirit and domino tumbling style, the New Way is a great release from the pressures of the day. You may not forget them - not with the color photos in CD booklet showing bombs, world leaders, the vast poor, the slashing of the ecology - but you will find yourself a little spiritually superior when you come away from the 51 minute disc. If the best entertainments make you think and act as well as smile, then put Maccow and his E-Rif among the best. You will find a tropical drink in your hand and a plethora of sunshine in your mirror before you're halfway thru the 1st cut.
  
  
  
  

• Man Redemption CD Review [+ Show ]
  

  CD Review: Jahmings Maccow – Man Redemption July 28, 2009 · Leave a Comment Anguila expat Jahmings...CD Review: Jahmings Maccow – Man Redemption
  July 28, 2009 · Leave a Comment
  Anguila expat Jahmings Maccow, formerly of New York roots legends Catch-A-Fire and the Enforcers, writes catchy, Bob Marley-influenced roots reggae songs that would have been right at home on Jamaican radio back in the late 70s. Fans of golden-era reggae singers like Gregory Isaacs, Johnny Clarke, Sugar Minott or Jacob Miller will love this album: if Rockers TV was still in syndication, you would no doubt see “The
  CD Review: Jahmings Maccow – Man Redemption
  July 28, 2009 · Leave a Comment
  Anguila expat Jahmings Maccow, formerly of New York roots legends Catch-A-Fire and the Enforcers, writes catchy, Bob Marley-influenced roots reggae songs that would have been right at home on Jamaican radio back in the late 70s. Fans of golden-era reggae singers like Gregory Isaacs, Johnny Clarke, Sugar Minott or Jacob Miller will love this album: if Rockers TV was still in syndication, you would no doubt see “The
  CD Review: Jahmings Maccow – Man Redemption
  July 28, 2009 · Leave a Comment
  Anguila expat Jahmings Maccow, formerly of New York roots legends Catch-A-Fire and the Enforcers, writes catchy, Bob Marley-influenced roots reggae songs that would have been right at home on Jamaican radio back in the late 70s. Fans of golden-era reggae singers like Gregory Isaacs, Johnny Clarke, Sugar Minott or Jacob Miller will love this album: if Rockers TV was still in syndication, you would no doubt see “The Rootsman” interviewing Maccow with much enthusiasm. The production here is far more oldschool than most anything coming out of Jamaica right now, a fat riddim with real keyboards and layers of guitar. Maccow is not only a good songwriter, he’s also a good guitarist, spicing his songs with an incisive yet tersely soulful, pensive edge. The Marley inspiration extends especially to the vocals, Maccow reaching up to the high registers with the same kind of inspired half-yelp. The tunes mix slow anthems in with the upbeat, hitworthy stuff. In keeping with the classic roots vibe, the lyrics address both spiritual and contemporary issues, hence the album title, Man Redemption – a bunch of uplifting tunes that frequently address some pretty heavy issues.
  
  The big, slow, soulful title track – a prayer of sorts – contrasts with the upbeat, obviously Marley-inspired Let Them Grow, like something off the Kaya album with tasteful acoustic guitar accents and a clever, distorted electric guitar solo low in the mix. Set Me Free is more upbeat, late period Marley-style songwriting with a nice, long, thoughtfully doubletracked guitar passage.
  
  How Ya Gwaan Crucify is predictably a lot darker, with a Rastaman Vibration edge. The album’s fifth track, Free the Pain has a playful phased guitar solo – the tune reminds a bit of the late great Lucky Dube. After that, Put You Down/I Didn’t Come has more of a vintage 70s Manhattans/Stylistics style smooth R&B feel. The rest of the album includes the rather apprehensive Dread; Didn’t You Hear, which manages to be both pro-peace and a cautionary tale; the Israel Vibration-inflected See Them Fighting/Ghetto Walls; the gloriously bouncy Jah Jah Say, and the vivid yet understated Cry for Tomorrow. If you’re a fan of classic roots reggae, this is a welcome throwback to a time when artists basically had to at least pay lip service to spirituality and be conscious of the world around them even if they didn’t embrace it. It’s obvious that Maccow is sincere about what he has to say.
  Categories: Music · Reviews · music, concert · review
  Tagged: album review, bob marley, Catch-A-Fire band, cd review, classic reggae, earl chin, Enforcers reggae, Gregory Isaacs, Israel Vibration, Jahmings Maccow, Johnny Clarke, lucky dube, Man Redemption, Man Redemption album, Man Redemption cd, Music, R&B, reggae, reggae music, rockers tv, roots reggae, rootsman earl chin, Sugar Minott. Jacob Miller reggae
  
  

Setlist

(1) Man Redemption

(2) Let Dem Grow

(3) Set Me Free

(4) How You Gwan Crucify

(5) Scamper Dread

(6) New Way

(7) Dread

(8) Didn't You Hear

(9) Pay The Price

(10) Check Me Out

(11) See Dem Fighting

(12) Jah Jah Say

(13) Leave This Town

(14) Shanty Town Rock

(15) Free The Pain

(16) Put You Down

(17) Boys & Girls

(18) Memories

(19) Everywhere I Go

(20) Who Shall

(21) Cry For Tomorrow

Basic Requirements

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