Bushman

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Get It in Your Mind (Burning Bushes, 2008)

Four years is an eternity in reggae circles to wait for a new album, but Bushman fans have patiently bided their time (I hear sudoku is a real time-killer) and now are rewarded with Get It in Your Mind, perhaps the singer's best album to date. Keep in mind, though, that this is a collection of singles and not necessarily a proper album (granted, that's what a lot of reggae albums are), so listeners might already be familiar with a good portion of the material. That said, these songs, coming from a variety of producers and musicians in Jamaica and abroad, remind us why Bushman is one of the most sure-fire reggae artists around. The quality of his work is generally without reproach, and Get It in Your Mind is no exception. "Rasta Nuh Dead" rides the subtly awesome Good Times riddim that Capleton used on "Steppin' Up" from his Reign of Fire album. "Nuttin Nah Gwaan" is a classic sufferers' tune that bemoans, "Nuttin' nah gwaan, / Nuttin' nah broke. / Only the poorer class a feel it." "Source of Life" might be the best track, though, showcasing Bushman's heartfelt vocals in a groovin' love song. Another highlight is "Scent of a Man," written and produced by Joe Gibbs' son Stephen "Gibbo" Gibbs, a slinky tune that takes advantage of Bushman's growling, Peter Tosh-like baritone. Speaking of Tosh, Bushman updates his disco number "Buk-In-Hamm-Palace" with surprising effectiveness. Where Bushman really showcases his versatility, though, is in the dancehall tunes "Can't Get the Best of Me" and "Born fi di Ting," in which he both chats and sings over fun, pulsating digital riddims. Although this is the singer's first independent release, Get It in Your Mind shines with major-label quality. Check it out at cdbaby.com. - reggae-reviews.com

Known as 'The Man From The East', St Thomas Jamaica's Bushman has built up a solid following among fans of 'nu-roots' since the late-1990s. His rich voice has earned him comparisons with that of Dennis Brown (an acknowledged influence) but is somewhat lower in pitch; a booming bass-baritone that is at home in all forms of reggae song.

His sixth album Get It In Your Mind, released on his own Burning Bushes label, contains several singles from recent years. But despite being a mixed bag of recordings for different producers, it hangs together nicely due to the predominance of serious and cultural themes, as well as some wise rhythm choices.

Bushman begins with a mission statement, the declarative Singing My Song, on the marching, guitar driven Undeniable rhythm. Second track Rasta Nuh Dead rides the authentic late-seventies-sounding Good Times and, like other cuts on the rhythm by Capleton and Lutan Fyah, is heavily mystical in its lyrical imagery; Jah ''in the whirlwind, riding on the cherubim'', and the Tolkienesque ''my people gazing at the skies for something they’ll never find''.

Even when singing love themes, the mood remains grave. On Scent Of A Man, penned by Stephen (son of Joe) Gibbs, Bushman catches his lover creeping into the room after an indiscretion, over another dark rootsy rhythm (Gibbs' State Of Emergency). Later the redemptive When You Touch Me measures his joy at being in love against the litany of mishaps that came before.

A cover of Peter Tosh's disco-dread call-to-civil-disobedience Buk-In-Hamm Palace stays close to the original, but does it no disservice, while Can't Get The Best Of Me and Born Fi Di Ting, marry dancehall beats and Rasta concerns with exemplary ease.

The sheer number of vocal overdubs on certain tracks may take some getting used to, and a few synth settings may sound soulless to lovers of old school roots. But on the plus side, there are no 'skits' between the songs, just excerpts from interviews that bear up to repeat listening. All in all, Get It In Your Mind is Bushman's strongest album for a while. - bbc news

Four years after his 'Signs' album, Bushman returns with a new set released in February on his own Burning Bush label.

Bushman - Get it in your Mind - 2008

With his rich, deep, resonant voice Dwight Duncan (AKA Bushman) could almost be Luciano’s bigger, gruffer brother. Like Luciano he has been compared to, and influenced by, Dennis Brown (although neither has quite the same playful vocal quality of the crown prince); he has released a new album featuring a Peter Tosh cover; and like Luciano’s Jah Is My Navigator, it’s one of his finest in years.

Gathered partly from singles, and issued on his own Burning Bushes label, the choice of rhythms for Get It In Your Mind is close to spot on. Bushman’s bombastic bass-baritone is in full effect for the declarative ‘Singing My Song’, on Fabian Francis’ Undeniable/Great Train. The authentic late-seventies militant drumming of Khabir Bonner’s Good Times rhythm has inspired some heavily spiritual lyrics in the past (like Capleton’s ‘Steppin Up’ and Lutan Fyah’s ‘Rasta Better Off’) and Duncan’s ‘Rasta Nuh Dead’’ honours the tradition, brimming with powerful mystical imagery - Jah riding on the wings of cherubim, “my people gazing at the skies for something they’ll never find” and “Rastafari is the food of my salvation”.

The serious subject matter continues with a rendition of “Gibbo” Gibbs' adultery-themed Scent Of A Man’ over another moody backing (Gibbs’ State Of Emergency) before a rousing, if not particularly different, version of Tosh’s disco-roots anthem ‘Buk-In-Hamm Palace’. Having raised the tempo, Bushman maintains it with two excellent dancehall tracks: the crunk flavoured ‘Can’t Get The Best Of Me’ and ‘Born Fi Di Ting’.

A few of the synth settings are a little perfunctory - and the number of vocal overdubs is an acquired taste - with scores of Bushmen all fighting for your ears’ attention. But, surprisingly, instead of being annoying “skits”, the non-musical interludes all provide useful information about the songs and artist - a practice other performers should adopt post-haste.

So while some of these songs are available as 45s that shouldn’t put you off unless you own them all. For a patchwork of different producers’ efforts, this album flows remarkably well and the predominance of strong tracks over weak make it a worthwhile acquisition. - United Reggae . com

The militant Bushman is in full command at Tribute to Peter Tosh at Independence Park, Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, last Friday. - Photo by Adrian Frater

Western Bureau:

THE ANNUAL 'Tribute to Peter Tosh', staged Friday night at Independence Park in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, lived up to its reputation as one of Jamaica's best one-night shows, as fans were treated to a rich diet of pulsating reggae music.

While it could justifiably be argued that the militant Bushman, whose dazzling set was chock-full of Peter Tosh's classics, was the night's outstanding performer, for many fans, the same could be said about Canadian-based singer Steele, Tosh's nephew Edge Michael, Luciano, female sensation Etana and lyrically potent Mackie Conscious.

While he never took the stage, much accolade was showered on promoter Worrell King, who was praised for his persistence in keeping Tosh's memory alive and for offering the star-studded line free of charge to the thousands of fans who jam-packed the mid-town venue.

Energy-filled performance

Bushman, the penultimate act on the show which started at 8:30 p.m. and ended close to 4:30 a.m., started with a bang, reeling off his hit song, Light House, before slipping neatly into Tosh's catalogue, much to the delight of the fans who roared their approval.

Looking quite authoritatively clad in his military-style fatigue with his dreadlocks flowing down his back and around his face, it was then a case of 'Bushman singing the Bush Doctor' as he sent the fans wild with exceptional renditions of Legalise It, Jah Guide, Caa Blame De Youth, Stepping Razor and Don't Look Back, evoking memories of Tosh at his best.

The tempo never changed as he showed off his versatility, unleashing his own Love Me For A Reason and Gregory Isaacs' Tune In, which prompted a call for an encore when he left the stage. His encore, which featured Down Town and East Side, was also quite rich.

Musical joy

Steele was a bungle of energy and charisma. After introducing himself with his brilliant cover of Bob Marley's Slave Driver, he simply went into overdrive, creating musical joy as he danced and pranced around the stage, belting out songs such as You Have Lost That Love, Better Must Come and the though-provoking Confession.

Edge Michael left no doubt that he has arrived as a bona fide artiste and is now poised to become the latest member of the Tosh clan to grab international attention. While his set was fairly short, he displayed awesome capability as he sang his uncle's Reggaemilitis, his own Hotter Than Hot and his hit destined, Delilah.

In a grand show of female power, the silky smooth Etana, the only female on the line-up, delivered as good a set as any, which justifiably earned her an encore. She was all class, especially on her trademark hits, Roots and Wrong Address.

In terms of raw intensity, Luciano and Mackie Conscious were both quite compelling as musical messengers. Luciano, who was celebrating his birthday, was blazing in reeling off Sweet Mama Africa, Ulterior Motive, Give Praise and Tosh's Legalise It in a set in which he also offered members of the audience "a little smoke" from his pouch.

Mackie Conscious, who continues to amaze with the maturity of his performances, showed of his full musical competence as he played the bass guitar in his excellent set, which included Tosh's Equal Rights and his own, Lucky Me Nuh Lucky and Can't Be A King.

The veterans teach

Iyah Blaze, from the House of Leeds, used the occasion to advertise himself as an artiste to watch, while other such as Aaron Silk, Desi Boyd and Justice Merchant all show great maturity and a readiness to go places. Iyah Blaze's latest song, Saturday Night At The Movies, which was done in combination with the vocal trio Soul for Soul, all but brought the house down.

- Jamaica Gleaner

Bushman is at the forefront of the conscious Roots Reggae revival in Jamaica. Though he began as a gruff toaster, he's found his voice as a singer as well; his powerful baritone is at times evocative of Peter Tosh or a deeper Luciano. His albums keep getting better -- Nyah Man Chant was one of the best debuts of the 1990s, with rattling conscious rhymes and crisp Steely & Clevie rhythms. Led by the smash hit "Fire Bun A Weak Heart," Total Commitment (1999) was as heavy as modern Reggae gets, with stellar production from King Jammy and an excellent supporting cast of musicians, including saxophonist Dean Fraser, guitarist Earl "Chinna" Smith and the Firehouse Crew. Though Bushman's tracks have an uplifting feel to them, don't expect lighthearted love songs -- expect a sampling of the most spiritually enlightening Rasta music out there.
Jessy Terry
- uk.real.com

It seldom occurs when an album is created with all the songs being a hit. So if you're in the mood for conscious, uplifting, cultural messages and positive vibes then "Get It In Your Mind" by Bushman is the album for you.

This album features singers Richie B and Prince Jabba, as well as, producers such as: Fabon Francis, Kabs, Negus-esh, Dwayne Bacchas, Christopher Pearce, Tramaine Allen, Michael Williams, Togetherness Records, Rawl Productions, Dwight Duncan, Stephen Gibbs, Denovan Germaine, Glen Brown and Royal Braithwaite.

Born Dwight Duncan, in the village of Spring Garden, St. Thomas, Bushman attended the Lysson All Age School, where his music teacher noticed his potential for music and nurtured him during his developing stages. Dwight then went on to Yallas High School where he continued to shine musically as a member of the school choir, participating in numerous school concerts. During his teenage years he became the selector for Black Star Line sound-system and then known as Junior Melody he took part in several singing competitions and talent searches in and around St. Thomas. Gaining a strong local fan base Junior Melody began to sing dub plates for local sound-systems. The rave reviews from the sound selectors and the people of his community encouraged Junior Melody to take his talent to the next level, the studios of Kingston Jamaica, the place to be if he wanted to make a name for himself in the reggae business.

The album which consists of 15 tracks has "a little something" for everyone. The track "Source of Life" tells us that a woman is essential to a man; a woman is like a rose in a garden if you water her each day she will grow. Men do you hear that?
The tracks "Cant Get The Best of Me" and "Higher" speak about the "bad mind" people that we have in the society. We should never let the haters bring us down. No matter how they try they you should never let them get the best of you. What positive and encouraging words!

A song that the men are definitely going to rate is written by Joe Gibb's son called "Scent of a Man" which is about women who are cheating and don't want to admit it. Women who are coming home with the scent of a man on them and just refuse to admit how they come to be wearing that scent. This track is hot!

If you're young, old, or middle age there is something on this album for you. So go and pick up a copy. The album, "Get It In Your Mind" is in stores now.

Posted by yardFlex at May 7, 2008 10:41 AM - Yard Flex .com

Bushman (born Dwight Duncan ) who grew up in a rural area called Prospect Beach in the Parish of St. Thomas, Jamaica, belongs to the generation of conscious singers that emerged in the second half of the nineties. As a matter of fact he wanted to become a deejay, but as he was strongly advised to try his luck as a singer, he focussed on a singing career. It was Wycliffe ’Steely’ Johnson who discovered Bushman’s talent and invited him to record some songs at Steely and Clevie’s Studio 2000, finally leading to the release of his first album. Since the release of this well-received debut set in 1997 Bushman has won over many fans of modern roots reggae.
Here he presents his sixth album. Burning Bushes Music is his own music label and the album "Get It In Your Mind" is Bushman’s first independent release on his own label. The album is more or less a fine selection of the many 45’s he has recorded over the last few years in various studios. Many of the songs were recorded and mixed at Bushman’s Green House studio in St Thomas, Jamaica. This nice 15 song compilation includes interludes, where Bushman gives the listener some personal introductions to a few of the songs. As a bonus you will find a DVD enhancement of the music video for a song called "Gun Ting".

There are some excellent roots tunes here. One of my favorites has to be Rasta Nuh Dead. This tune dates back from 2004 and is underpinned by the Good Times riddim. Nutten Nah Gwaan across the Jah Soul riddim is another rootical gem. Singing My Song is a great tune to listen to, just like Higher. The latter was a popular tune in 2004, produced by Troy McLean & Garfield Hamilton. The piece de resistance has to be Source Of Life, an excellent mid tempo roots tune.

The album includes a version of Peter Tosh’s "Buk-In-Hamm Palace". This one is not my cup of tea, but I’m sure that lots of reggae fans will love Bushman’s version. Scent of A Man is a story about heartbreak that many can relate to. This song was written by Joe Gibbs son and Bushman sings it tenderly with his typical signature style across Joe Gibb’s riddim State Of Emergency.

Bushman also delivers two good dancehall tracks Can’t Get The Best Of Me and Born Fi Di Ting. The album closes with Call on Jah, an acoustic ballad - written by Prince Jabba. This song was recorded last summer while Bushman was on the road in California. Bushman set up his mobile studio - just a computer and a mic. It doesn’t have the benefit of all the usual studio gadgets. It’s just Bushman and his guitar, Prince Jabba and his beautiful voice, and Cedric Bravo with his saxophone. Nice one!

With this above average collection of tunes Bushman stays one of the roots forces in reggae music. - Reggae Vibes dot com

The Rasta roots reggae of the '70s blazed a trail for Jamaican music worldwide. The '90s has seen a roots resurgence, with a host of young Rasta stars cultivating a soundtrack for their own generation. Take traditional cultural messages and mix with a generous helping of modern musicianship, and you have the flavour currently tearing up Jamaica and every outpost abroad. We bring you...BUSHMAN!

Twenty six year old Dwight Duncan aka BUSHMAN, is an artist carved out of the same musical tradition as Bob Marley, Dennis Brown and Luciano, who he quotes as being his dominant influences. Hailing from the small rural parish of Prospect Beach, BUSHMAN was raised as a Rastafarian. By the tender age of nine he had grasped his musical potential, and his passions for football and cricket were fast overtaken by a commitment to the local church choir.

Moving into his teens and now known as Junior Melody, he kicked off his career proper as a selector (selecting the records played on a sound system) on the Black Star Line sound system. Taking his talent to the next stage meant travelling seventy miles to Kingston, as there were no studios in St. Thomas. Being poor he would have to hitch-hike before waiting around all day for the opportunity to record. Months passed in this way until he happened to meet top Jamaican producers Steely and Clevie at Arrows Dubplate Studio during an impromptu game of football. Steely immediately invited him to audition for his studio, Studio 2000.

Their first song together was "Grow Your Natty", a remarkable debut, which was swiftly followed by "Call The Hearse". Steely renamed him BUSHMAN, although not without a certain amount of resistance from the singer. He thought it derogatory to his country roots until discovering that BUSHMAN was an African term for 'Medicine Man'; "Music", he later wrote "is the original medicine"! This confirmed his vision that music was capable of inspiring love, unity and self-awareness. "Call The Hearse" became a big hit in Jamaica, followed up by some live dates, BUSHMAN receiving a rapturous welcome on a short US tour, and headlining a show at Kingston's hottest venue, The Mirage Club.

BUSHMAN's newly enriched creativity then led him to Lloyd James aka King Jammy. He says of their working relationship, "Jammy listens to my ideas and knows what I want, so he gets the best results." The combination of his year out and the mutual respect of artist and producer has resulted in a mature and focused second album, "Total Commitment".

He cites country and western, R&B, jazz and blues as major influences and this spectrum of musical taste is evident in the way he places more traditional roots and culture tracks side by side with dancehall rhythms. His rich, earthy voice is the thread that ties "Total Commitment" together. Never one to compromise his beliefs, BUSHMAN's faith, honesty and observation of the world around him leap out of his emotive lyrics. He is keen to capitalise on music as an instrument of education and send his message far and wide. He shares his "Worries and Problems", his insecurities about love in "Afraid of Commitment" and he reminds us to slow down and enjoy life in "Take It Easy".

Despite the ever-increasing recognition of his talent, BUSHMAN remains a humble and down-to-earth figure. He still lives in St. Thomas, frequently taking to the hills with his Bible and meditating in the lush Jamaican countryside. He sticks to a strictly ital diet comprising of natural juices and vegetarian dishes. He bathes in the hot water springs of his native parish and considers his Rastafarian faith a "levity" (total lifestyle, as opposed to a religion of convenience or fad).

Outstanding production and the most compelling Rasta chants to be heard from Jamaica in years, make BUSHMAN a force to be reckoned with in contemporary reggae. "Reggae music a tek back its full 'an proper course now", he says of his achievement with "Total Commitment".

BUSHMAN has arrived and the Rastafarian tradition continues. - Reggae Movement