Music
Press
“Wood For The Trees”, the new single from South East London’s Jimmy Screech, is a bouncy, dancehall inspired number. Yet as he proved on a recent support tour with Roots Manuva, his other foot is very much in the world of hip-hop. He admits on B-side “England” that it’s taken a while to get the balance right, copying then rejecting American rap before embracing a Jamaican influence. Screech emerges now, however, with a distinctive and distinctively English, Voice that not only makes good on the potential of his ‘IN THIS LIFE’ record (On Roots Mauna’s Banana Klan Label) but bodes well for the next full Album in 2009. ‘Wood For the Trees’ is out on the 9th December on Map Music. - The Independent
After the ear splitting rave noise of the last two reviews its nice to be able to whole-heartedly recommend something good honest and fully figured. It’s a two-track sunshine reggae rinse-out from Roots Manuvas pal Jimmy Screech. Its pure good time vibes all the way, with brass, bass and beats that simply burst from the speakers. It all boards well for Jimmy's fourth coming album. That should be worth checking out for sure. - iDJ Magazine
Metro (London) 22nd October 2008 (Zena Alkayat)
Roots Manuva’s knack for Rooting out emerging talent strikes again with Jimmy Screech. The young South East Londoner, currently on tour with said hip-hop elder, has been quietly making a name for himself since his 2005 debut LP In This Life, released through Manuva’s label, Banana Klan. His new single, Wood For The Trees, is touted as his debut proper, an infectious take on reggae, all bubbly grooves and smart lyricism, and with mainstream hit potential. Elswhere, funk-flavoured hip-hop reigns via tracks posted on his myspace. The track Jamaica in particular shines: marrying influences from his urban upbringing and his Caribbean roots, it manages to be both gritty and frivolously sunny. Wood For the Trees (Map Music) is out December 9th. www.myspace.com/jimscreechofficial
- Metro, London
RWD – November 2008 (HC)
“I’m bringing my own concoction of music, which Challenges people’s ears and attitudes.” Decides hip hop/ reggae artist Jimmy Screech of his contribution to music in ’08. Formerly signed to Roots Manuva’s Banana Klan label, Screech is back on MAP music with new single Wood For The Trees. Me and my friends have had times when our partners haven’t seen eye-to-eye,” he smiles. On tour with his friend Mr. Manuva in November. Screech might have been doing music for more than a minute, but he’s not mad that it’s taken time. “I needed that time to grow.” He insists. “If my current situation happened earlier, I wouldn’t be as happy as I am now.” Wood For The Trees is out 9th Dec. Jimmy is touring with Roots now. Myspace.com/jimscreechofficial
- RWD
Discography
12" Ep - Jimmy Screech and Mysterious girl (double A side) - 2000
12" Ep - City Where I'm From - 2000
Multi-tasking - 2003
CD album 'In This Life' - 2006
12" Ep 'Rain Check' by Sam Frank - featuring Jimmy Screech - 2006
Wood for the Trees - Single 2008
Scandalous - Single 2009
Jamaica/Fly Away -7th September 2009
Know Better - Jan 2010
The Remedy - Forthcoming Album - Summer 2010
Photos
Bio
"When I was a kid the only music I heard playing on my estate was reggae and hip-hop...It used to bounce off the concrete and resonate all around... I guess that's why my sound has such deep roots in both genres..."
Early 2009 was a phenomenal start for rising Hip-Hop/reggae artist Jimmy Screech to say the least. Having supported world renowned heavy weight artists such as Roots Manuva, Ghostface Killer (Wu Tang Clan), Ugly Duckling, The Dub Pistols, Dreadzone, Method Man, Redman and shared the stage with Mark Ronson, Jimmy needs little introduction.
With previous collaborations under his belt with Ricky Ranking (Roots Manuva/The Bug) and the Grammy nominated Tippa Irie (Black Eyed Peas/Saxon Sound International/Sublime), Jimmy's talents are a much sought after commodity. Having already recorded with The Nextmen a track for their forthcoming album ‘Join The Dots’ and with Roots Manuva featuring on Jimmy’s much anticipated album; it's not just the great public that have taken notice.
From the incredible underground success of the previous singles ‘Wood 4 The Treez’ and ‘Scandalous’ (feat. on iTunes ‘Best Of 2009’), we now present the double A Side ‘Jamaica’ and ‘Fly Away’ released on MAP Music on the 7th September. Fresh from remixing Roots Manuva’s 'Slime and Reason’ album, DJ Wrongtom lends his unique remixing skills to ‘Jamaica’, whilst rising producer Crooklyn Static provides his remixing talent on ‘Fly Away’.
Catch one of Jimmy Screech’s electrifying live sets this summer on the Banana Klan Tour alongside staple supporter Roots Manuva as well as Ricky Ranking, Dawn Penn and Black Biscuit.
“…A distinctive and distinctively English voice.. bodes well for the full album” THE INDEPENDENT, ONE TO WATCH
“…Smart lyricism and mainstream hit potential” METRO, ONE TO WATCH
“…Cool yet catchy reggae - and hip hop - toned pop” TIME OUT
“…Considerable talent” KNOWLEDGE
“…One to watch” RWD
“…Londons rapidly rising star”
FLIPSIDE
“…South Londoner Jimmy Screech certainly possesses uniqueness” M8
“…Jim Screech is a truly diverse, big and heavy talent. Expect big things from this man over the next twelve months” BRAD ELLIS, THE NEXTMEN
“…Only once in the history of music comes an artist with the ferocity, courage, originality and sheer magnetism as a Jimmy Screech" YOUNG EINSTEIN, UGLY DUCKLING
“…An on-topic frenzy of melodic and forward-looking reggae-hip-hop” HIP HOP CONNECTION
“…wholeheartedly recommend… worth checking for sure” ****IDJ MAGAZINE
“…entertaining with a capital “E.”” ECHOES MAGAZINE
“…this colourful musician is ready to shake up the music industry”
NEW NATION
“…unique” THE VOICE
Links
