S.T.O.R.M.

Love and Justice is a compilation CD that showcases various
well-known reggae artists using one "riddim" as a base to
compose all original tracks. It features cuts by reggae superstars
Sizzla, Luciano, Vybz Kartel, Anthony B., Mr. Perfect
and others. Each artist has composed a song around the "riddim"
used in the instrumental title track Love and Justice.
The CD title reflects the two types of songs included within:
love songs and political or justice songs. The lead track is Call
Meby S.T.O.R.M. S.T.O.R.M. is Lenny Kurlou and Monsoon, a
wicked Jamaican singer/DJ collaboration whose style touches
upon dancehall, roots and culture flavor. Each artist has opened
for performers such as Beenie Man, Notorious B.I.G., Capleton,
Luciano and Steel Pulse. The two are often spoken of as the
“Reggae Outkast”. The enormously prolific Sizzla is considered
one of the leaders of the socially conscious dancehall movement
along with Buju Banton and Capleton. A superstar in his native
Jamaica, Luciano combines his love of God and beauty into a
soulful, spiritual blend of rock and R&B-tinged reggae. Anthony
B. made his debut in Jamaica as a DJ with local sound system
Shaggy Hi-Power. He has since become part of a circle of reggae
stars that includes Mega Banton and Ricky General. His music
promotes peace in his native Jamaica.
A sampler including Call Me by S.T.O.R.M. has been getting
radio play since May in Jamaica and in the U.S. on mix and reggae
shows. College and World Radio push begins in August.
Love and Justice is a must have for any CD collector or reggae
enthusiast, and is essential party music.

SELECTIONS
1. Just One of Those Times
(Anthony Cruz)
2. Got to Go (Mr. Perfect)
3. Call Me (S.T.O.R.M.)
4. Old Time Sake (Luciano)
5. Why Should I (Chyna
Nicole)
6. Keep Dem Talking (Delly
Ranks)
7. Hypocrite (Alcatraz)
8. Walk Away (Causion)
9. Good Conquers Evil
(Anthony B.)
10. Woman I Love You (Major
Key)
11. Dem Can’t Hurt We (Vybz
Kartel)
12. Refuse The System
(Lennox)
13. Talk To Me (Sizzla)
14. Love and Justice
(Instrumental)
MARKETING & PROMOTION
Radio: Call Me (S.T.O.R.M.) has been getting radio
play since May on mix and reggae shows in
Jamaica and the U.S. College and World radio
push begins in August.
Publicity: Full PR and Internet coverage targeting
mainstream, reggae and world outlets.
Target Markets: National release, with emphasis
on New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Boston, San
Francisco, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Dallas,
Austin, Chicago and Atlanta.
Print Advertising: Ads in Jamaica
Gleaner/Star, X News and Jamaica Observer.
TV Advertising: :30 Spot to run on regional reggae,
urban and world shows.
Internet Marketing: Heavily promoted on all reggae
and world music sites. Official site:
www.powermixrecords.com
Street Team Marketing: Guerilla campaign targeting
select urban markets.
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS
Chris Thomas, Marlon
“Pyrana” Cooke,
Lawrence Renville
PRODUCERS
Chris Thomas, Marlon
“Pyrana” Cooke (Sean
Paul), Carrie Breidenbach,
Leslie Thomas, Garfield
“Aquaman” Riley
FEATURED TRACKS
Call Me (S.T.O.R.M.), Talk
To Me (Sizzla), Why Should
I (Chyna Nicole)
RADIO FORMAT
Reggae, World, College
HOME BASE
Jamaica and United States
CD MSRP: $15.98
SELECTION #: 54767-2
BOX LOT: 30 - JEWEL
LOVE AND JUSTICE
MARKETING TOOLS:
Posters, Postcards. :30 TV Spot
QUANTITY LABEL: Powermix/Lightyear
POWER MIX
r e c o r d s
Powermix Records Entertainment Group
presents a “Riddim Base” project
Featuring the smash hit“Call Me”
by S.T.O.R.M
Also featuring Also featuring
SIZZLA - LUCIANO - ANTHONY B - VYBZ CARTEL - ANTHONY CRUZ SIZZLA - LUCIANO - ANTHONY B - VYBZ CARTEL - ANTHONY CRUZ
Also featuring
SIZZLA - LUCIANO - ANTHONY B - VYBZ CARTEL - ANTHONY CRUZ - Lightyear Distribution

Its Friday night at the famous Crossroads entertainment complex in D.C. Crowds have gathered to come celebrate the release of Morgan Heritage upcoming album “Another Rockaz Moment”. What they didn’t expect was the pre- Morgan Heritage stage show. Hailing in from Kingston 11, comes S.T.O.R.M., also dubbed the “Oukast” of reggae music.

Nothing short of pure entertainment with their skillfully blended roots & culture, dancehall/worldbeat self-produced tunes, this band impressed the higher ups in the music industry with their professionalism and audiences with their mesmerizing stage show. Among the audience was Chris Chin, CEO of VP Records. Captivating singer Lenny Kurlou warmed the stage and set the vibe in motion. Immediately joining was the commanding DJ/Singer “Monsoon” dressed in all leather and an army helmet, set the place on FIRE! Already familiar with S.T.O.R.M.’s tunes, the crowd sang along to the infectious repatriation message of “Asalaam Alaikum, to the upbeat ode to reggae, “Sweet Reggae Music”, and to the reggaeton samba dancehall tune, “Hola Hola!” (video can be viewed at myspace.com/stormreggae). The highlight of the evening was the grand finale tune, “Gimmie di Treez”, S.T.O.R.M.’s unapologetic tribute to ganja, destined to be one of the big “weed” tunes for 2007. By the end of their set the entire place was chanting, “Weed is Nice…Blaze it a day! Blaze it a night!...”

S.T.O.R.M. also consists of a powerful 4 piece band, Amby Connor on Bass, Darryl B on keys and backing vocals (Eek-a-Mouse/Abyssinians), Dane Woods on the guitar and drummy Leslie James, Jr. (Culture).

Be sure to watch for S.T.O.R.M’s upcoming album “Eye of di S.T.O.R.M.” to be released in early 2007 also check out their lead track “Call Me” on the new Riddim Base album “Love & Justice” also featuring Sizzla’s “Talk to Me”. For more info on this progressive & talented group, check them at www.stormreggae.com

- West Indian Chronicle

S.T.O.R.M. Reggae Band, wins best band & best recording at DC Reggae Awards for 2007. There infectious, hit filled cd 'Eye of The S.t.OR.M.' was undeniably the best reggae cd not only in DC, but a great contender with anything coming from the top Jamcaican Artists the world over. Stand out songs are the anthemic As-salaam Alaikum, Marcus Garvey would be very proud of the message in this song. 'Sweet Reggae Music', a fun tribute to reggae and its founding fathers, and lastly the reggaeton, dancehall, samba sounds of 'Hola Hola', defintely a club hit. Watch out for this band, a S.T.O.R.M. cometh!!
AP - AP

A forecast of torrential showers did not rain on the parade of Reggae Night at the Carter Barron Amphitheatre on Friday, June 23 as part of The Washington Post’s Free Weekend Concert Series. In fact, the Amphitheatre was bursting at the seams. Die hard reggae fans arrived in droves to hear S.T.O.R.M. Reggae Band, Bambu Station, and Proverbs perform an eclectic fusion of heart pounding beats that had audience members on their feet for most of the three hour show.

Opening up the reggae night series,from Kingston 11, S.T.O.R.M. Reggae Band played a mix of dancehall and roots reggae. S.T.O.R.M.’s high energy segued audience members into the crooning closing the set with their reggaeton/dancehall hit single "Hola Hola", mellow sounds of Proverbs, whose members encouraged concert goers to “fight for your rights,” in one of their ballads. Closing out the night was Bambu Station, originally from the U.S. Virgin Islands. They offered roots reggae with politically conscious lyrics, reminding audience members why reggae has such an international appeal.

Read Pailey’s cover story, "Creating Havens of Homes", and travel story, "Mt. Sinai and Beyond", in the upcoming August - October 2006 issue of Port of Harlem.

- Port of Harlem

Broadcaster Comments
This station will play the best in fairly new Reggae & Soca music.Music will be deleted that you do not like and new music always will be uploaded. I am from Jamaica and has lived in the Washington D.C Metro area since migrating to the United States. A radio broadcaster since 1979 mostly on Pacifica Radio station WPFW 89.3 FM. You can listen to my radio show @ www.wpfw.org "live" Thursday night 10pm - 11pm. US Eastern Time. I am a Caribbean man who just happen to be born on "The Rock" Jamaica. Something New.YOUR TOP FAVOURITES FOR WEEK FEB.19 - 25 - OOPS!- THIS IS A REVISED & CORRECT LIST ACCORDING TO YOUR VOTES.THE TOP 18 VOTE GETTING SONGS - 01.SPREAD THE LOVE - SLAUGHTER 02.EVERYBODY BOUNCE - T.O.K 03.BE MINE TONIGHT - BLAZER 04.CHILD OF A KING - LUCIANO 5.HIGHER THAN HIGH - BLAZER 06.BEENIE MAN - BEENIE MAN 07.DRIVER - BUJU BANTON 08.JIG - BUJU BANTON 09.YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL - CEZAR 10.BEAUTIFUL LADY - GYPTIAN - 11. BYCLE WINE - DENISE BELFON 12.TO THE TOP - ICE COLD 13.BROWN SKIN - RICHIE SPICE 14.LOVE YOU RIGHT - MORGAN HERITAGE 15.HOLA HOLA - S.T.O.R.M.(DC REGGAE BAND)16.WOMAN BY MY SIDE - PETER RAM & SHURWAYNE WINCHESTER 17.HIGHER THAN HIGH - MACHEL MONTANO 18.GIVE ME ROOM - GISLLE & GAILANN.I kept thinking today about the list and I came home Tuesday night and double checked and I found out I read the listing wrong. I already have deleted several songs that you did not vote on, I have added several to keep the listening fresh. We are the fastest rising station in the Soca, Caribbean & Reggae genres in that order, and, it is only one month since we have been on the air @ Live365.Com. I have been broadcasting on the Internet since 1999 from a different source stright from my computor including Live365.Thirty-one(31)nations, Thirty-six States (36), and Nine Caribbean (9) nations have tune in as of Feb.27th,2007. A very big thank you to Arious Entertainment and to everyone who listens wherever you are.Spread the word.Walk Good! Irie! Sometimes all we need is music.
- Live365.com

It'S 12:45 A.M. ON a rainy Saturday night in Silver Spring and S.T.O.R.M. Reggae Band is standing around the Hollywood Ballroom's lobby. The group is supposed to perform at some point — first, a set of its own and then as backing group for veteran reggae singer Tinga Stewart — but there's virtually no audience.

The good-natured band chalks up the situation to the bad weather, and when it finally does hit the floor — for there is no stage — the group rips through a quick set of songs as if the empty hall was filled to the brim.

S.T.O.R.M. is nothing if not professional, but its high-energy music is also a top-notch blast of butt-busting rhythms and harmonious voices.

"To me, the best reggae band in the Washington, D.C., area.," says Tony Carr, a longtime DJ with WPFW-FM. "There are a lot of good reggae bands around, but a lot of them play in the old style reggae — roots style, which is OK. But these guys can do everything: roots, dancehall, everything. ... And very lively on stage; you will not be bored."

2007-12-19-storm-4.jpgThe same can be said of S.T.O.R.M.'s dynamic and diverse new CD, "Eye of the S.T.O.R.M.," which Carr calls "outstanding."

The band is built around the tight vocal interplay of Lenny Kurlou (formerly of Stryker's Posse) and Denton Bedward, aka Monsoon (late of The KGB). Their mix of singing and rapping is telepathic.

"That's the magic between us," says Monsoon. "If I'm on stage doing something, he can harmonize me right there. ... And if he's doing something, I can pick up on it. We're spontaneous. You play the riddim [rhythm], we can do anything on it"

"Most of the songs are [composed] on stage, freestyling," Kurlou says. "We'd do it over and over, and if people liked it, we say, 'OK, this one's good for the album.'"

The music, too, often begins as improvisation, usually dictated by S.T.O.R.M.'s other core members: keyboardist-producer Daryl "D-Trane" Burke and bassist Ambrose "Amby" Connor.

"A lot of the bigger songs ... 'Hola Hola' was just a party jam, and the crowd really started liking it," says Burke. "'Gimme di Treez' started as a freestyle when we opened for Culture at Eden's Lounge in Baltimore."

But what comes out of all this on-the-fly collaboration is a sound so tight and fiery that it can ignite a barren ballroom on a cold winter's night.

» Bukom Cafe, 2442 18th St. NW; Fri.-Sun, 10 p.m., free, 21+; 202-265-4600.

2007-12-19-storm-7.jpg

LINER NOTES
Listen to six of the tracks discussed below here or download the whole album here.

2007-12-19-storm-2.jpg"Prelude: Eye of the S.T.O.R.M."
» DARYL: I'm a '70s baby, man. I love albums that have concepts. I was raised on it, man. Like, Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On," Steve Wonder's "Songs in the Key of Life." I was always into concepts. To me, an album always should tell a story. Some way that we can put this together so it makes sense. Three or four songs didn't make the album because we tried to keep it in a mode. This is the eye of the storm — this is what's happening right now.
» MONSOON: To me, the eye sees everything, the body reacts to it, the mind thinks it, but the eyes is the one who sees. So it was a very good concept when he say, "Eye of the S.T.O.R.M." Because we see what's going on right now and we just adapt to it, we just roll with it.
» AMBY The [band] name coincides with the name of the DJ, Monsoon. The idea being that once you had seen Monsoon and Kurlou perform you would have experienced the Storm, being the band. The acronym [Strong Talented Organized Real Musicians] came later on as we played together and discussed the possibilities."

"Price Increase"
» MONSOON: That song was originally written by me when I was in Jamaica when I was about 18 or 19. That was years ago, back in the days when you heard about gas prices going up, everything going up. I transfer it from Jamaica to here. I sit down with Lenny and say, "This is what I want you to do; this is what I want you to say." And we just come together and put it on wax.
» DARYL: It's so relevant right now.
» MONSOON: You ever have a dream and that dream come true? That's what this song is about. ... In Jamaica, you see everything go up every day. You go to the shop today and it's a dollar for this; you go back the next thing it's like $2.

2007-12-19-storm-3.jpg
"Sweet Reggae Music"
» MONSOON: I was born and raised on reggae music, so it's really and truly a blessing for me to sing about something I love. When I was little boy, that's all I used to hear. Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, all of them. Toots [and the Maytals].
» KURLOU: Reggae is the heartbeat of the people in Jamaica. Sometimes we hungry and to hear the music is to forget about the hunger. Just dance and feel the vibe. It's the heartbeat; it keeps us going.
» DARYL: Like country and blues, reggae is a roots music. ... It's a life.
» AMBY: It's everyday music about everyday people.

"Gimme di Treez"
» MONSOON: [When asked facetiously if the song is about saving the environment] Save the trees!" [Laughs]
» DARYL: Save the trees. Need to plant more trees.
» MONSOON: The Father gave us the trees to clean the air! Plant the trees. A lot of people might take [the song's meaning] different, but that's it. [Laughs]
» AMBY: Sometimes controversy is good. We'll just leave it at that.

"No Gal Nuh Betta"
» MONSOON: "No Gal" is a dancehall tune for the girl who keep their body right, they're looking good. And not matter what them other girls say, keep your head high.
» DARYL: It's about ladies competing against each other. But the one who knows she's the best, she don't have to worry about the rest.

2007-12-19-storm-6.jpg
"Call Me"
» MONSOON: It's for the ladies who are home alone and want some loving, just call the S.T.O.R.M.; we'll be there. [Laughs]
» DARYL: We want to big up Chris Thomas, Powermix [who made the riddim "Love and Justice," which this song is based on]. We're not really into the do-over riddim thing, but it was a chance to be with some name-brand artists. Sizzla's got a nice tune on there; Mr. Perfect, Delly Ranks. The song was test marketing and S.T.O.R.M. was chosen as the number one [version.]

"Hola Hola"
» MONSOON: We were just on stage and we just freestyle and people start dancing and singing it and we like, "Oh! Let's go in the studio," so you know. It's a dance song and they love it.

"How Much I Love You"
» MONSOON: It's sweet, but a little more thug love, too. Jamaica girl understand that. It's really for the Caribbean girls. It's a personal thing I've been through that I don't want to explain. We you got to break down and tell them as a man. They tugga-tugga your heart, but you gotta tell you female, "Baby, I love you," no matter what you go through. When she come home, give her a kiss one time — and two and three — and tell her, "Hey, I love you."
» KURLOU: Sometimes we do forgot to do what we do, so we put it in a song. Sometimes a woman says, "You don't tell me you love me." Put it in a song — bang! [Laughs]

"Protect My Soul"
» KURLOU: It's partially based on an old riddim. That's the only beat that came to mind, so we had to produce something around it — about 20 percent of the son. "Joe Frasier" riddim; Jack Ruby produced it. ... A few years ago I was just chilling, going through a little thing and read my Bible. It's a psalm. Probably about 25 percent of the psalm is in it and the rest is mine. I don't remember the psalm off hand.

2007-12-19-storm-5.jpg
"No More War"
» MONSOON: It covers everything, man — worldwide. The Middle East, Jamaica, Southeast, Northeast, England, Canada. Because war is not the answer to the problems of this world right now.
» KURLOU: Mainly speaking about the leaders.

"Drama"
» MONSOON: All kinds of drama. Man get a lick on his head because he messing around with another woman. That's what that song all about.

"Nuh Ramp"
» KURLOU: There are some very disrespectful guys. You're walking with your girl and your girl look nice and they're like, "Mmmmmmm! Hey, mommy!" Just on a tuggy-tuggy level. Nuh ramp up no woman like dat. You know, touch her on the butt and all that kind of stuff.
» MONSOON: 'Nuh ramp' means don't play with me girl.
» KURLOU: [Toward the end it sounds like Kurlou is recasting Ini Kamoze's song "Hot Stepper"] Ah, it just came out! I didn't realize it till you just said it. [Kamoze] is one of my main inspirations.

"As-Salaam Alaikum"
» MONSOON: Like "Price Increase,'" that song was written in Jamaica. ... I did that song when Mandela came to Jamaica [in 1991]. I went on stage and saw certain artists ... who didn't speak about what Mandela stood for, or Africa stood for. I took three or four years to write that song. I wanted it to be so powerful that it can resonate; that people can relate to it. [Why the Muslim greeting?] I didn't want to do "Hello, Momma Africa, How Are You?" because Garnett Silk has a song like that.
» KURLOU: All kinds of "Hello, Momma Africa," so we needed something different.
- Christopher Porter - Washington Post Express