While many of us fear it, change can often yield remarkable results. And in the case of Transitions, the aptly-titled 2006 Hellcat Records debut from Boston’s acclaimed ska septet, Westbound Train, alterations in membership and label allegiance have only served to strengthen a band already known to genre aficionados for its live work ethic. <br><br> If Transitions is easily the group’s most honest effort yet – following up its earlier independent releases, Searching for A Melody (2002) and Five To Two (2004) – it’s also an experience in the true Westbound Sound. That is, a bridge between ‘60s staples like reggae, soul and blues and modern approaches with touches of jazz and country here and there. Evidence of this approach is first detected on the disc opener, “Please Forgive Me,” where the exuberant pulse of ska is the foundation for a dialogue between generations. <br><br> “It’s kind of like when the apprentice surpasses his mentor, if the mentor is too prideful that can be a tough thing for him to swallow,” singer and trombonist Obi Fernandez observes. Speaking of bitter pills, Fernandez is also quick to cite “For The First Time,” which – in spite of its buoyant, horn laden tact – documents the family struggles that ensue when one stands by their dreams. “It’s hard to do what we do,” he concedes. “It’s even harder when your loved ones have a different set of goals for you or don’t really understand exactly what it is you are trying to do.” <br><br> “We want to create honest music for people – to put out records that are both beautiful and emotional,” principal songwriter Fernandez explains of Transitions, an album designed to reflect the real life experiences of the band, which also counts Jesse Hayes, Johnny DeCarlo, Thad Merritt, Rich Graiko, Gideon Blumenthal and Josh Cohen. It’s that collective ambition that prompted Westbound to work furiously honing the sound that caught the attention of Hellcat founder Tim Armstrong one year earlier, when a demo was passed on to him at a Transplants show in their hometown. <br><br> A kinship with Armstrong developed that led to Westbound’s invitation to California to guest on Skinhead Rob’s album and the then-forthcoming major label debut from the Transplants. Despite the excitement, Westbound Train’s touring obligations kept them grounded, even if they were sharing the stage with heavy hitters like The Toasters, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, The Street Dogs, Reel Big Fish and the originators of Ska themselves, The Skatalites <br><br> Winning over converts with each respective tour date, Westbound performances are fueled by groove and enthusiasm, yet grounded in expert musical skill. It’s that verve and soul that the group aspired to capture and succeeded in doing during studio sessions for what would become Transitions. <br><br> Fast forward to the completion of Westbound Train’s initial Hellcat offering and moments of brilliance abound – from the stellar, groove-saturated “Soul Revival” to the piano-twinkled, horn swaying fun of “Fatty Boom Boom!” Yet just when one might expect the Westbound Sound to wane, the inventive, epic closer “Travel On” carries the listener home with a hypnotic, soulful reggae swoon. <br><br> “That’s probably my favorite track on the record,” Fernandez confesses. “The message is simple: Westbound Train is going to continue doing what we do regardless of whatever obstacles may turn up. We are determined to leave our mark on the music world and we want to accomplish that together as a family.” <br><br> If the warmth and brightness of Transitions – where highly danceable Ska arrangements and rocksteady beats are in ample supply – is any indication, Westbound Train should go the distance. <br><br>

“Organic Coal Beat From The Groovy Mines” <br><br> The Caroloregians est avant tout un projet studio mis sur pied en 2006 par Nicolas Leonard (batteur des Moon Invaders) afin d’enregistrer 18 compositions instrumentales, inspirée par le early reggae jamaïcain et le funk des années soixante. Les décors et l’histoire du Pays Noir ont servi quand a eux à créer l’univers thématique du premier album : “O.C.B.F.T.G.M.”. <br><br> Les premières sessions d’enregistrement débutent en avril 2006 avec Jean Debry (bass, stick bass), Michael Bridoux (guitars, trombone) et Nicolas Leonard (drums, organ, piano,Â…) et très vite, le label allemand Grover Records est intéressé par le projet et signe le groupe avant même que le projet ne soit fini. <br><br> Grover sort un premier vinyl EP en septembre et programme la sortie de l’album pour le mois de novembre 2006. <br><br> En août 2006, le groupe se prépare pour la scène avec l’arrivée de Stephan Orban (Superlux) et Matthew Hardison (Moon Invaders) au chant. En septembre 2006, les Caroloregians font leur première apparition sur scène et une tournée en Allemagne (décembre 2006) et une autre en France (janvier 2007) sont déjà programmées. <br><br>

Les Rocket ship pratiquent une musique qui se veut une synthèse des courants les plus importants de la musique jamaicaine. Leurs compositions ska/reggae pur jus savent pourtant se teinter de soul, de jazz, d'influences africaines voire rock "oldies" ou arabo-andalouses.

Tout cela dans le seul but de VOUS faire danser !