Jubba White photo by Eyree Images
Jubba White is a multi-talented drummer and music producer he has played with bands such as The Mighty Diamonds, Dub Tonic Kru, Mykal Rose, Max Romeo and much more, he is currently working on a project called “Freedom” which Is a remake of the legendary group Abbysinians! I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jubba to talk about New Music, quarantine life, and much more!
What are the plans for the future?
My plan for the future is to remain happy. By staying true to my passions, I am able to continue propelling forward, being an inspiration to others and by extension, provide myself and love ones the vehicle to even more success.
What’s it like playing Drums for Dubtonic Kru and how long have you been with them?
It is a lot of fun when you take the initiative to create your dream job, lay the foundation from the ground for its growth, and watch people have some of the most exciting experiences from that creation.
My journey as a Dubtonic Kru member started with me and Strickland Stone around 2003, though we did not register an official name until 2005, there-after invited additional members to partner.
What has been your favorite show/tour?
My favorite show with Dubtonic Kru? That’s a tough one
We have traveled all over the world and have had some very memorable experiences but being on Rototom Sunsplash main stage in 2008, is one that stands out for several reasons.
It was our first tour as a 5 member band, it was independently done and we were able to hit the main stage of one of the biggest reggae festivals in the world at 12 midnight.
What made it so much better was that a large portion of the vibrant audience was already quite familiar with our single that was on the airwaves at the time and was singing along. This song is “hold on still”, and was one of the first releases from a project I did in 2007 called "Tantrum Riddim".
Do you play/tour with any other bands/artists aside from Dubtonic Kru?
Years before forming Dubtonic Kru, I worked with many of the pioneers of the music, both in the recording studio and touring.
Since we’ve taken some time off as a band, I picked up where I left off years ago, collaborating with other artists, mostly as a producer but also as a vocalist.
What got you involved in music in the first place?
Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My first memory is at about three years old, sitting outside, drumming on paint pans and cooking pots with utensils; singing on top of my voice. That was a regular routine.
This was in addition to hearing my mom singing constantly in the home. The house was never boring because she was always firing off melodies.
How do you feel about the internet in the music business?
The way I feel about the internet is; technology of all forms has been with us for as long as we can remember and it is here to stay. We continue to evolve, and the internet, as a tool, provides many opportunities. But as with everything else, it can also have a negative impact.
What new music do you like?
What new music do I like?
That’s always gonna be a difficult question for a musician, music is our life, so it's always in our ears, but let me try. First, allow me to be a little self-centered :-)
The first set of new music that comes to mind is what I am working on currently; FREEDOM [the declaration of rights] ep. This is due for release June 19… I love all the songs from all the artists that I am working with on this project. I try to make them the best I can, and so evidently, they grow on me. I want listeners to can have the best experience, content-wise as well as sonically. However, there are a few other songs that have stuck with me that I like listening to.
Bugle: Life Savior feat. Noah Powa and Norman Alexander
Third World: You’re not the only one feat. Damian “Junior Gong” Marley
Leilana Wolfgramm: Change the world feat. Jacob Hemphill and Raging Fyah, but I especially dig the sugar shack sessions acoustic version that also features Fortunate Youth.
Who are some musical icons that influence you?
Icons that have influenced me vary. In college, my study was Caribbean, Latin American, and Jazz music and as a result, was exposed to a variety of genres and artists. As a Jamaican, born and raised on the island, and especially as a musician, the legends of our music had major influence on my development, too many to mention. As for other genres, the influencers were jazz greats such as Arturo Sandoval (Latin jazz trumpeter), Art Blakey, Elvin Jones, Billy Cobham, and Dave Weckl (jazz & fusion drummers) Michel Camilo(pianist) George Benson (guitarist) to name just a few.
Two of my teachers in college, Maurice Gordon (guitarist), Major Roy Wade, former Director of Music at the Jamaica Defence Force (drums).
There's also John Engles, a traditional jazz drummer who recorded with the likes of Dizzy Gillespie, Arnett Cobb, Chet Baker, and many others. He's another mentor that helped me with brush stroke technique in jazz ballads.
Favorite venue to play and why?
My favorite venue to play, that’s another hard one.
There is not a particular one that sticks out at the moment, we’ve had mostly great shows, and once I start to remind myself, each memory gets better. It's very hard to say.
How has this quarantine affected you?
The quarantine has provided reflective space and time, and a lot of inspiration.
One of my motto in life has been to make the best of and turn into positive a situation that's predicted to have negative effects. I had unfinished projects that were overdue, and this gave me the time needed to bring them to completion.
What projects have you been working on (if any) during this off time?
The current project I am on is called FREEDOM [the declaration of rights]. This is the remake of the legendary group, the Abbysinianssong, “declaration of rights”. This ep has 8 songs performed by 12 artists. Singles from the project are currently being released, leading up to the full-length release in June.
Who are some big names you’ve had the pleasure of playing with
We might run out of pages by me listing artists that I’ve worked with.
But just to name a few: Burning Spear, Toots and the Maytals, Max Romeo, U-Roy, Mighty Diamonds, Mykal Rose, Marcia Griffiths, Jah9, Tanya Stephens, Jesse Royal, and the list goes on...
In your opinion how is Jamaican roots reggae different from Cali/USA “non-roots reggae” reggae?
In my opinion, the difference between Jamaican roots reggae and Cali roots is mainly in the feeling. Every genre or culture can be identified and traced back to its origin and music is one of those driving forces that is influenced by our way of life.
In other words, everyone has their own expression, depending on their experience, influences, and geographic location.
Link
Facebook:
Comments