Jahlovemuzik @ UWI Students Union, 8 Cedar Valley Road, Kingston 6, 1977
Featuring: Brigadier Jerry, Natty
“Our oldest Jah Love Musik session captured live at the Student’s Union of University Of West Indies. The Union has supported Jamaican sound systems throughout the years and this is a “taped in the dance” recording of the Twelve Tribes of Israel organisation’s official sound. The opening selection is a brace of Hugh Mundell tunes, both Rockers productions, including the heavy “Run Revolution A Come” over which a youthful Brigadier Jerry asserts his “African Roots”. You get to hear the 12 Tribes/Orthodox release, Ewan Naptali’s massive “African Awaiting It’s Creator” at which point Briggy hands over to a second deejay, in all probability Natty, who’s the “Natty Dread At The Control” over a series of early Sugar Minott Studio One tunes. Jah Love Muzik in a classic ‘77 Style!”
Jahlovemuzik @ Ascot Drive In, Old Harbour, St Catherine, 1978
Featuring: Brigadier Jerry
Selector – Ilawi
“Recorded in another of Jamaica’s popular dancehall venues, Old Harbour’s Ascot Drive In, here we have more vintage Jah Love with Brigadier Jerry doing what he does best, riding the rhythms in a roots and culture fashion. Selecting is the man with many names, the legendary Ilawi aka Albert Malawi aka Albert Johnson. Over the years he knows how to select the music and its strictly Burning Spear and Mighty Diamonds in this portion of the dance. Jah Love have access to pre-release Spear music such as “African Postman” and “African Teacher” and Brigadier echoes the themes on their respective dubs as “Dreadlocks Postman” and “Teach Mr Teacher”. On the latter Briggy makes mention of the inaugural 1978 Reggae Sunsplash before moving onto some deep religious chat over the version of the Diamonds wicked “Gates Of Zion”. More restored sound system history.”
Jahlovemuzik @ Ascot Drive In, Old Harbour, St Catherine, 1978 Part 2
Featuring: Brigadier Jerry, Natty, Ranking Joe
Selector – Ilawi
“On listening to this we discovered that this is the second part to the above session. Continuing with Ilawi’s Mighty Diamonds selection, Brigadier Jerry proclaims “Jah Love Gone International” before the sounds other main deejay Natty, the Field Marshall, makes his entrance. Cultural pieces from him follow, including “Zion’s The Blackman’s Land”, “Read Up The Bible” and telling “What A Situation” chronicling poverty in the ghetto, showing him to be another underrated deejay. Ranking Joe, hailed up by Briggy in part one, makes a short guest appearance with his trademark “bong bong diddly” refrain bringing an immediate response from the dance-goers.”
Jahlovemuzik @ Cypress Lawn, Cypress Hall, St Andrew, circa February 1979
Featuring: Brigadier Jerry, Natty, Reuben Chanter
Selector – Ilawi
“Beyond Red Hills lies the small town of Cypress Hall and they host this Twelve Tribes dance in early 1979. Natty’s here again working alongside the Brigadier and it’s very much a Studio One selection from Ilawi. Briggy handles these classics expertly. “Jah Jah Control It” is on the “Things A Come Up To Bump” riddim and “Cork It Jah Love” is recited over the version to Larry Marshall’s mighty “Throw Me Corn”. Towards the end it’s the turn of Jah Love’s resident chanter, Reuben, to bless the dance with biblical passages delivered over Rasta favourites “Drum Song”, “Satta” and Ras Michael & The Sons Of Negus’ “New Name Jah Got”. Jah Love in an Orthodox style.”
Jahlovemuzik @ Elletson Flats, Kingston 7, circa March/April 1979
Featuring: Leighton, Brigadier Jerry
Selector – Ilawi
“Dating form early 1979 this dance finds Jah Love in Elletson Flats, a housing scheme in north -west Kingston. Studio One is the order of the day as Ilawi selects dub after dub for two deejays to mash up the dance. First to show is , I think, Leighton who chats “Living In A Babylon” on a version of Carlton & The Shoes’ “Happy Land”. But as usual the lion share is taken by Briggy,. His musical answers include “Natty Dread Inside”, “Wicked Get A Spanking” and, in a nod to the deejay Godfather U.Roy, “Nanny Goat Skank” amongst many others. This 1979 tape, a strangely atmospheric affair, shows Brigadier Jerry performing with his familiar style now almost fully developed.”
Jahlovemuzik @ Gordon Town Community Centre, Gorden Town, St Andrew, 1979
Featuring: Brigadier Jerry
“Situated north of Papine is Gorden Town and this is the venue for Jah Love to spread their word in a Rub a Dub dance. Ilawi draws top roots tunes from the likes of Sugar Minott, Jacob Miller, Horace Andy and Briggy lets the dub play through before chanting down the version. Horace Andy’s killer “Pure Ranking” gets the “Generals” treatment for “Gorden Town Style” and further excursions on “Zion Gate” and “Natty Dread A Weh She Want” make for an excellent listening. This session, again sounding like early 1979, captures Jah Love Muzik in great form.”
Jahlovemuzik @ Thompson Park Lawn, Spanish Town, St Catherine, July 1979
Featuring: Brigadier Jerry, Natty
Selector – Ilawi
“Here we have the first of two Jah Love Muzik sessions held in the month of July in Jamaica’s old capitol, Spanish Town. Ilawi is still running their Burning Spear slates alongside some crucial Junior Delgado selection. Natty handles the microphone for the most part here giving some observations on life in pieces like “Don’t Turn Your Back On Jah” and “Can’t Go To Zion In A Toyota”. Another highlight is Delgado’s “Armed Robbery” riddim which underpins Natty’s “Humble You Fe Humble”.
Jahlovemuzik v Disco Cloud @ Thompson Park Community Centre, Prince Avenue, Spanish Town, St Catherine, 23rd July 1979
Featuring: Brigadier Jerry
Selectors – Ilawi & Leighton
“In an unusual event for the Jah Love sound Brigadier Jerry “announces the death of Disco Cloud sound” in this sound clash at Thompson Park Community Centre. It’s not all burial lyrics but it does feature Briggy doing what he does best, taking the microphone and going solo all night. For the most of this tape it’s pure riddim that Briggy chats non stop, with lyrics like “Out Of The Darkness”, “House Of Twelve” and “12 Tribes Redemption” based on Marley’s “Black Man Redemption”. Brigadier Jerry in full control!”
Jahlovemuzik @ Portocal beach Port Antonio, 4th August 1979
Featuring: Brigadier Jerry
Selector – Ilawi
“This dance was taped at Portocal Beach in Jamaica and features Briggy and Ilawi, aka “2 The Hard Way”, with a lively set of tunes from the likes of Black Uhuru, Yabby Yu and Horace Andy. Highlight lyrics are a plenty with “Dreadlocks Man”, “Control Yourself”, “Never Play With Fire” particularly catching the ear, in another entertaining Jah Love Muzik recording.”
Thanks to Jesus Dread for the info...
Jahlovemuzik @ Gallies Lawn, St Thomas, 6th October 1979
Featuring: Natty, Brigadier Jerry
Selector – Ilawi
“Promoter Jah Honey has brought the 12 Tribes sound all the way to St Thomas for this gathering at Gallies Lawn. Brigadier Jerry and Natty tackle the versions to Ilawi’s top tunes from artists like Barrington Levy, Delroy Wilson, Barry Brown and Gregory Isaacs. It’s good to hear Briggy riding classics like “Tune In”, “Storm” and Universal Tribulation” in a dancehall setting. Natty’s not left out either and his “Pollution In A Babylon” follows Barry Brown’s stormer “Big Big Pollution”. Great vibes from the leading Rasta sound.”
Jahlovemuzik @ Zion Lawn, Old Harbour, St Catherine, 7th December 1979
Featuring: Brigadier Jerry
Selector – Ilawi
“Just Brigadier and Ilawi nicing up the dance in this Old Harbour gathering. Tony Tuff and Barry Brown are hot on the scene and naturally Ilawi has their top tunes to play. Briggy’s toasts reflect the singers themes and he comes forward with pieces like “Ease Up Oppressors”, “Fire Burn” and “Fittest Of The Fittest”. It’s always been said that Briggy was the most pirated deejay and here, in “Too Much Tape In The Dance”, he gives his side of the story. But then again, without all these tapes, these classic performances would have been lost forever.”
Jahlovemuzik @ Hughenden, Kingston 20, 9th December 1979
Featuring: Brigadier Jerry, Natty
Selector – Ilawi
“Just two days later and Jah Love are back in Kingston. There’s some confusion about the venue here as this was marked “Students Union” but at one point Natty chants “Rub A Dub Style, in a Hughenden Lawn” so we’ll go with that. For the most part it’s Briggy who handles the microphone and high points from him include “Fight Against Jah”, delivered over a heavy version to Carole Cole’s “Ethiopia”, and “Amharic Style” partly chatted in the Amharic language. We also get a bonus of live rendition of his then recent Isis single “Home Guard Take Over”.
Jahlovemuzik @ Hope Road, Tavern, Kingston, December 1979
Featuring: Brigadier Jerry
Selector – Ilawi
“Jah Love recorded in the Tavern area of Kingston, possibly at a venue called Ten O’clock Bells. Musical selection is made up of some classic tunes from Jacob Miller, Horace Andy, Barry Brown and an opening batch of Gregory Isaacs. The Brigadier is right home on these versions, with pieces ranging from “Train Run Pon Line” to “Plan Your Family”. He’s on his own tonight as he “can’t find Papa Natty” in the dance, but guided by Ilawi and Jah Love’s dub box, Briggy gives another solid evenings entertainment.”
Jahlovemuzik @ Ripon Road, Kingston 5, 22nd December 1979
Featuring: Covenant Hinds, Brigadier Jerry
Selector – Ilawi
“A fee of J$ 1 gained you entrance to this Twelve Tribes dance and deejays Covenant Hinds and Brigadier Jerry provided the nights entertainment. For Covenant Hinds living in the shadow of Briggy must have been frustrating, but here he warms up for the great man, chatting well on “Keep On Rocking”, “S.O.S.” and “Tell You About The General”, which is his introduction for Briggy on Jah Love’s signature tune, Yabby Yu’s “Warn The Nation. Ilawi then runs pure Jacob Miller tunes for the rest of this tape and the master proceeds to chat the versions as only he can. “Tired Fe Lick Collie”, “Multiply” and “Babylon Can’t Use I” are just a few of the lyrics on show in another great Jah Love Muzik extravaganza.”
Jahlovemuzik @ 61 Hagley Park Road, Kingston 10, 31st December 1979/1st January 1980
Featuring: Brigadier Jerry
Selector – Ilawi
“The promoters Asher and Bunny present a night of “Royal Blessing” in this New Years Eve dance which sees in the new 1980’s decade. Recorded at 61 Hagley Park Road, next door to the Yummy Bakery, this two part session finds Jah Love Musik in a celebratory mood for the last dance of the year.
Brigadier Jerry tells of the continuing Kingston troubles in “Dog War In A Matthews Lane” on the “Swing Easy” riddim. In contrast there’s trouble in the dance too as some higglers have made it inside and are selling their wares illegally and the elders are not happy. One of Jah Love’s favourites, Brent Dowe’s Upsetter cut “Down Here In Babylon” sees in the New Year and they continue with some crucial orthodox music from Judah Eskender Tafari and Little Roy. Presenting here over 2 and half hours of 12 Tribes Of Israel’s finest sound.
As a bonus for all those who enjoy the “taped in the dance” experience we’ve also included a 60 minutes long boom box recording of the same dance.”
*Thanks to Jesus Dread for adding part 2 to our part 1*
Part 1 2016 90 minutes
Part 2 2016 60 minutes
Part 1 Taped in the dance version
Jahlovemuzik @ Spanish Town, St Catherine, 1980
Featuring: Brigadier Jerry
Selector – Ilawi
“Jah Love are once again in the old capitol Spanish Town and their regular team of Briggy and Ilawi are running things red. It’s great to hear Brigadier Jerry riddim riding some crucial music from Bunny Wailer, Gregory Isaacs and Sugar Minott. The latter’s “Rough Ole Life” sounds even better with the “General” adding his “Babylon Mash Up the Plan” lyrics. Gregory’s “Universal Tribulation” gets the treatment too as he delivers his “Need To Be Free” over a heavily reverbed version. As Bunny says “Crucial It Crucial!”
This one is a bit unusual as for some reason you dont usually get to hear how Ilawi & Briggy would work the echo chamber on Jahlove cassettes that were taped through the amps. On this one we do and they really do go to town with it, not only on Briggy's vocals but also on the music. A great sound quality tape with the added bonus of hearing how the dynamic duo would work the set.
Jahlovemuzik @ U.W.I. Students Union, 8 Cedar Valley Road, Kingston 6, 1st April 1980
Brigadier Jerry
Selectors – Ilawi
“The Twelve Tribes of Israel sounds systems would often feature a long segment of “orthodox” music before their entertainers took up the microphone. This would happen on Jah Love Muzik sessions but often when the tapes would surface they were usually edits which would focus, naturally, on Brigadier Jerry in full flow. However this is unusual in that it has Briggy introducing, with minimal deejaying, a host of rare Twelve Tribes music which only ever appeared in very limited numbers. Music from mystical artists like Dan Hutson & The Seers, David Roots, Ewan Napthali, Sangie “Gad” Davis and The Visionaires make this a real Jah Love treat to hear.”
Jahlovemuzik @ Castleton, St Mary, 23rd December 1980
Brigadier Jerry
Selector – Ilawi
“Just before Christmas 1980 Jah Love arrive for a dance in Castleton, a town in the parish of St Mary. Brigadier Jerry takes the microphone for the duration and there is an abundance of popular riddims featured on this one, from Studio One classics to Jah Love favourites. He always sounds at home on Bobby Ellis’ instrumental “Stormy Weather” and he uses it to assert, quite correctly, that “Jah Love Is Ina A1 Class.”
Jahlovemuzik International Skateland 13-5-81
Featuring: Brigadier Jerry, U Brown, Yellowman, Skengy Uno, Danny Dread, Sassafrass, Covenant Hinds, Reuben The Chanter.
Selector: Ilawi
This is my personal favourite tape and it really is a killer as Jahlove and the 12 Tribes Posse take over Skateland for a night of Roots & culture.
Ilawi draws some wicked Barrington Levy selection and all artists are on top form as they take it in turns to preach the culture over the tuff rhythms.
Even Yellowman drops the slackness for his performance giving us ‘Dread upon the mountain top’
Lord Sassafrass draws a forward from the crowd with his ‘Raiding party’ lyrics, but once again it’s the ‘General’ Brigadier who rules proceedings with his trademark cultural flow.
We also get some fine Chanting from Reuben who declares that “not even the dogs that piss against the wall of Babylon shall escape his judgement” This is one dread session and is essential listening , a perfect piece of early 80’s sound system action.
***Stop Press--This is a new link to a better copy of this one, It has come out very nice making this one even more essential***
Jah Love Musik @ May Pen, Clarendon, 5th August 1980
Featuring: Brigadier Jerry, Covenant Hinds
Selector - Ilawi
"A pre-independance day dance finds the Jah Love posse in May Pen and Ilawi draws from Jah Love extensive dub box here (lap top selecting couldn't be further away from this) and Briggy does the business as only Briggy can. Over a pounding "Shank I Sheck" riddim he runs through a Twelve Tribes medley containing snippets of "Man From Galilee", "Swing Low" and a rousing "Twelve Tribes Shake" for the assembled mass."
Jahlovemuzik Plum Tree Lawn, Grove Road, Maypen, Clarendon 1981 Part 1
Featuring: Brigadier Jerry, Covenant Hinds
Selector: Ilawi
Here’s another great session featuring the 12 Tribe official sound.
There’s plenty of Dennis Brown tunes spun by Ilawi and Briggy flashes lyrics galore over the versions.
This is classic Briggy as he rides the ‘have you ever’ rhythm dropping his ‘aint no stopping Jahlove’ lyrics and telling the tale of a dance just gone that the police stopped which gets a massive forward from the 12 Tribe faithful.
Ilawi also drops the wicked dub plate mixes of ‘world in trouble’ for the General and Commandant Hinds to ride.
Later on Ilawi slips some Mighty Diamonds dubs onto the turntable followed by some great revival rhythms including, Cuss cuss, Drifter and the ever popular full up.
Jahlovemuzik Plum Tree Lawn, Grove Road, May Pen, Clarendon, 1981 Part 2
Featuring: Brigadier Jerry, Reuben The Chanter
Selector – Ilawi
“This tape, often referred to as the “144,000 Dance”, has Jah Love rocking “a whole heap a Israel in the dance.” Ilawi selects a strong set of tunes for the raucous crowd and the Brigadier rides the “b” sides as only he can. He references the recent Eventide fire disaster, the food shortages in “Things Get Ration” and even touches the Eek A Mouse style on “Holy Mount Zion.”
Jahlovemuzik @ Santa Cruz, St Elizabeth, 1981
Brigadier Jerry, Covenant Hinds
Selector – Ilawi
“The Jah Love crew travel to the west of Jamaica touching down in Santa Cruz in the parish of St Elizabeth. In this portion of the dance it’s Ilawi’s choice of Michael Prophet tunes that leads the way with “Gunman” making an appearance of course. On the version Briggy questions “Gunman, Weh Yu Get the Guns From?”. Deejay, and Jah Love regular, Covenant Hinds is also heard on pieces like “Two the Hard Way” and “Transfiguration Rock”. The King’s sound in a country town style.”
*During this tape Briggy name-checks the whole Jah Love crew. So, at the time of this dance, the team consisted of: Earl Belcher, Papa Tom, Papa Chris, Porter, Jeremiah Russell, Ghetto, Ilawi, Covenant Hinds, Briggy and last but not least, Charles the driver.*
Jahlovemuzik @ Skateland, Half Way Tree Road, Kingston 5, May 1981
'Tribute to Bob Marley'
Covenant Hinds, Brigadier Jerry, Ranking Trevor, Brimstone, U. Brown
Selector – Ilawi
“This Skateland session must have been taped just after Bob Marley’s passing on the 11th May. The mood seems sombre with Jah Love running a musical tribute to him. The 12 Tribes members voices are raised in unison on the righteous “Rasta Man Chant” and Briggy steps forward with his own lyrical tribute in “Bob Marley Gone International”. Also taking up the microphone are deejays Ranking Trevor, with “We Are African” and Brimstone, with “As We Trod Along”, but unfortunately the tape runs out just as U. Brown starts to chat.”
*Please note this is a taped in the dance copy*
Jahlovemuzik @ Rosemount Community Centre, Linstead, St Catherine, October 1981
Brigadier Jerry, Covenant Hinds
Selector – Ilawi
“To great cheers from the Linstead crowd Brigadier Jerry responds with “Long time me no deejay in a Rosemount” over Jah Love’s signature tune “Warn The Nation”. The General is on top form with some newly developed lyrics about the very recent assassination of Egypt’s Anwar Sadat. Covenant Hinds handles the microphone briefly for “Gentle Jesus”, but for the most part it’s Briggy they want to hear and he rides one of his favourite riddims, “Stormy Weather”, declaring “Riding West, Jah Love A De Best”.
Jahlovemuzik @ Ascot Lawn Drive In, Old Harbour, St Catherine, circa September 1981
Featuring: Brigadier Jerry, Covenant Hinds
Selector – Ilawi
“There’s a lively crowd packed into the Ascot Lawn Drive In venue and this “taped in the dance” captures Brigadier Jerry and Covenant Hinds in a Twelve Tribes style. Briggy touches a couple of his most famous lyrics on this one, “Gwan A School” and the mighty “Pain”. Over a heavy cut of the ever present “Never Let Go” rhythm, Covenant Hinds urges the followers in “Forward Natty Dreadlocks”.
Jahlovemuzik @ Grange Hill, Westmoreland, 1981
Brigadier Jerry, Covenant Hinds
Selector – Ilawi
“ This is another country town session, this time in Grange Hill, and sounding like it was recorded around the same time as the previous Linstead dance. Briggy’s given some classic dancehall tunes of the day by selector Ilawi and the deejay gets down to work over riddims like “Prophecy”, “Shank I Sheck” and ”Youthman” over which he tells the youth they must “Gwan A School” to get a good education.”
Jahlovemuzik Old Harbour 24-12-1981
Featuring: Brigadier Jerry
Selector: Ilawi
Jahlove are in session in Old Harbour on Christmas eve and as usual it’s Briggy ‘the General’ in full control. Ilawi draws heavily from 12 Tribes favourite Dennis Brown and the selection is top notch. Great to hear the heavy ‘Bubbling fountain’ getting a spin and even better to hear Briggy chanting over the dub. Other Jahlove/D.Brown favourites, ‘Hold on to what you got’ and ‘Have you ever?’ get the Brigadier treatment including a favourite of mine the General’s fantastic ‘Aint no stopping Jahlove’ lyrics.
Later on in the session Ilawi goes into some real nice Jimmy Riley tunes and Brigadier rides all of them effortlessly inna fine style. We finish things off with the Studio 1 dub of ‘Fever’ which Briggy dedicates to General Echo, Flux & Big John then gives us his ‘Another one bites the dust’
Such a shame this one’s only 60 minutes, would be great to hear more of it.... Many thanks to Daddy White Squall for another Corker!!
Jahlovemuzik @ Thompson Park Community Centre, Prince Avenue, Spanish Town, St Catherine, 30th January 1982
Brigadier Jerry, Anthony Malvo
Selector – Ilawi
“It’s now 1982 and, for $1.50, promoters Mexican and Lado present a night of ”Rasta Revival” for the people of Thompson Park in Spanish Town. Along with the usual Orthodox selection it’s Dennis Brown music that’s running things in the dance at this time. His “Have You Ever” is massive and Briggy nails the version with “Ain’t No Stopping Papa Briggy Now”. This tape also has a very early performance from singer Anthony Malvo who sings over some cover versions like “Old Man River” and “Everybody’s Talking” to good effect.”
Jahlovemuzik @ Hawkers Hall, St Catherinecirca March 1982
Brigadier Jerry, General Uppo
Selector – Ilawi
“In this dance, promoted by Lonnie the taxi driver, the Jahlovemuzik sound rocks the Hawkers Hall venue. Ilawi draws his selection from big hitters like Gregory Isaacs, Dennis Brown and Barrington Levy and the deejays Brigadier Jerry and newcomer General Uppo drop down on the versions in fine style. The latter’s “Can’t Stop Israel” and “Skank With I” shows promise while the experience of Briggy shows here on “When The Fire Start To Burn” and “Mash Poor People Down”.
Jahlovemuzik @ Hagley Park Road, Kingston, circa July/August 1982
Featuring: Brigadier Jerry
Selector – Ilawi
“When Brigadier Jerry says that “Briggy and Ilawi is the wickedest combination” he’s not far wrong and when he proclaims that “Me Ram The Dance” and “Me Neat Me Sweet” the crowd roars in agreement. Ilawi spins a mix of old and new with selection from Junior Murvin and Michael Prophet well to the fore. A great session down on Hagley Park Road.”
Jahlovemuzik @ Waltham Park Road, Kingston, 1982
Featuring: U.Brown, Lee Van Cliff, Ugly Francis, Jeremiah, Toyan, Little John, Skengae One, Audie Murphy, Covenant Hinds, Brigadier Jerry
Selector – Ilawi
“A ram jam session in Waltham Park Road and up goes the cry “stop pushing at the gate”. And no wonder as it’s all star line up for the Twelve Tribes sound. Little John’s medley of “Wake Up Everybody/When Love Keeps Knocking” whips up the crowd and Toyan’s “Trod Along” brings forth nuff “forwards”. U. Brown salutes the sound in “Jah Love A Weh The People Want” before Yabby Yu’s “Warn The Nation” heralds the Brigadier’s entrance to the dance. The two veterans work together over Ilawi’s mighty Dennis Brown selection for the rest of the tape, which sadly runs out just as Barrington Levy steps up to the microphone, thus depriving us of hearing the “Mellow Canary” on the Jah Love sound.”
Jahlovemuzik @ Dunn River Fall, Ocho Rios, St Ann, 4th August 1982
Brigadier Jerry, Covenant Hinds
Selector – Ilawi
“Billed as ”Reggae Fever part 2” this is Jah Love providing the sound system for a stage show at Dunns River Falls. Brigadier Jerry rolls out some popular lyrics for the crowd, including “Gwan A School”, “Tribute To Bob Marley” and “Pain”. The culture vibes are there too when Briggy and Covenant Hinds ride the “Shank I Sheck” for “When The Saint” and “Man Of Cyrene” respectively.”
Jahlovemuzik @ Success Lawn, Clarendon, August 1982
Brigadier Jerry, Hugh Griffiths, Jah Pressure
Selector – Daddy Chris
“This takes place at the Success Lawn, a dance venue possibly located in May Pen and for once Ilawi is not at the controls. Selector for the night, Daddy Chris, doesn’t disappoint though and he draws tunes from Triston Palma, Earl Sixteen and some evergreen Studio One. The “Cuss, Cuss” riddim has always been one of Briggy’s favourites and “Come Out Of Me Life” is his usual response to it. Also guesting are a couple of singers with classical styles. The better known of the two is Hugh Griffiths, whose vocal stylings favoured Alton Ellis, and he sings “I’m Just A Guy” and “Love Light Shining” smoothly. Jah Pressure’s “I’ve Got Love” is straight out of the Gregory Isaacs songbook and goes down well with the Clarendon crowd.”
Jahlovemuzik @ Studio 200, Balham, London SW17, 17th September 1982
Featuring: Brigadier Jerry
Selector – Ilawi
“This is the opening night of Jahlovemuzik’s tour of England. Starting at Balham’s Studio 200 club and using the leading Twelve Tribes UK sound Jah Revelation for the duration, Brigadier Jerry and Ilawi bring the JA cultural experience to the expectant crowds. By the sound of it the club was rammed with the control tower being packed tight and Briggy sets the place on fire. It’s almost Studio 1 riddims all the way and the “General” flashes the lyrics and styles that the posses want to hear. He doesn’t forget to tip his hat to the great U. Roy in “Jah Love In A Drifters Style”. History dance!”
Jahlovemuzik @ Birmingham, October 1982
Featuring: Brigadier Jerry, Jeremiah, Daddy Tushungpeng
Selector – Ilawi
“Jahlove move up to the Midlands of England for a date in Birmingham. As well hearing Brigadier Jerry in full flow you get to hear some of the other deejays from the Jah Love camp. Jeremiah, Briggy’s blood brother, is another cultural stylist, and he excels on “Give Jah Praises” and “I Love Jah” and Daddy Tushungpeng urges all to “Get Up Stand Up”. There are roars from the Birmingham faithful when Biggy hails up the “Twelve Tribes Of Israel” followers.”
Jahlovemuzik @ Brixton Town Hall, Brixton, London, 7th October 1982
Featuring: Brigadier Jerry
Selector – Ilawi
“The tour moves on Brixton and Briggy welcomes the masses to the Town Hall with some classic lyrics “In The Ghetto”. Ilawi knows the rhythms the people want to hear and obliges with “Scandal”, “Stormy Weather” and “Unmetered Taxi” to name but a few. The General is the star though and “Live The Life You Love”, “I’m Listening” and “Riding West” all highlight this fact.”
Jahlovemuzik @ Adlib Club, St Mary’s Gate, Nottingham, 29th October 1982
Featuring: Brigadier Jerry, Jeremiah, Covenant Hinds
Selector – Ilawi
“The meandering tour is back in the Midlands again, this time packing the Adlib Club in Nottingham. Ilawi touches down on some fine selection from Sugar Minott and Dennis Brown and the three deejays all get to hold the mic throughout the duration of this tape. Covenant Hinds’s contributions include “Ganjaman Moneyman” and “Nah Walk Ina Bad Boy Posse” while Jeremiah offers “Repatriation” and “Me Left Jamaica”. “Have You Ever” and “Hold On To What You’ve Got” are classic DB vocal tracks and Briggy rides the versions like a true veteran.”
Jahlovemuzik @ Central Club, 32-34 London Street, Reading, October 1982
Featuring: Brigadier Jerry, Papa Ambassador
Selector – Ilawi
“The extensive Jahlove tour rumbles on and this captures them live at Reading’s long running Central Club. Ilawi is in charge of the music and he drops plenty of Roots Radics riddims for Briggy to work with. “Slackness Bites The Dust”, “Run Ya Man” and “Come In”, which is greeted with a barrage of whistles, all sound great over the heavyweight rhythms. The “General” makes time for big hits “Pain” and its vocal version “Jah Jah You” and then the Dennis Brown selection takes over and he flashes some new lyrics in “Briggy Walk All Over London”. To add spice to the mix Jah Revelation’s deejay Papa Ambassador takes over near the end, sounding well capable on “Give It To Jah.”
Jahlovemuzik– Admiral Town, Kingston, 20th December 1982
Brigadier Jerry, General Plough
Selector – Ilawi
”In this small segment of a pre-Christmas, Twelve Tribes of Israel dance and Brigadier Jerry, for once, takes a back seat. Instead it’s time for singer General Plough to showcase his capable vocal talents. Selector Ilawi reaches back in time for his musical selection which is made up of track recorded at Studio One and seventies dub mixes of classic Treasure Isle riddims. Plough gives the Admiral Town crowd versions of “Queen Majesty”, “Love Is Not A Gamble”, “Baby I Love You” and offers cultural messages in songs like “Give Jah The Glory” and “No Time To Waste in the City”.
Jahlovemuzik @ Prison Oval, Spanish Town, St Catherine, January 1983
Featuring: Brigadier Jerry, Covenant Hinds, Reuben 1st Chanter
Selector – Ilawi
“A real find this one as it’s a Twelve Tribes showcase promotion and it comes in two segments. The first part of the recording is Brigadier Jerry backed by, presumably, the Twelve Tribes band, and he runs through a selection of his hits for the Prison Oval masses. As the evening moves on the Jahlovemuzik sound system takes over and Briggy, along with Covenant Hinds and Reuben, nice up the area. To the nearby listening inmates Briggy sends out a “special request to the prisoners, who nah sleep yet” as they also get to enjoy Jah Love, in their first dance of the year.”
Jahlovemuzik @ 7 Hopefield Avenue, Kingston 6, April 1983
Featuring: Brigadier Jerry
Selector – Ilawi
“This is a dance that celebrates the birthday of Jah Love’s owner, Earl Belcher, and is quite simply a killer session. On “England Connection” Briggy is in particularly inspired form, drawing from his recent experiences in England, as he relates, with a Cockney twang, his travels around London. Seriously funny and the rest of the tape has got a great vibe to it and is one of the best Jah Loves around.”
Jah Love Muzik @ Elletson Flats, Kingston 6, May 1983
Featuring: Brigadier Jerry, Jeremiah
Selector – Ilawi
This is a short Jah Love session in the Elletson Flats area and features two of the Russell brothers, Brigadier Jerry and Jeremiah. Ilawi selects a succession of hard riddims, including “Stalag”, “Burial” and the newer “Prison Oval” and Briggy offers up “Nothing Is Impossible To Me” and “Schoolgirl” while Jeremiah chats “Them Get Me Mad” and “Row Fisherman....
Jah Love Muzik @ Thompson Park Community Centre, Prince Avenue, Spanish Town, St Catherine, 1983
Featuring: Covenant Hinds, Jeremiah, Brigadier Jerry, Papa Tom, Reuben 1st Chanter
Selector – Ilawi
“Promoters Mervin as the Mexican, and Lado, held this dance at Thompson Park Community Centre and it has a larger than usual spread of 12 Tribes artists. Covenant Hinds is prominent as he rides some choice Studio 1 tracks with cultural messages like “Jah Is The Way To Go” and “Pope Paul Must Die”. Papa Tom joins Briggy for “Rock With I” while Reuben chants traditional Rasta compositions such as “Rivers Of Babylon” and “Satta”.
Jah Love Muzik @ U.W.I Students Union, 8 Cedar Valley Road, Standpipe, Kingston 6, August 1983
Featuring: Covenant Hinds, Colonel Hinds, Brigadier Jerry, Anthony Malvo, Lui Lepki, Sammy Dread, Jubba, Ugly Butters,
Papa Olord, Jeremiah
Selector – Ilawi
“Back off, back off” is the cry at the control tower at a very packed session held at the University Students Union. With a larger than usual roll call of artists vying for the microphone it isn’t any wonder that the venue is rammed. Covenant Hinds and Colonel Hinds, presumably brothers, open proceedings over Ilawi’s Freddie McGregor selection before Yabby Yu’s “Warn The Nation” heralds Brigadier Jerry’s entrance and his opening “Never Trouble Daddy Love”. Sammy Dread is a long-time dancehall singer and he’s on hand to version some favourites like “Roadblock” and “What’s Going On”. Other highlights are Papa Olord’s “Repatriation Is A Must” and Briggy’s “Dub It In A Union”.
Jah Love Muzik @ Ascot Drive In, Old Harbour, St Catherine, December 1983
Featuring: Brigadier Jerry, Freddie McGregor
Selector – Ilawi
“This is classic Jah Love vibes with the added bonus of a surprise guest appearance of reggae legend, and Twelve Tribes member, Freddie McGregor. It all takes place at Old Harbour’s Ascot Drive In venue and the crowd greet Freddie with “forward” as he works his way through some of his timeless hits. “Africa Here I Come” gets the crowd calling “Africa” in response and his “Bobby Bobylon”, “Peaceful Man” and “Bandulo” also tear up the place. And with Briggy answering the vocals, roots and culture in the dancehall doesn’t get much better than this.”
Jahlovemuzik @ Barbican, Kingston, 25th February 1984
Featuring: Brigadier Jerry, Earl Cunningham, Major Manzie, Papa Tom, Jeremiah
Selector – Ilawi
“This dance took place in the Barbican area of uptown Kingston. In 1984 Brigadier Jerry has been sharing his time between Jah Love and Black Star but tonight he’s well and truly at the controls of the Twelve Tribes set. As well as chatting lyrics like “Oil In My Lamp”, “The Gift Of Life” and “Herb Must Go A Foreign” he takes a flyer for an upcoming sound system event and deejays the information.....in a rub a dub style. Black Star’s Earl Cunningham is another of those underrated dancehall singers and here he joins Briggy to version some of his big roots anthems, “One Away Man” and “Jailhouse”. Excellent vibes from the King’s sound.”
Jahlovemuzik @ U.W.I Students Union, 8 Cedar Valley Road, Standpipe, Kingston 6, circa March 1984
Featuring: Brigadier Jerry
Selector – Ilawi
“The dynamic partnership of Brigadier Jerry and Ilawi once again grace the hall of the University’s Student Union. For this ’84 session it’s almost all new riddims that run the place. Music from Sugar Minott and Barrington Levy feature and as ever Briggy’s got the answers. Highlights from the man are “Cry For The Youth” and “Canter Me Horse” both over a crisp re-cut of the “Watch This Sound” rhythm, and “Red In A Armagideon”. As Briggy says here “when Ilawi selects, me fresh!”
Jahlovemuzik @ St Thomas 1984
Featuring: Silver Fox, Little Buro, Junior Briggy, Jeremiah, Simple Simon
Selector – Ilawi
“With Brigadier Jerry away in Miami things are left to other members of the Russell clan to step up and fill the void. Younger sibling Junior Briggy shows promise on “How We A Go Know” and “Join A Revolution” whilst elder brother Jeremiah is the main deejay, rhyming tightly about the weed on “Tired Fe Lick It In A Gully” and “Please Mr Collie Man”. Simple Simon’s vocal prowess can be heard on “Let Her Cry” and ”I Love My Girl” whilst apprentice deejay Little Buro can be heard wrestling with the “Lick Shot” riddim for “Trouble, Worries & Problem”. Fantastic sound quality on this one.
Jahlovemuzik Esquire Hall, Brooklyn, NY 26-7-1986
Featuring: Tiger, Brigadier Jerry, Frankie Paul, Sister Carol, John Wayne, Gadaffi
Operators: Ilawi, Smokey Dan
This was Jahlove's first dance in New York and there are some fellow JA artists in the dance to back up Briggy and Ilawi.
Tiger is the main man for this portion of the session and he is on top form, riding the rhythms selected by Ilawi & his Blackstar spar Smokey Dan in a fine style. Wether it be singing or deejaying Tiger was a great performer and this tape showcases his talents well.
We also get great vocal performances from Frankie Paul and Gadaffi and some more great lyrics from Jammys MC John Wayne and America's first Lady, Sister Carol.
As for the selection, we get some early digital rhythms and then its into classic Studio 1 and the tape finishes as Ilawi starts to draw the Orthodox selection.
Many thanks to Brother Keith WW for this one.....
Jahlovemuzik SNWMF 17-6-2011
Featuring: Brigadier Jerry
Selector: Ilawi
A fantastic sound quality recording of the mighty 12 Tribes sound Jahlove playing at the 2011 SNWMF. Really special as it is the return of the original team of Brigadier Jerry & the no.1 selector Ilawi.... Classic after classic rhythms are spun and the General gives the crowd a great performance of dancehall the way it used to be..... This one is CRUCIAL!!
