Classic Roots Reggae Master EVER-G Performs At Bob Marley Celebration
2::13::2007
Mission Accomplished
Review of EVER-G’s Mission Part III
By Theresa Donis
What’s the phrase?? “Third time’s a charm”?? In EVER-G’s case, his 1st, 2nd, and this, his 3rd project, Mission, have all been right on the mark. World Peace, Independence, and now, Mission, his most recent album, are all testaments to this remarkable man’s “mission” as a musician, as a human being, and as a vehicle of peace and unification. What a perfect medium to spread this profound message to the masses—through upful, thoughtful, inspirational music. (That you can groove to of course!)
Mission is an embodiment of issues and emotions spanning from war and environmental destruction (“What’s Up with the World?”—enough said…you must listen to the tune, however, for EVER-G’s unique answer to this question.) to the joy, pain, search and encounter of what we call LOVE. Interestingly enough, Love is not only the question, but oftentimes the answer as well. He masterfully speaks of the aforementioned themes in a timeless, universal manner, while still retaining a personalized tone. His songwriting is superb and his candidness and abundance of heart are evident on every track. In addition, his musicianship is of a sophisticated and undeniably catchy quality. You will find yourself singing along in no time.
One thing I admire about EVER-G is his EVER-steady respect for women. In fact, he goes even further, calling for them to acknowledge and respect themselves—such a crucial message in this day and age of trivialization and disrespect of our very mothers and daughters, sisters and wives… (“An upful, conscious woman is truly a blessing to a Man. If you wanna be my queen, you have to love Jah Jah, and if you wanna be my queen you have to know yourself; if you want to be my queen you have to respect yourself; and if you wanna be my queen, you have to love yourself…”—from “My Queen”).
In fact “respect” is inseparable from EVER-G’s approach to the wholesomeness of life. In “Take a Look,” for example, we are called to recognize “Jah’s creation” a.k.a. the “Master’s Plan,” and notice the innumerable small things Mother Nature surrounds us with: “Look at the clouds it’s about to rain…The lightning flashes about…the rainbow is saying the rain is gone…the little children jump and they shout.”
Even tunes like “Run Babylon” and “Pretense,” which hone in on heavier issues, still offer wise, positive, compassionate solutions to some of the most difficult problems we face. (“Don’t pretend another day, be yourself, love Jah Jah, and pray, keep on guiding you along life’s way…moving on to a brighter day.”—From the chorus of “Pretense”) Indeed, this type of positive ending is a recurrent theme in EVER-G’s music, but not in a superficial, sentimental, fairy-tale sort of way. It is simply that he chooses to see the raw Beauty and the Hope and the Power of Life, and he reminds us of our unique ability as human beings to affect a great amount of change in the World. Mission is a shining example of this very change we so need . As he says in his title track, “InI no run competition…(oh mighty Jah Jah)…I Man Father send I on a Mission…Teach Jah words and make them take heed…” Mission accomplished.
1::3::2006
Ever-G’s message is clear; Give thanks, praise Jah, and independence for all
INDEPENDENCE - Ever-G
Forward Independence! Just as the song stats, “Let Jah Music Play”. Ever-G’s latest CD “Independence”, is outstanding. Ever-G’s classic roots sound emphasized by beautiful back up singing and a tight band, makes for an addicting enjoyable listening experience. The guitar riffs and keyboard lines work great, and I love it when they dub it up! The music takes me back to the day’s by the river. Grooving to Burning Spear all night long. I would love to see them live. My favorite song on the CD is Track 6, “Almighty Jah". It is a great mix of roots and dub. Check it at the link. Ever-G’s message is clear; Give thanks, praise Jah, and independence for all.
3::13::2005
MISSION Takes You On A Ride Through Time (VA Reggae)
Mission part III is the third album from Ever-G. The album takes you on a ride through time, with all the greatest riddims like “Real Rock”, “One Step Beyond” also called “Bobby Babylon”, “Mr. Brown” and music from classic songs like “Natty sings hit Song”, “Two Sevens Clash”, “I’m still in Love with You”. All these elements plus the soulful voice of Ever-G, gives the album a sense of familiarity. This album is very upbeat feel good type of vibe. My favorite tracks are, Mission, which is the title track, Pretense, and Teach us love. Give it a Listen
www.virginiareggae.com
2::15::2005
EVER-G Returns With His Refreshing Throwback Sound (Reggae Reviews)
Mission (EVER-G Muzik, 2005)
EVER-G returns with his third album, cementing his refreshing throwback sound. As with his previous effort, this one hearkens back to the classic reggae of the early ‘70s, in part because the music from that era is liberally revisited, including “Teach Us to Love” (Culture’s “Two Seven’s Clash”), “In Love With Jah” (Alton Ellis’s “I’m Still in Love With You,” recently a hit again courtesy of Sean Paul), and “True to Myself” (the legendary Sound Dimension instrumental “Real Rock”). Overall, however, the riddims on Mission are perhaps not quite as readily recognizable as on Independence, so there’s less chance of a recycled feel. Adding to the nostalgic vibe are EVER-G’s dreamy melodies, evocative harmonies, and soulful delivery (at times reminiscent of the Wailing Souls’ Winston “Pipe” Matthews). His style here is along the lines of Glen Washington and Alpheus, who frequently adapt Studio One’s classic music. Even if the rhythms sound familiar, though, EVER-G manages to breathe fresh life into them with professional skill, a sense of fun, and a genuine sentiment, whether crooning love songs like “Goodbye” and “Every Woman” or cultural statements like “Run Babylon” and my favorite track, “Mission.” Other highlights include “Love Is Stronger Than Hate,” “Teach Us to Love,” “Pretense,” and “What’s Up With the World.”
www.Reggae-Reviews.com
2::14::2005
Ever-GMuzik.com is live!!! (Press Release)
The new site has arrived. The people at AgeOfDesign.com have hooked us up with a new site. We will be able to keep you more informed, show off more band photos, and provide a complete resource for Ever-G and the Crew featuring the Irieites.
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1::20::2005
A STEP BEYOND WORLD MUSIC: EVER-G RELEASES HIS THIRD CD (Press Release)
Jamaican born EVER-G singer/songwriter will celebrate the release of his third CD with a party and signing of his CD to benefit the Peter Tosh Foundation Instruments for Youth.
January 20, 2005 (Hampton, Virginia) -- EVER-G born, Everett Streete, native of Hanover, Jamaica will release his third CD titled “MISSION” on Sunday, February 20, 2005, 7:00 p.m. at the Charles H. Taylor Arts Center in Hampton, Virginia.
EVER-G will perform with an all-star line-up of international Reggae & Jazz musicians along with the intricate harmony of his female vocal group called The Irieites.
MISSION is a 12-track CD full of moving Reggae rhythms with EVER-G’s touching and truthful lyrics. The CD will move you beyond what is known as World Music with his soulful voice fusing Blues, Rock, Funk, R&B and other genres of World Music with Reggae. EVER-G adds live horns, strong guitar and hook lines with soulful female background vocals.
As with music EVER-G believes in taking a step beyond by giving back to the community. He is closely involved with charity work and non-profit organizations in the Hampton Roads Virginia area and internationally. EVER-G, the Crew, and the Irieites collectively raised over two-thousand dollars ($2,000) plus food, toiletries and clothing for Hurricane “Ivan” victims in Jamaica. In keeping with EVER-G’s support to his home community a portion of the proceeds from his February 20th CD release celebration will benefit the Peter Tosh Foundation’s Buy-A-Child-A Guitar program.
Don't miss this unique opportunity to catch an unforgettable performance with EVER-G & the Crew featuring the Irieites. The public is invited to come and enjoy a delicious Island feast, complimentary drinks, giveaways, and much more. Regular ticket prices are $15 available at www.ticketleap.com. Or write info@ever-gmuzik.com for ticket outlets.
The Charles H. Taylor Arts Center, home of the Hampton Arts Commission and the Hampton Arts Foundation, showcases the best of local and regional contemporary artists; located at 4205 Victoria Boulevard in Hampton, VA.
For EVER-G’s electronic press kit please visit www.sonicbids.com/EVERG To find out more about EVER-G, please visit his web site at www.EVER-GMuzik.com To find out more about the Peter Tosh Foundation please visit www.ptosh.com
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