|
Cuttah's way >> Montreal reggae artist Jah Cuttah is determined, all right by SCOTT C
Along with his Determination Band, Jah Cuttah has occupied a solid place in the everchanging shape of reggae music in Montreal for over 15 years, experiencing the ups and downs of the scene firsthand. "All of the communities used to come together very strong before," says Cuttah. "Around 1980 every community--Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica--used to come together as one. When there was a function outside, everybody was there and you could really feel the spirit of unity." However, a few isolated instances of violence at outdoor gatherings, coupled with a severe crackdown by Montreal authorities in the late '80s, sapped any sense of strength that was felt by the reggae collective. Jah Cuttah was left to pick up the pieces. Nevertheless, Cuttah is unwavering in his commitment to the music and is determined and optimistic about the current status of reggae in Montreal. "People in 1998 are just now getting things back to the way it used to be. A lot of people stayed away because they didn't want to put up with foolishness at a show or a party--only now do I get the feeling that people are ready to support again." With this definite sense of rekindled interest from roots-reggae fans and dancehall aficionados alike, Cuttah stresses that the importance of keeping that interest falls on the shoulders of the artists, who owe it to the people. "Whenever we get onstage we try to inject the audience with the right feelings, the right things. No violence and nothing foolish, you understand?" It's not hard to understand that Jah Cuttah is talking about positivity, clarity and non-violent activity. Their new album, If it Wasn't Jah is a testament to those very ideals, and finds Cuttah bringing it live, literally, with the first portion of the disc highlighting excerpts from a show recorded at Cabaret. "If it Wasn't Jah is my way of reminding people that there would never be any love or peace, and we would never be able to stand strong, if it wasn't for Jah." Cuttah's commentary on the chaotic state of the world is an uplifting trek tackled head-on in songs like "Life No Sweet" and "Ever Since We Been Born." Cuttah makes it clear that even though there is a small community of reggae bands in the city, there is no need for separation or competition. "I try to unite these bands," he says. "Once you're playing reggae-conscious music, music that is a message of the culture, there can be no animosity. I try to bring these bands together as one and show the people that we are united in this music. We play for the people!" Putting his money where his mouth is, Cuttah hints at a compilation of Montreal reggae bands that he's working on with Greenland Productions, which would make all the working bands in and around the city available on one CD. Many of these artists will be sharing the stage with Jah Cuttah on June 6, when Reggae Night Fever hits the Medley. But Cuttah has even more to be excited about: his CD release party on June 5 at Rainbow-Ites, holding ranks with good friends Fingers, Melo G, Ghetto Queen and Mickey Dangerous. "The night will be hosted by Shades Of Culture, who'll probably do some songs as well," laughs Cuttah. "It's just going to be a night of good friends and good music, and all are welcome." It's no accident that Jah Cuttah has lasted so long making music in this city. Steady touring and giving the people what they want as well as maintaining a focused positive message throughout is nothing short of determined. I don't doubt Cuttah and crew could stretch another 15 years if they keep on keepin' on. Jah Cuttah and Determination band launch their disc at Rainbow-Ites (5345 de Maisonneuve) on Friday, June 5 at 7:30pm, $5 ($2 with can of food for Heads & Hands)
|
It takes a lot for a band to persevere through a decade and a half of good times and (far too frequently) bad, but more than anything, you've gotta be determined. "When we migrated from Jamaica, we touched down in Montreal," says Jah Cuttah. "We started here, so it's been a building process."