This week James is joined by Dave Shiffman, filling in for Mark. For our last episode of 2025, we pay tribute to a reggae legend who passed recently, Jimmy Cliff. We listen to the song “Wonderful World, Beautiful People” from the 1969 album of the same name. We talk about how we found Jimmy Cliff’s music, his unique orchestrations, and the legacy that he left to the world. Jimmy Cliff helped open doors for reggae music, spreading it across the globe, and he will be missed. Rest in Power Jimmy Cliff!

A Conversation in Dub will return in 2026 with new episodes! Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to our listeners and as always, keep dubbing!

"Wonderful World, Beautiful People" is available on all major streaming platforms and Youtube.

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This week we listen to “Blind Boy” by 80s reggae powerhouses, Musical Youth. The group was made up of children ages 11-15, all with talent beyond their years. This is the fourth track on their 1982 album, The Youth of Today. We chose one of the less widely-known tunes from the album instead of the beloved hit, "Pass the Dutchie", to show the incredible range and talent that these kids had. Give the whole album a listen, you will not be disappointed!

"Blind Boy" is available on all major streaming platforms and Youtube.

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This week we are joined by Derek Waldmann a.k.a. Man of the Forests. We talk about how he has shaken up the reggae scene as one of the few violin players. He’s played with a wide variety of artists including Alific, Vana Liya, KBong, and so many others. Mia Jativa also joins our conversation to discuss their co-produced release, “Ghost Train” featuring an all star lineup including 7 dubs! Be sure to catch them on the road!

"Ghost Train" can be found on all major streaming platforms and Youtube.

https://www.manoftheforests.com/

https://jahtiva.com/

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This week we talk to Art, Mike and Dylan from New Jersey based band Sensamotion. Their latest full length album, Feel It All Around, just dropped this past August. In addition to talking about the creative process behind the new album, we get into the band’s formation, lineup changes, and some of their future plans.

Be sure to catch Sensamotion out on the road and follow them on social media for more updates!

Sensamotion Tour Dates

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This week we’re listening to lovers rock music from The Netherlands, from artist JOJO Gladstone. We listen to the track “Glad That I Found you” from the 2017 album, JOJO. We talk about the very clear Roots Radics influences he pulls from, and JOJO and his band’s dedication to replicating the sound of a certain era of Jamaica. We hope you enjoy this tune and check out all of JoJo Gladstone’s music, there is a lot more on Youtube.

You can listen to "Glad The I Found You" on streaming platforms and youtube.

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This week, James is joined by Dave Shiffman to talk with JC from the band, Self Control. We discuss their latest single “Ice Breaker” - a politically charged modern roots tune addressing ongoing social injustices, especially in the Los Angeles area where they are based. We talk about the production of this song as well as their forthcoming EP, how the band started, and some exciting future plans.

Check out Self Control at their upcoming shows

You can hear “Ice Breaker” on all major streaming platforms and Youtube.

Self Control

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We’re back from our hiatus with an amazing new tune! We listen to the opening track from the new album by Eureka Sound called “Rediscover.” We get into the art of genre bending, the beauty of space in a song, and the stellar musicianship of this band. Catch Eureka Sound live either at one of their shows or backing Nick Sefakis out on the road!

You can hear “Rediscover” on all major streaming platforms and Youtube.

https://www.eurekasound.band/

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This week Stephan Mash of The Reggae Plug fills in for Mark. We talk with Hector Roots Lewis, who you might recognize from his performances with Chronixx and Tribal Seeds, portraying Carly Barrett in the movie ‘Bob Marley: One Love,’ or his solo music. We also get into detail about his debut full length album, “Cosmic Roots” produced by Johnny Cosmic. Check out Hector Roots Lewis’ music and his many projects and be sure to catch him performing live near you!

"Cosmic Roots" on Bandcamp

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Mark is back from his honeymoon in the French Polynesian islands, and he brought some new (to us) music back with him. This week we feature the song “Natura” by Eto from Tahiti. We talk about the cultural significance of reggae in the Polynesian Islands and the unique spin they put on the genre. Mark shares some highlights from his trip there and shines light on the beautiful music, culture and people he met along the way.

You can hear "Natura" on all major streaming platforms and Youtube.

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This week, Mark is out, but James is joined by Robert Stokes. Robert is a Ska & Rocksteady aficionado in Las Vegas, Nevada. We take a deep dive into the origins of ska music and how it has evolved over the decades in different parts of the globe. We talk about the differences between the subgenres and bust some myths people may have about ska music.

Robert Stokes performs regularly in and around Las Vegas regularly. Follow his Instagram, @skastokes, to find out where his next gig is. So catch a show if you’re in town, it’s always a lot of fun!

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