“Amplify is a big stew of a lot of different influences and sounds and grooves,” says JBB drummer and co-founder Tommy Benedetti. “I think reggae applies to us in the way that we definitely draw from drum and bass. That’s always the foundation of what we start with. We also tried to step outside of the normal reggae grooves‚ sounds‚ lyrics and topics on this one, and what goes on top wound up being very progressive and current.

The new album, which also climbs to #10 on the CMJ World Music chart, was just released by Easy Star Records. It presents the band with the highest chart position in its history and outsells its 2005 release Pressure Points by nearly 20% in its first week of release.

Listen or buy from here.

One of the things I love about being in this business is getting the opportunity to work with and help promote great artists. You know the ones that can move your soul and give you goose bumps? Well, Nikka Costa is someone I put in that category and we are proud at Giant Step to be involved in promoting her new release.

This Monday in Miami, we are continuing our monthly music series at The Florida Room in The Delano Hotel. We started the series in May with the goal to present great artists in a city that is known to be high on style and low on substance (no diss intended). So far the series has presented Jose James, Alice Russell, Janelle Monae, Little Jackie and last month we had the pleasure of Jazmine Sullivan.

So on Monday, October 13th, if you happen to be in Miami and want someone to rock your world come down and see Nikka live and say hello to me as I will be there too

More Info and RSVP here

more info

I first saw Sparlha Swa at the New Museum when I was there to check out beatbox extraordinaire, Adam Matta. The stories this guy can tell just by making sounds with his mouth are incredible. Performing with him was the lovely, Sparlha Swa. On an acoustic guitar and singing along with his sounds blew me away. Her voice is velvety, unique, reaching, and great to sing along to. She recently came out with a new album, Live From NYC. Definitely looking forward to checking out this album.

myspace.com/sparlhaswa