In a crossover episode of Carry On Friends, Style & Vibes and Reels & Riddims, listeners are invited to our conversation with Jess, a documentary filmmaker with deep Jamaican roots, joins the conversation to unravel the musical tapestry of Kingston and her journey to create the documentary “Roots Rock Reggae.”
Jess, born in New York, Jess was raised in Kingston, Jamaica, which significantly influenced her musical preferences and career trajectory. Her deep connection to Jamaican music, particularly the soulful genres that dominate the island’s Sunday airwaves, serves as the foundation for her documentary. The conversation reveals how artists like Patsy Cline and Marty Robbins unexpectedly shaped the soundscape of Jamaican social gatherings, highlighting the eclectic nature of the nation’s musical tastes.
We take a nostalgic journey as Jess reminisces about her childhood experiences with Jamaican radio. Traditional Sunday programming, which used to transition from gospel in the morning to country and R&B music throughout the day, has cultivated a broad musical appreciation among Jamaicans. Iconic tracks like Michael Bolton’s “Soul Provider” and Celine Dion’s “I’m Alive” have become dancehall favorites, illustrating the unique way Jamaicans embrace and influence international music. The discussion emphasizes the role of radio in shaping the cultural experiences of Jamaicans and fostering a deep love for various music genres.
Jess also delves into the crowdfunding journey for her documentary, “Roots Rock Reggae.” The episode provides an insider’s look at the strategic decisions involved in setting realistic Kickstarter goals and the creative challenges of producing a compelling project. The positive momentum gained from the crowdfunding campaign has opened doors for broader festival reach and distribution channels, offering hope for a wider audience to experience the documentary’s rich narrative.
Editing a documentary comes with its own set of challenges, as Jess explains. Working with talented editor Jenny Filipazzo, Jess faced the stress of meeting tight deadlines and the struggle to seamlessly match audio and visuals. The conversation touches on the nostalgic power of music and how childhood memories are deeply intertwined with the soundtrack of our lives. Jess highlights the sentimentality of Jamaican music culture, where there is no such thing as guilty pleasure music, contrasting this with the elitism often found in American music fans.
The episode also explores the global influence of Jamaican music, emphasizing the interconnectedness of genres. Music, much like food, evolves by incorporating elements from various cultures to create something unique. The transformative power of covers, like Sanchez’s rendition of “Missing You” and reggae interpretations of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car,” is celebrated for their deep resonance. The discussion also touches on the evolution of Bob Marley’s early work from ska to reggae and the cultural uniqueness of musical packaging in Jamaica and the Caribbean. The conversation underscores the importance of celebrating this interconnectedness and recognizing the shared history within the Black diaspora. By discussing the evolution of genres like Afrobeats, Dancehall, and Soca, the hosts highlight the significance of not confining artists to specific categories and appreciating the fusion of different sounds.
Jess’s documentary “Roots, Rock, Reggae” promises to be a heartfelt exploration of music’s power to connect us all. Through her personal experiences and the broader narrative of Jamaican radio’s influence, Jess offers listeners a rich conversation about the roots and rhythms that define reggae music. The episode celebrates the cultural nuance and heritage that shape our favorite tunes, providing a deeper understanding of the universal love for soulful music.
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