Traditionalists or progressives? Fronted by the charismatic Jamaican-born singer and songwriter Nee Nee Rushie, the seven-piece New York band The Big Takeover plays original music that is rooted in and reverent toward the genres and rhythms of Jamaican pop: reggae, rocksteady, ska. They are devotees of Desmond Dekker and the way the old school did it.  At the same time, The Big Takeover crosses lines and blends traditions like global pop fusionists. Their deceptively complex arrangements and big hooks connect with the spirit of Motown and the uptown sophistication of the 21st century retro soul and R&B revival scene.

“Led by the powerhouse, Jamaican-born singer and songwriter NeeNee Rushie, The Big Takeover's horn-powered global blend reveals deep fluency in reggae and world music, hints of soul and Motown, and their own infectious brand of pop classicism.” — John Burdick

Princess Kikou is a New Hampshire based World Beat group which draws heavily from Afro-Caribbean influences as well as modern Pop and Roots Rock. Made up of a core of musicians: Jon Tshibambi on Bass, Simon Gray on Guitar, John Meehan the fifth on Saxophone, and Garth Tichy on Drums, Princess Kikou also features a rotating ensemble of guest players. Blending together the Indie-Rock origins of a separate project, Blue Motel, and the globe-spanning influences of each of its members, Princess Kikou creates a unique, danceable sound, full of multi-lingual harmonies and syncopated rhythms.