Press Kit

RAS JAMMIE

All-original homegrown American reggae, Jamaican ska, and island music from Oregon-based singer-songwriter Ras Jammie.

Booking: (520) 861-3649  // originalrootsreggae@rasjammie.com

Artist Overview

Ras Jammie, also known as James W. Rouse Jr., is a singer-songwriter, percussionist, arranger, producer, and recording artist creating all-original homegrown American reggae with Jamaican ska, island rhythms, soulful harmonies, and powerful lyrics.

Based in Eugene, Oregon, Ras Jammie brings a commanding baritone voice and a deep catalog of original songs to festivals, clubs, private events, community celebrations, reggae nights, and cultural gatherings.

Set List Highlights

“I Got Works To Do” | “Gwan” | “Bump De Time” | “Hungry Lion” | “Love of Money” | “Runnin” | “Mr. Collie Man” | “Which One Would You Choose”

Quick Facts

  • Song topics and lyrics arise from current events, history, personal experiences, and even a line from a food and travel show.
  • Music and lyrics are written together and sometimes in one sitting.
  • Ras Jammie considers himself a storyteller more than a songwriter.

Discography and Media Highlights

  • Multiple full-length roots reggae releases on RoV Roots Creations/Rouse Your Spirits, such as I Got Works To Do, Forward To The Root, and Thin Line
  • Dub releases featuring original Ras Jammie material with the latest release being Ras Jammie Dubs: Way Over The Line
  • “Sometimey People” featured on a UK reggae radio compilation
  • Live hand drumming and chanting featured on Saturday Symphony: Hometown Hearts

Biography

Born in New York State with diverse family roots from Jamaica and the Geechi Islands of North Carolina, Ras Jammie later migrated through Berkeley, California and Tucson, Arizona, where he owned and operated Rouse Your Spirits Recording Studio. Now based in Oregon, he continues to write, record, and perform original reggae music through his RoV Roots Creations/Rouse Your Spirits label.

Sound and Influences

Ras Jammie’s sound combines old-school Jamaican reggae, Motown-inspired soul riddims, roots reggae, ska, and island grooves. His music has been described as “homegrown American reggae”, with songs built around jammin’ rhythms, heavy bass, soulful harmonies, and direct, memorable lyrics.

Reviews & Press Quotes

“…Uncompromising reggae…makes Peter Tosh sound like Desmond Dekker”

Reviewer: Tom Orr
www.reggae-reviews.com
May 2007

Ras Jammie has got one low, deep voice. The Tucson, Arizona-based dread comes on like Prince Far I without so much gravel, and the authority he conveys is one reason Thin Line is a disc that casts a considerable spell. Long, dubby riddims is another; though there are only ten songs, the total playing time is 54 minutes and many tracks stretch out to a point of permeation where you’d swear you’ve just had a lungful of ganja even if there’s none within reach. But back to Jammie’s voice. Despite the fact that he commands attention by making Peter Tosh sound like Desmond Dekker, Jammie isn’t exactly a golden-voiced singer. Even so, he gets by perfectly well by intoning around the low, low register in a measured, mildly often dramatic manner that makes the words stick. He utilizes some calypso-like phrasing on “Daddy Won’t Mind”, infuses “Anxiety Attack” with an appropriately fearful tone, scats with joyful deejay gruffness through “Froggy” and at times surrounds his lead singing with spectral backing vocals that provide eerie, pleasantly murky contrast. Plus, it’s nice to hear reggae that’s so sonically uncompromising; unlike some popish stuff that softens the bottom end, the bass here is mercilessly heavy, holding the unhurried tempos as firmly as the vocals. An unassuming work full of quirky, compelling singing and a steadfast reggae foundation, Thin Line is thick with pleasure. (release: Thin Line)

Less gritty than Prince Far I…lyrics are deep and full of meaning

[translated from French] [“Sometimey People”] lyrics are deep and full of meaning. Ras is not at all the “sometimey”” genre. Anyway! He throws himself bluntly. We are faced with something that has everything to do with drama, hear these little angelic choirs that support the lead vocal… the contrast is striking and Jah knows he does not like these “sometimey” people.” I have the same problem, as too often we cross or play hide and seek with these people. One day you kiss, then another, after realizing that you would be in the area, immediately turn heel to run to the other end of the shop. Ras Jammie is less gritty than our dear Prince Far I yet not lacking less authority! (release: UKRG Presents, Volume 1 reggae compilation, “Sometimey People” by Ras Jammie)
passiondureggae.over-blog.comFrance, 2011

…an independent release with a sound all its own

Ras Jammie returns with Thin Line (RoV), an independent release with a sound all its own. Recording at his own Rouse Your Spirits studio in Tucson, AZ, Ras Jammie draws on his Jamaican roots in creating his own brand of homegrown American reggae. Backed by the Man Alive Band, which combines a fat drum sound with soaring keys, skank guitar chops, crisp synth horn lines and rumbling bass, his lyrics cover a wide range of topics from “Sampson and Delilah” and “Runaway Slave” (on which he deftly blends an early American spiritual style with reggae) to “Froggy,” “Anxiety Attack” and “Sometimey People.” There’s even a little lecture on love (“Daddy Won’t Mind”) thrown in for good measure. Ras Jammie has a deep, resonant voice that seems to gain confidence with each new release, a sure sign of an artist who’s headed in the right direction. (release: Thin Line)

Chuck FosterThe Beat, Vol. 26 • No. 1, 2007

…Great vibes…awesome…

Yes, star. These tunes pon ur player are awesome, great vibes I say!

King Singha, Great BritainSoundCloud, February 2012

…Regards from down under

I featured some more of your material [from Hungry Lion and Thin Line] in the last couple of shows. I’m really enjoying the O-Dub release, too (O-Dub Meets Ras Jammie In A Lion’s Den]. I hope you get plenty of positive feedback…it is very deserving. Regards from down under.

DJ Sista Selecta2Bob Radio, 104.7 , FM, Taree, New South Wales, Australia

…exciting dub versions… and upbeat reggae songs

Ras Jammie has two recordings on the RoV label. O-Dub Meets Ras Jammie In A Lion’s Den presents exciting dub versions of Jammie’s music. The other album, Thin Line, presents Ras Jammie with his Man Alive Band, showcasing an engaging collection of upbeat reggae songs. (releases: O-Dub Meets Ras Jammie In A Lion’s Den and Thin Line)

A. RomeroWorld Music Central, December 13, 2007

…a vibe straight from Jamaica….the lyrics come from the heart

You may want to call this fresh perspective on roots reggae “desert reggae” since its creator is from Tucson. Wherever he is from, the music has a vibe straight from Jamaica with interesting touches in dub beats and instrumentation. Vocally sounding almost like a mellowed out rastafied Chuck D, the lyrics come from the heart. The music pulses in unique but undeniably catchy ways. (release: Hungry Lion)

Mark E. WaterburyMusic Morsels, January 2007