Biography
BASS ODYSSEY Sound System is the home of Jamaica’s best deejays & selectors. “Our musicians are trained to be best of both worlds in the sound system industry; and continue to captivate music lovers around the globe with the unique juggling and clashing of Reggae and Dancehall music.”
‘From way out in the country’ Bass Odyssey hails from the hills of St. Ann, also the birthplace of Reggae icons Bob Marley and Burning Spear, to represent Jamaica on a global scale. Arguably the most popular sound system, it is most respected and continues to dominate the Jamaican music arena after 23 years. Having won several sound clash titles over the years, most recent of which include War Territory 4 (Italy 2012), Sound Fi Dead (New York 2011), Guinness Sounds of Greatness (Jamaica 2010); Bass Odyssey is known as the ‘World Champion Sound’. In addition to sound clash appearances, Bass Odyssey has weekly performances around Jamaica, frequent in the Caribbean, United States and South America as well as tours in Europe, the United Kingdom, Japan and Canada. Also, increasing demand should result in tours of Africa and other lands in the near future.
Bass Odyssey is widely recognized for their vast collection of dub-plates and specials, ranging from icons to current hot-steppers, used to deliver their renowned hardcore juggling style.
“The Legacy” started in 1989 by Keith Walford, has produced Legends in the arena; among them Kevin ‘Squingy’ Bennett (1972- 2009). The current team boasts a host of young talent who continue to play music “zee original Bass Odyssey style” of mostly dub-plates and specials; Worm, Damion, DJ Keithy Keith, DJ Lexxy , DJ Dwayne, Country Speng, Charley Blacks, Bishawn, Villy, Harry D and DJ Rat. Former members include Squingy, Glamma G, Tinner One, Lenny, Dj Mark & Skinny.
Bass Odyssey strives for growth, versatility and creativity in the music business. “We are on a mission to take Jamaican music and culture to the world; blessing up people with a truly natural vibration”.
RECOLLECTION OF A FAN [ UN-EDITED ]
Bless up to the whole crew. To Father Keith from back in the days when I was a bank teller in Brown’s Town and the I used to pass thru. From the days of Thinna One when the likkle gray nissan used to carry the turn-table from Mandeville to Bumber Lawn, Claremont. To the days of Squingy from White River Park Bash when the Buju ‘murderer’ dub kill 8 sounds. Dj Mark from school days, spinning with Ninja in Browns Town every Friday. Even though you were a genius in school work you transfer the energy to music and is one of the few yutes dat nobody dont disrespect in the biz just like at York Castle. Big up Glama G too as I can’t forget the early days of the musical twins ‘Glama and Squingy’. Dwayne from school days likewise, Worm big long time trodding love how yuh step up now. To the new yutes dem that I’m not really familiar with yet. Mek mi try sey like the Tanya Stephens ‘O What a Day dub’ – Mark, Squingy, Worm, Damion, Harry d, Lexxy, Charley Glock, Speng, Vilmore, Keithy….. but the energy is that classic cannot imitiable Bass Odyssey “country” sound. Bass Odyssey is more than a dub loaded sound, its more than the best juggling sound, is more than the best team of selectors… Bass Odyssey represent the poorest people of the Jamaica countryside who are ridiculed, scorned, seen as backward and unintelligent.
Even the Christian going to church feel the joy from the togetherness that B. O. brings to people and communities. B.O. represents the hope within and the encouragement that you can make it no matter where you’re from. B.O. show that you dont have to go to a top university or claim the term musicologist to make the old and young dance together on Christmas eve, New Years Day or Easter Monday in St D’ Acre. Bass Odyssey is the reason I feel proud to say country for life. I may be wrong but I recall Bass Odyssey from 1989. That’s 17 (at the time this was written circa de 2006) years of championing the hearts minds and grit of the people of country. Keep it up. Jah Guide. — —I could go on and on – the full has never been told — thanks for the add.
Contributed by a Solid Bass Odyssey patron over the years. Respect and Manners. Bless.