A Reggae Session

A Reggae Session is a groundbreaking music television program that aired on Ovation in 1988. Notable for its vibrant approach to showcasing the world of Reggae music, this show meticulously blended live performances, interviews, and engaging cultural explorations to create an authentic representation of one of the most influential music genres worldwide.

At its core, A Reggae Session designed to immerse viewers into the rich, pulsating world of Reggae music, highlighting its origins, the driving narratives, and its lasting impact on global music. This televised event sought to cement Reggae's position as a powerful voice in the world, influencing not only music but social attitudes and understanding.

Each episode takes place over two-hours, featuring some of the biggest names in Reggae at the time, including reggae legends such as Jimmy Cliff, Ziggy Marley, Toots Hibbert, Bishop Desmond Tutu, and The Wailers. Boldly venturing beyond simply presenting music, the show artistically depicted Jamaican culture, specifically giving attention to how it intertwines with Reggae music. The lyrics sung by these musicians were not just sounds; they were tales soaked in the ethos of Jamaican life, often speaking to the political, social and economic climate of the time.

In addition to showcasing performances, A Reggae Session unfolds like a journey through Reggae’s history, with specific attention to Afro-Caribbean roots. It expanded the common narrative to highlight the strong African influence on the genre, making note of how certain drum patterns, melodies, and lyrical themes in Reggae are traceable to African musical traditions. Through enlightening interviews and discussions, audience members were given an upfront view of the influence of history and culture on modern Reggae music.

Epoch-making as it was, A Reggae Session was also keen on exploring the contemporary Reggae scene. It dared to delve into the 'Dancehall' scene giving it equal airtime as the roots scene. It vividly documented Dancehall's growth from underground parties in Kingston's ghettos to the mainstream, music-banging, light-flashing hype that we see today.

Instrumental in bringing some of these less known artists to the fore, A Reggae Session served as an important platform for emerging reggae artists to share their music and voices. It marked as a turning point in the global appreciation and reception of Reggae, spotlighting its unique cultural significance and unmatchable vibrancy. Plus, thanks to its nationwide reach back in 1988, it helped to reinforce, preserve, and expand Reggae’s fan base across the United States.

Production wise, the series’ approach was intimate and exploratory. The show beautifully balanced the elements of music, culture and interviews, giving each the attention it deserved. The close-up shots during performances allowed viewers to see artists' emotions, effectively capturing the passion with which they delivered each note, each word, and each rhythm - a key aspect of connecting the audience with the heart and soul of Reggae.

Different segments followed interesting formats including panel discussions with musicians, interviews that revealed personal tales of the artists, glimpses of their struggles and triumphs, musical performances that served as pure expression from the soul and even behind-the-scene access to recordings, etc.

In essence, A Reggae Session portrayed Reggae as a thriving, all-encompassing world. Poignant and entertaining, the show represented a paradigm shift in the way Reggae music was understood and appreciated globally. It was more than a music show; it was a cultural tapestry that celebrated the much-loved music genre that is Reggae, allowing it to transcend geographical boundaries and etch a permanent mark on the cultural consciousness of the world.

In conclusion, A Reggae Session from Ovation in 1988 presented an unfiltered, enriching, and captivating look into Reggae music, its roots, its evolution, and its revolution. It was and still is a must-watch for Reggae lovers, music historians, and anyone intrigued to understand the powerful impact of this genre on global music and culture.