Mista Savona

Jake Savona, aka Mista Savona, is arguably Australia's leading exponent of roots reggae and dancehall music, with international releases under his belt and the recent release in Australia of Melbourne Meets Kingston - the first ever album length collaboration between Australian and Jamaican musicians. Released earlier this year to widespread critical claim, it has been hailed as “one of the most important releases of 2007” by 3D World, “pure excitement…a fantastic exercise in cross-cultural collaboration” by Sydney Morning Herald, and respected reggae DJ and broadcaster Jesse I is calling it “a landmark for Australian music…the strongest reggae album produced in this country to date”.

Recorded in Jamaica and Australia, the album features the incredible vocal talents of some of Jamaica’s most renowned artists – Anthony B, Big Youth, Lisa Dainjah, Determine and more – and successfully blends them with the instrumental and vocal skills of some of Australia’s finest musicians, including members of Bomba, Diafrix, The Cruel Sea, The Red Eyes, True Live, and Illzilla. Jake’s world class production skills effortlessly bring these diverse influences into a cohesive whole, resulting in an incredible 21 track album which is one of the most exciting and original releases to ever come out of Australia.

To perform this music live, Jake has brought together an incredible 10 piece band, including a horn section, African dancers and Melbourne vocalist Vida Sunshyne (whose credits include work with Nitin Sawhney and Lionel Richie) - and his show is by far the toughest and most exciting presentation of authentic, raw roots reggae and dancehall music in this country.

Melbourne Meets Kingston is a beautifully packaged disc complete with a stunning 24 page booklet, and is available in Australia and New Zealand through Elefant Traks/Inertia on both CD and double 12” vinyl. Other releases include 'Invasion Day' (2004, available at www.cdbaby.com/cd/savona), 'Bass & Roots' (2001, Didgeridoo Records) and look for forthcoming releases with artists Ras Bin Sam, Big Youth, ALton Ellis, Prince Alla and more.