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Tessera

by Christos DC

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    Christos DC’s fourth album release Tessera (the number four in Greek), mines the deepest wells of reggae’s talent pools, while highlighting a diverse range of styles. The heavyweight first single from the album, “Speak the Fire,” features up-and-coming Bulgarian artist Zafayah and the production powerhouse unit The Skankin Monks. It was released in April and the video, which premiered on Reggaeville, was filmed entirely in Goa, India. Christos also teams up with Akae Beka (Vaughn Benjamin of Midnite) on the impassioned tune “What is Happening,” and leads the powerful anthemic collaboration “Communion” with Harrison Stafford, the voice of Groundation, and Kenyatta Hill, son of the legendary Joseph Hill of Culture. Paying homage to musical inspirations and heritage beyond the reggae world, he offers an emotional cover of Neil Young’s “Heart of Gold;” a rocksteady rendition of the obscure Nina Simone gem “The Desperate Ones;” and a roots reggae take on the classic Greek tune “Ρολόι κομπολόι (Watch Rosary)” embellished with epic horn and flute arrangements.

    Other standout tracks include the lyrical, bass-rich “Say What You Want” and “Pressure” – both of which were mixed by dub mixologist Tippy I Alfred of I Grade Records and Zion I Kings collective. The last tune on the album and the only instrumental, “Boots and Tie,” features Christos playing talk box guitar over a rare Sly & Robbie / Taxi Gang track originally recorded at Channel One Studios in 1980.

    Includes unlimited streaming of Tessera via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ... more
    ships out within 3 days
    edition of 500 
    Purchasable with gift card

      $8 USD or more 

     

  • Full Digital Discography

    Get all 19 Christos DC releases available on Bandcamp and save 15%.

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality downloads of Matchbox, Crisis 2.0 In Dub (I Grade Dub Mixes), Crisis 2.0, Be of Knowledge feat. Nick Sefakis, The Skankin Monks, Self Evident Dub, Self Evident, Self Evident, Rise Up, and 11 more. , and , .

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1.
Speak The Fire (C. Vrenios, P. Zafirov) Hey Lord Lord Lord… Spread the fire, share the word the world requires. Speak the fire, speak the truth The world will remember. Hold the pace, keep moving forward. Don't look back, get caught up in the mirror. A message of love is what we're here to deliver, Speak the fire. Spread the fire, share the love that the world it really requires. Ooo Speak the fire, if struggle is what you face the love is the answer. Which kind of fire dat? One drop, me say Across the border Inna every country True to the Father Love humanity Bredda, speak honestly Sister, show your quality Word, Sound & Power Outta the mic chanter’s mouth Deep inna your heart Disya fire can't out Pass me the lighter Mek we burn the lambsbread Cuz this ya fire haffi spread Spread the Fire (Spread disya musical fire) Share the word that the world it really requires (Share the word to the world Make it heard) Speak the fire (Speak disya musical fire) Speak the fire, speak the truth the world will remember. (From January to December) Love is the frequency of which the creator lyrics to one another, it's the fire, deep inside the heart that feeds the desire. Show some love and respect to one another, speak the fire. Spread the fire. And if your voice is the wind mek your love be the fire Spread it all over And if your will is your wings Sure you a go get higher true you haffi endeavor Spread The Fire (And they really gonna hear what you say) Musical fire (Don’t give up when you’re one step away) tell it do them now Spread the Fire (Spread dis ya musical fire) Speak the fire Show some love and respect to one another, Speak the fire. Spread the fire.
2.
Human Dignity (C. Vrenios) Respect and human dignity Will carry along the long long road of life. No more war mentality, Virtue can be lost inside the vice...  I say, the struggle can be double when you choose the wrong fight, in life. When you loose your faith or when you loose your sight. Clean heart and actions of integrity is what we need, to hold, to carry the heavy load along the long long road of life. Talk your walk and keep no secret, truth be told that time will reveal it. Whether your first one up or whether you last one down thank god that your still around. When you close your eyes do you see, the truth and reality. Respect and human dignity is what we need along the long long road of life. No more war mentality.  Virtue can be lost inside the vice.  Talk your walk, and keep no secret. Truth be told, time will reveal it. Clean heart, and actions of integrity is what we need,to hold  as we carry the heavy heavy load along the long long road of life. No matter if your wrong or if your right, if your standing on the right side of life. Do you hear?
3.
Life 04:06
Life (C. Vrenios) Life..... you want what you wish for. (life) But you take what your handed. Your works will be consistent if you choose to live progressive. Life within itself is a success. A life without a friend, a life without a witness. A lifetime in court is a shortcut to hell,  life is a gift we're given, your actions will speak quite well.  Life... if  but a dream then let me be awakened. (Life) Use the gift that is given before it gets taken. Life, gives us a choice choose your direction. In a world of mystery you have to search for explanation. Yesterday is gone, tomorrow may never come. (repeat) Life....but a dream for the wise, and a  game for the fool. A comedy for the rich, A tragedy for the poor. So it is above it is below.. so it is above it is below
4.
5.
Come Along 00:56
Come along, come along, come along..
6.
Ρολόι-κομπολόι (Watch rosary) (Anna Bakritzi) A clock I gave you That I was looking at when you were running That I was looking at when you were running And I asked if you loved me I'll give it the clock And I will get a rosary To measure the whims And sighs Now you are not in my arms And my heart the jealousy eats What to do such a clock Every beat and laughter I'll give it the clock And I will get a rosary To measure the whims And sighs
7.
Say What You Want (C. Vrenios) Say what you want, mean what you're saying. You say what you want, mean what you're saying. They say the tongue it has no home, but it can break your bones. The tongue of bad friends cut just like a knife. Could save your life, or take it twice. Say not all you know but believe in what you're saying. Say not all you know but believe not all you hear. The word is like a bird, once it flies you just can't catch it. From thought to tongue through mouth for all to hear. So say what you want, mean what you're saying.
8.
What Is Happening (C. Vrenios, V. Benjamin) Tell me what is happening, tell me what is happening. What's happened to I love of humanity. What happened to our leaders sanity. Which happened to our care and generosity. Which happened to police mentality. Treating our people with brutality, hey.. tell me what is happening In an age of evolution and information. Growth in means of exploitation Overconsumption of miss information, Tell me what is happening, Hey, tell me what is happening Emperor Haile Selassie I The first. Speak the absolute ultimatum to the earth. Without sugar in nostalgia or idealism unrealistic power. Humans exceeded the barrier before On the other side of the flood of Noor. I-asis Kingdom of Utopia. Spiritual interaction behavior. Not superficial but interior, demonstrated to the whole world Jah.  The dread build a catacomb Rasta, walking into the modern era, Transformation, communication, commonality utterer in contemporary pop culture Lion whoa.,  in incendiary no man culture, ricochet and create more fire The beast of Jah lack a cool water. As biotech bring more exposure. The firmament still de full of wonder, Negative is self-canceling power. Emperor highly Selassie I the first, speak the absolute ultimatum to the earth. Without sugar in nostalgia. Idealism, unrealistic for. Humans exceeded the barrier before, on the other side of the flood of Noor I-asis Kingdom of Utopia
9.
Pressure 04:47
Pressure (C. Vrenios) Pressure that they living under. Pressure that they living under. Oh what oppression, what a pressure that they living under (repeat). Full-time pressure dem a living under. Turn good people into street hustler. When you look into the ghetto see them on the corner Shot dem a lick see them  run like water  See what oppression, pressure that they live in what oppression pressure that they living under Uptown the rich see them living sweeter, Downtown they break their back just to make a dollar, but I know why life for some is so much harder, cause when you look into the ghetto area, you see such oppression ,say what a pressure that they're living under I know what the pressure, what a pressure that they're living under... I say Babylon I charge you for murder, for slavery and mental torture Have to put on trial your new world order, revolution spread, tell you it a conquer Gonna lick your head like lightning and thunder Tell you that jah people can't take it any longer. Every day, more and more people just suffer. Just to get by they have to work much harder Oh what a pressure. What oppression that they living under ...
10.
Heart Of Gold (Neil Young) I want to live, I want to give I've been a miner for a heart of gold. It's these expressions I never give That keeps me searching for a heart of gold. And I'm getting old. Keeps me searching for a heart of gold And I'm getting old. I've been to Hollywood I've been to Redwood I crossed the ocean for a heart of gold. I've been in my mind, It's such a fine line That keeps me searching for a heart of gold And I'm getting old Keeps me searching for a heart of gold And I'm getting old. Keeps me searching for a heart of gold. You keep me searching and I'm growing old. Keeps me searching for a heart of gold I've been a miner for a heart of gold. Keeps me searching...
11.
Communion (C. Vrenios, A. Hill, H. Stafford) Communion of the mind is a union of the heart. (a pure love inna mi thought) Communion of the mind (we deh tell dem long time) is a union of the heart. Babylon keep calm, don't make the Rasta turned the heat on. Poor people can’t take the system weh a gwaan .. can't find no food so they youth a bust corn corn corn Yo Missa man in a your jacket and tie, Don't wan’ see the poor man them strive You a rip and you a rob and you a real shamfy Oh what a pity, reggae music lock down the whole damn city.  Babylon can't take it they muss ‘e sicky sicky The bass line hold dem like di sticky icky icky. Are you listening? Communion of the mind (we deh tell dem long time) Is the union of the heart (a straight love inna mi thought) Me and the music we reached a Heartical thought. Protecting creation from all of the wickedness that Babylon brought. Great King Selassie I gave a speech on to the nation rejecting war and segregation, It will be World communion without exception. All Jah people, throw out thy evil. All Jah people, throw out thy evil in this Communion of the mind (we deh tell dem long time) Is the union of the heart (a straight love inna mi thought) Social need in media, fed by propaganda and social economical hysteria. Everything you run down pon, can get jump out of hand.. Everything you run down pon, do you understand?
12.
BOOTS & TIE 03:26

about

Christos DC’s fourth album release Tessera (the number four in Greek), mines the deepest wells of reggae’s talent pools, while highlighting a diverse range of styles. The heavyweight first single from the album, “Speak the Fire,” features up-and-coming Bulgarian artist Zafayah and the production powerhouse unit The Skankin Monks. It was released in April and the video, which premiered on Reggaeville, was filmed entirely in Goa, India. Christos also teams up with Akae Beka (Vaughn Benjamin of Midnite) on the impassioned tune “What is Happening,” and leads the powerful anthemic collaboration “Communion” with Harrison Stafford, the voice of Groundation, and Kenyatta Hill, son of the legendary Joseph Hill of Culture. Paying homage to musical inspirations and heritage beyond the reggae world, he offers an emotional cover of Neil Young’s “Heart of Gold;” a rocksteady rendition of the obscure Nina Simone gem “The Desperate Ones;” and a roots reggae take on the classic Greek tune “Ρολόι κομπολόι (Watch Rosary)” embellished with epic horn and flute arrangements.

Other standout tracks include the lyrical, bass-rich “Say What You Want” and “Pressure” – both of which were mixed by Dub mixologist Tippy I Alfred of I Grade Records and Zion I Kings collective. The last tune on the album and the only instrumental, “Boots and Tie,” features Christos playing talk box guitar over a rare Sly & Robbie / Taxi Gang track originally recorded at Channel One Studios in 1980.

.

credits

released July 28, 2017

SPEAK THE FIRE Zafayah, Skankin Monks
(C. Vrenios, P. Zafirov, Skankin Monks)

Vocals: Christos DC & Zafayah, Drums & Percussion: Chris Elandt, Bass & Guitar: Mike Knabe, Keys: Sander Baas, Chant by Sadhu Ananda

HUMAN DIGNITY The Skankin Monks
(C. Vrenios, Skankin Monks)

Vocals: Christos DC, Drums & Percussion: Chris Elandt, Bass & Guitar: Mike Knabe, Keys: Sander Baas,
Sax: Rob Berends, Trombone: Obed Brinkman, Trumpet: Ruud Kleiss

LIFE
(C. Vrenios)

Vocals: Christos DC, Drums & Percussion: Joslyn "Speckle" McKenzie, Bass & Guitar: Christos DC, Keys: Earl “Mitch” Michelin, Sax: Brian Falkowski, Trumpet: Joseph Brotherton

THE DESPERATE ONES
(E.Blau, G. Jouanest, M. Shuman) * Inspired by Nina Simone’s rendition from the album “Nina Simone and Piano.”

Vocals: Christos DC, Drums & Percussion: Joslyn "Speckle" McKenzie, Bass: Dwayne Clunie, Guitar: Christos DC, Keys: Earl “Mitch” Michelin, Sax: Brian Falkowski, Trombone: Brian Priebe, Trumpet: Joseph Brotherton

COME ALONG
(C. Vrenios)

Vocals: Christos DC, Drums: Joslyn "Speckle" McKenzie, Drum programing & all additional instruments
by Christos DC

ΡΟΛΌΙ-ΚΟΜΠΟΛΌΙ (WATCH-ROSARY)
(A. Bakritzi, G. Bithikotsis) 

Vocals: Christos DC, Drums & Percussion: Kenneth Joseph, Bass: Pierre Stone, Rhythm Guitar: Christos DC, 
Acoustic Guitar: Gregory “Tanash” Tanyi, Keys & Drum Programming: Darryl “Trane” Burke, Flute & Sax: 
Brian Falkowski, Trombone: Brian Priebe, Trumpet: Joseph Brotherton


SAY WHAT YOU WANT
(C. Vrenios)

Vocals: Christos DC, Drums & Percussion: Leslie “BLACKSEED” James Jr., Bass: Dwayne Clunie, Guitar & Talk Box: Christos DC, Keys: Darryl “Trane” Burke & Earl “Mitch” Michelin, Sax: Brian Falkowski, Trumpet: Joseph Brotherton

WHAT IS HAPPENING Akae Beka
(C. Vrenios, V. Benjamin)

Vocals: Akae Beka & Christos DC, Drums & Percussion: Leslie “BLACKSEED” James Jr., Bass, Guitar & Organ Guitar: Christos DC, Keys: Darryl “Trane” Burke, Organ Bubble: Laurent “Tippy I” Alfred

PRESSURE
(C. Vrenios, Jah Pelikaho, L. Dunbar, R. Shakespeare)

Vocals: Christos DC, Drums & Percussion: Leslie “BLACKSEED” James Jr, Bass, Guitar: Christos DC, Keys: Darryl “Trane” Burke, Organ Bubble: Laurent “Tippy I” Alfred, Sax: Herb Scott, Trumpet: Joseph Brotherton

HEART OF GOLD
(N. Young)

Vocals: Christos DC, Drums & Percussion: Leslie “BLACKSEED” James Jr, Bass: Stephen "Big Yard" Samuels, Guitar, Harmonica & Juice Harp: Christos DC, Piano & Organ: Darryl “Trane” Burke, Clavinet & Organ: Earl "Mich" Michelin, Sax: Herb Scott

COMMUNION Harrison Stafford, Kenyatta Hill
(C. Vrenios, A. Hill, H. Stafford)

Vocals: Christos DC, Kenyatta Hill & Harrison Stafford, Drums & Percussion: Joslyn "Speckle" McKenzie, Bass: Pierre Stone, Guitar: Christos DC & Eduardo G., Keys: Darryl “Trane” Burke, Earl “Mitch” Michelin, Sax: Megan Nortrup, Trombone: Paul Hamilton III

BOOTS & TIE
(C. Vrenios, B. Phillips, L. Dunbar, R. Shakespeare)

Vocals & Juice Harp: Christos DC, Drums & Percussion: Lowell “Sly” Dunbar, Bass: Robert “Robbie” Shakespeare, Guitar: Willie Lindo & Christos DC, Keys: Robbie Lyn, Darryl “Trane” Burke, sax: Brian Falkowski, Trombone: Ronald “Nambo” Robinson, Trumpet: Joseph Brotherton


All songs produced by Christos DC & Darryl “Trane” Burke except tracks #1, 2 *(produced by Christos DC & The Skankin Monks).
Track #5 produced by Christos DC
All songs recorded at Honest Music Studio by D. Burke & C. Vrenios except tracks #1,2 & 12
Recorded & Mixed by Skankin Monks at De Geluiderij Studio, Amsterdam, NL #1, 2, 3 ,4
Recorded at Channel One Studio by Anthony “Soljie” Hamilton #12
Mixed by Frank Marchand at Hudson Street Sound #12
Mixed by Thomas Blondet at Rhythm & Culture Studio #5
Mixed by Laurent “Tippy I” Alfred at Aqua Sounds Studio, STX #6,7,8,9,10,11
Mastered by Laurent “Tippy I” Alfred at Aqua Sounds Studio, STX
Publishers: Honest Music DC (ASCAP), Schethlya Publishing (BMI), King Bebo (ASCAP), okt (BMI)
Artwork by Maria Papaefstathiou www.itsjustme.net
Executive Produced by Honest Music
Honest Music ©℗ 2017 www.honestmusicdc.com | www.christosdc.com

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Christos DC Washington, D.C.

Reggae artist/ producer Christos DC was born & raised in DC by parents who sang opera professionally. He takes his name from his Greek heritage to represent the lineage. His deep appreciation for the sounds coming out of Kingston, Jamaica that led him to produce and record w/ legends Sly & Robbie, The Itals, Augustus Pablo, Sugar Minott, Don Carlos of Black Uhuru, Thievery Corporation & more... ... more

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