Reggae & Dancehall Vinyl 394 Items

Al Brown was inspired to write the single ‘Proverb’ after spending hours hunched over his bible in Spanish Town as a youth. He had become known for his more commercial covers of singer Al Green material, but ‘Proverb’ was one of the few tunes that he recorded that were roots inspired and has become highly sought after.

Recorded at Channel One with Ernest Hookim engineering, who did an excellent job of squeezing out a thumping horns led tune. The inspired version on the flip has Lloyd Parks on bass and the singer Derek Lara on drums. The Seventh Extension Band was the house band of the Zodiac label. Not a tight knit band as such, but built built around singers Bunny Lara and Derek Lara. ‘Words spoke in haste will all go to waste so be cool’. True thing Al. Comes in hand stamped bag.

Features contributions from Bruce Smith (The Pop
Group), Style Scott (Roots Radics) and Deadly
Headley (The Wailers).

Re-cut at Dubplates & Mastering in Berlin for
maximum bass pressure. Includes printed inner
with sleevenotes by Steve Barker (‘On The Wire’),
plus download card for full album.

1 december 1944, Thiaroye military camp, right outside of Dakar, Senegal. 1600 French soldiers of West African origin (Benin, Mali, Ivory Coast, Tchad, Senegal , Gabon, Togo etc.) have been quickly evacuated by the French Army during what was subsequentially called the ‘whitening of the colonial troops’ that happened before the armistice signature. The soldiers are awaiting to be paid for their war effort. Things go sideways, protests erupt, and the French military staff decides to open fire. The official number of casualties is 35, although various sources claim several hundred people died on that fatal day. Since then, several artists have grasped that difficult topic, screaming for recognition and reparation. Such is the case with a young Senegalese musician and singer named Maxidilick Adioa, with his very first single ever released, ‘Toubab Bile’, in 1987. At that time, Adioa had been living in France for a few years. He was considered a master percussionist, playing, recording and touring alongside the great Ivorian artist Alpha Blondy. He had just written a beautiful tune, ‘Nao’, for Aminata Fall, one of the biggest actress and singers in Senegal. It seemed like a good time to launch his solo career. Toubab Bilé remains Adioa’s biggest hit to this day, and one of the best African reggae tune ever recorded. Adioa ended up signing an album deal with Chris Blackwell’s Island records and toured the world endlessly during the following years. In 2012, François Hollande was the first French President to officially mention and pay tribute to the Thiaroye massacre in a speech.

Prepare to be captivated by the soul-stirring melodies of Abe Broadway's timeless masterpiece "Take Away." Despite his brief career and recording less than a handful of songs, each one serves as a testament to his talent. Notably, he self-produced all of his works with unwavering dedication, leaving an unforgettable impact that continues to resonate.

"Take Away" was originally recorded in late 1972, and the composition showcases the musical brilliance of the early The Upsetters band (before disbanding and forming other groups). It includes the talented organist Glen Adams, brothers Aston Barrett on bass and the unmistakable Carlton Barrett on drums, the soulful trombone melodies of Vin Gordon, and the skilled guitar work of Alva Lewis. Unfortunately, "Take Away" suffered from bootlegging a few years ago. However, we are delighted to bring you the long-awaited legitimate reissue of this remarkable song.

"Take Away" continues to shine as an absolute gem that withstands the test of time and tugs at your heart. And with this highly anticipated reissue, its brilliance can be savored anew.