Roots & Culture Vinyl 172 Items

All Nations Records offers another splendid roots tune produced at Conscious Sounds studio by master chief Dougie Wardrop. This is another great one drop riddim with the notable participation of some top musicians regularly working for that studio: I David on keys, Hughie Izachaar on guitar and bass and Zinxx on drums! With the addition of great lyricist Danny Red from Kingston Jamaica delivering another very relevant song warning all bad minded men to not trouble any roots daughter, this is a very fine roots tune fit for 2022

Corcs Drum&Organ is exactly that, an instrumental two piece formed by Oriol Casas on the drums and Joan Sobrevals on the organ. This 7” captures two of their first recordings together, ‘Cory Wong’ by Vulfpeck, and the classic ‘A Message To You Rudi” by The Specials. This single is part of the collection of 7” celebrating the 15th anniversary of the label Buenritmo Records.

Rabadàb is the side project of four musicians that also play in bands such as L’Home Llop & The Astramats, The Pepper Pots, Thorpedians, Corcs Drum&Organ or The Island Defenders. In Rabadàb they cover Christmas and traditional songs in the style of Jamaican music like ‘Los Peces En El Río’ and ‘El Petit Vailet’. This single is part of the collection of 7” celebrating the 15th anniversary of the label Buenritmo Records.

Released in the UK as part of Brooks’ ‘One Love’ album in the early 1980s, ‘No War Over Woman’ was originally recorded at Channel One around 1975, with musicians apparently including Sly & Robbie rhythm section, Ansel Collins on keys and Deadly Headley on saxophone, and mixed at King Tubby’s. It is arguably the first time it gets issued as a 7’’ single including a version on the flip side. Extra tip: roots fans will recognise the riddim from Knowledge’s monumental ‘Stumbing Block’, which appeared on the Tamoki Wambesi label.

"Grammy-winning outfit Black Uhuru is one of the most known and beloved reggae bands of all times. The group was formed in 1972 in Waterhouse, Kingston. Initially known simply as ‘Uhuru’ (the Swahili word for ‘freedom’) it was formed by the likes of Garth Dennis, Don Carlos and Duckie Simpson. But it wasn’t until 1977, when Errol Nelson and Michael Rose joined Duckie to replace Carlos and Dennis, that they started to build a solid reputation both in Jamaica and the UK with a stream of now legendary albums. African Love is part of Black Uhuru’s debut album ‘Love Crisis’, produced and mixed by Prince Jammy in 1977. The somehow ‘raw’ production quality of this early versions allows the listener to sink into the band’s unmistakable talent."

We are happy to unveil a new collaboration with prolific Jamaican singer and producer Mike Brooks. Born in the Westmoreland parish in the early 1950s, Mike Brooks’ journey in music kicked off around the legendary Channel One studio where he was involved with Lloyd Park’s Skin Flesh and Bones band for some time, before devoting himself to singing and producing, mainly through his own ‘Teams’ label.

Here comes a next 12” in the “Songs Of Upliftment” series. This time with the dubplate provider Jah Baker (part of the Rootikal Vibes HiFi sound system from Besançon, France) on the musical recipe. Two melodious steppas pieces out of his oven - each with a dub - to uplift and nourish mind and soul, while giving your bass box a proper test.

Highly regarded deep roots nugget from ’73 now twin-spinned with the famed Big Youth microphone attack. A first time Glen Brown rhythm coupling and a limited one-time press only, 7-inch-single with Pantomine label prints in a grey/white sleeve, both tracks mixed by Osbourne "King Tubby" Ruddock. European pressing.

Recut By The SOA Band of Freddie McKay's tune "Travelling Man". Dub on the flip side.

Following the inspiration of the great 70's Roots, Abeng drop this brand new Heavy Weight Roots track " Run Come Rally " spreading Gathering and Unity Vibes. After a long time of de-socialization "locked in Babylon, it's time to gather and be free" he sangs.

Abeng, the multi-instrumentalist "roots-head" arranges, plays and sings the whole track. This project signs a new co-operation for our label in order to follow our ideal of worldwide connections!!! Flip side "No Botha Dub" is the dub version coming from our friend Michael Exodus at the Dub Basement Studio in Rome.

Fresh heavyweight speaker-distressing business from The Disciples with a vocal track from the legendary Dixie Peach (Jah Tubbys, Fashion labels and many more).

Barry Bigg, killer roots tune from the 70's with King Tubby's Dub. On the flip, Robbie Lyn previously unreleased keyboard version.

Here comes a heartical salute to the golden Wackies times. A fresh riddim by King Stanley was voiced by Love Joy and Jah Batta at Forcemusic Studio (run by Wackies’ original bass player Jah T) and afterwards the project was given to the legendary trumpetist, producer, composer, arranger, engineer and general multi-instrumentalist Maurice "Azul" Clive Hunt aka Lizzard for mixing. The result: two tuff vocals on a driving riddim, beautifully mixed, presented with two (dub) versions. Press play and let the time traveling begin…

Two sought-after vocal tracks from influential British reggae band Rhythm-ites recorded in 1988.

The Slickers were an exciting Jamaican Rocksteady and Reggae group in the late 1960s and 1970s. Although their legendary song JOHNNY TOO BAD was included in the Jimmy Cliff movie THE HARDER THEY COME, their story is mostly unknown and full of hearsays and contradictions.
Here is our "version" of the story:
Firstly, it is often assumed that The Slickers were just an alias for The Pioneers but it seems now clear that they were in fact two distinct formations.
In fact, the group was formed by Derrick Crooks (of The Pioneers) and Winston Bailey (not to misunderstand with Winston "Shadow" Bailey a Calypso singer) around 1965. It seems that Derrick was the only constant member and the line-up was constantly changing and overlapping with both The Reggae Boys and The Pioneers.
Other known members were Derrick's brother Sydney Crooks, Roy Beckford (not to misunderstand with U-Roy), George Dekker and Abraham Green (later known as Ras Abraham) who joined at the time "Johnny Too Bad" was recorded in 1970. Abraham is said to have been the lead vocal on "Johnny Too Bad". Besides being featured on the soundtrack for the 1972 Jimmy Cliff film, the song was covered by the British reggae group UB40 and countless more.
The Slickers have recorded about 40 singles during the 60's and the '70s. It seems they disbanded after recording their second album BREAKTHROUGH in 1979...
Although nothing is written in stone about The Slickers, one sure fact is that they were a brilliant Rocksteady and Reggay band… Many of their singles were outstanding such as NANA, YOU CAN'T WIN, MAN BEWARE, JOHNNY TOO BAD and of course the two hot shots on this single: RUN FATTIE and HOOLA BULLA!

Oscure 80's Jamaican roots by Oswald 'Timbo' Stewart.

Talented singer who used to sing alongside Larry Marshall back in the 70's.

All Nations Records comes back again with a 12" composed and mixed by established sound system and rising producer Agobun out of Lille, France. It features the sweet voice of Jacko, well known by the french sound system followers, here singing in his unique style, about the constant efforts and works that man and woman shall do all their life to be a better person. In a pure sound tradition, this record comes with two dub cuts and a mesmerizing guitar cut that comes in as the cherry over the cake

We are glad to present to you the 1st Abeng Maxi 12'' : "Sun Will Rise" and "Eastern Lights" are two instrumentals based on the same riddim, one a way style Roots & Culture Music done during the LockDown of 2020. Mix and Dubwises are handled by Roberto Sanchez at A-Lone Ark Muzik Studio (es) , ready to play loud on your HiFi or Sound System!

About Carl Dawkins

Carl ‘Ras’ Dawkins was born on 1st August 1948 in Spanish Town, Jamaica, the son of a Jazz drummer… After moving to Kinston, young Carl attended Kingston Senior School where his classmates included the great Slim Smith and Jimmy Riley, two of the former “Techniques”. In 1967, at the tender age of 19, Carl recorded for Karl ‘J.J.’ Johnson some of his original compositions including ‘cBaby I Love You’, ‘Running Shoes’ and ‘Hard Time’ with the Carib Beats as a musical backing band. ‘Baby I Love You’ with ‘Hard Time’ on the flip were subsequently issued on two Johnson’s labels (JJ Records, Sir J.J.) in 1967 in Jamaica and on the Rio label (a Doctor Bird subsidiary) in UK the same year. While ‘Baby I Love You’ was popular, it was the great ‘Hard Time’ that propelled the single to the top of the Jamaican charts. After a spell in prison for possession of marijuana, Carl recorded a collection of singles for producers such as Clancy Eccles, Lee Perry and Leslie Kong. He returned to JJ and found success again in 1970, when he recorded one of that year’s best-selling singles, the superb ‘Satisfaction’, swiftly followed by two other major hits the same year, ‘Get Together’ and ‘This Land’ which sold heavily despite being banned by the government for its hard-hitting lyrics on the state of Jamaica at the time. During the 70s he recorded one album for Harry J - “Bumpity Road” - and many great singles for a variety of record labels and producers before gradually withdrawing from the scene during the 80s. Many years later, Carl is still very much loved by its many fans around the world. He is rightly considered being one of Reggae's all-time greatest vocalists…

About This Release

This killer double sider is the first reissue of two super rare and outstanding tracks by the great Carl Dawkins. Both tracks have never been reissued until now.

The very much in demand “I’ll Make It Up” was previously released as B side to One Dollar Of Music on Duke Du-3 in 1968. On the B side, the brilliant “Hot And Sticky” was previously released on Rio R138 in 1967.

Both tracks were produced by the Jamaican reggae producer, J.J. Johnson who ran two record labels Sir J. J. and JJ Records from his Kingston shop on Orange Street, next door to Beverley's Records, where he was shot dead in 1972.

These two avidly sought-after early Reggay tracks are quite rare. Splash Down is the instrumental version of Sufferer and both songs have been produced by Derrick Harriott. This is the first time these two wicked tracks are released together on a 7inch vinyl single.

THE Kingstonians Jamaican vocal trio, the Kingstonians were formed around 1966 by Cebert Bernard (aka Jackie Bernard) and his brother Lloyd "Footy" Bernard, along with mutual friend Lloyd Kerr. They began their recording career with producer J.J. Johnson, but had their greatest success between 1968 and 1970 with producer Derrick Harriott, who helped steer the singles "Singer Man" and "Sufferer" to the top of the Jamaican charts. An LP of the Harriott material was released in 1970 under the title “Sufferer”. The album was the career high point for the Kingstonians, who left Harriott to work briefly with producers Leslie Kong and Rupie Edwards before breaking up as the roots reggae era began.

THE Crystalites The Crystalites were the backing and studio band for legendary producer Derrick Harriott and included top 60s Jamaican musicians e.g. Bongo Herman, Bongo Les, Boris Gardiner, Gladstone Anderson, Karl Bryan, Winston Wright among others!

They were extremely productive between 1968 and 1974 and recorded 4 albums and countless singles covering many styles from Boss Reggae to Dub. More specifically, they recorded many wicked and awesome “versions” of hit songs of that time e.g. Sufferer by THE Kingstonians!

Released in the UK as part of Brooks’ ‘One Love’ album in the early 1980s, ‘No War Over Woman’ was originally recorded at Channel One around 1975, with musicians apparently including Sly & Robbie rhythm section, Ansel Collins on keys and Deadly Headley on saxophone, and mixed at King Tubby’s. It is arguably the first time it gets issued as a 7’’ single including a version on the flip side. Extra tip: roots fans will recognise the riddim from Knowledge’s monumental ‘Stumbing Block’, which appeared on the Tamoki Wambesi label.

Formed in 1989, Hepcat is a musical group that look too Jamaican, American Soul, Jazz, and Latin music from the the 1960’s and 1970’s to influence their music feast of Ska, Rocksteady, and Reggae. With a focus on highlighting soulful vocal harmonies, intoxicating rhythms, with rich and clever horn arrangements, Hepcat has been a unique and refreshing musical addition to the California music scene. The Group is composed of vocalists Gregory Lee and Alex Desert, keyboardists/vocalist Deston Berry, guitarist Lina Trujillo, saxophonists Efren Santana, trumpeter Kincaid Smith and drummer Greg Narvas. Hepcat has released 4 successful albums, 1993s Out of Nowhere on New York based record label Moon Ska Records; 1996's Scientific on Los Angeles based BYO Records; 1998’s Right On Time and 2000’s Push N' Shove on Los Angeles based Hellcat/Epitaph Records. Hepcat has hypnotized audiences all around the world and were often the first to bring their unique take on Ska, Rocksteady, and Reggae to audiences of other musical genres. Hepcat has shared audiences and stages with the likes of The Allman Brothers, Taj Mahal, Ben Harper, Public Enemy, and many, many more. The band would be the first to tell you that the greatest reward has been being able to play with the very people who initially inspired them to play music as a group, from the Skatalites to Toot’s and the Maytals, whom they have enjoyed as fans.

Black Redemption presents another tuff combination with King Stanley on the ‘Call Out’ riddim. Three vocals each with a dub, showcasing the talents of Fikir Amlak, Autarchii and King Stanley himself. Word, sound and power galore!

Limited Edition for Record Store Day 2022.

The second 7" in the Konduko series reissues this mega-rarity, Noel Williams aka King Sporty's own version of Bob Marley's Concrete Jungle. The connection between Marley and Williams was long-standing, both living in the tenements of West Kingston and gaining their musical foundations as part of the Studio One, that would reach fruition when they later co-wrote Buffalo Soldier together.

Clement Dodd's organisation was more than a label, running a sound system, studio, pressing plant and its own distribution. As Deejay on the system and later releasing his debut single on the label, William's learnt his craft, taking this knowledge to Miami and replicating much - expanding the Konduko label to encompass studio, plant and distribution.

First recorded with Lee Perry, Marley's 1971 original was famously rerecorded for The Wailers move to Island Records and their 1973 album, Catch A Fire. Here, a rare Williams' vocal is backed with horns atop a reggae-funk groove. The songs message of struggle is universal and everlasting, even with a touch of Miami swing.

This is backed by Young Girl, a single in its own right, from the same period. A rocksteady, breakbeat shuffle bely the songs roots in late 60s soul, with a powerful counterpoint vocal from wife and partner, Betty Wright. A collector's item itself, together they are essential.

A single cut from the debut album "Orca" by NTsKi, a Kyoto-based electronic music producer/performer. It is a 7" single that couples "Takao Remix", which was previously available only on the Japanese CD version of the same album, and the instrumental version by Takao. Packaged in a semi-transparent paper inner sleeve which slides into the center of a semi-transparent triple-fold paper outer sleeve. Silver vinyl. Mastered and lacquer cut by D&M Berlin.

Igziabeher Yi mas gan (Let Jah be Praised!) - as we follow up with the next release forwarding from Ashanti Selah Music; we are proud to present a fresh combination to the label with Iqulah Rastafari who is a true ambassador and master of his faith as well as being a high-caliber artist in his own right; this release delivers the whole roots and nothing but the roots in its full entirety. Hailing from Jamaica and toured the 4 corners of the world with his band 'Giddeon Family' as well as performing many shows in Africa with the 'Azania Band' - Iqulah always brings the spiritual power and most honourable Rasta energy in connection with the music; making it a such an engaging experience when being among the vibration.

The Maxi-single offers two original vocals and two dub mixes per side with strong lyrics and heavy riddims to accompany!

New life for a tune that hold a special place in the discography of one of the greatest rub-a-dub and fast-chat specialists in the history of the UK sound system movement, here comes a fresh version of Tippa Irie's powerful “I’m An African” ! First making an appearance as the highlight of O.B.Fs album “signz” in 2020, this fresh reworked version of “I’m An African” features on Tippa’s brand-new album of the same name. To celebrate this, the track was pressed onto 7” vinyl alongside its dub version “African Dub” ! Rufffff

"Good music never dies!" - This was Diane Ellis' mantra when she set out to produce this, her first record, in 1979. She recalls hearing the Rose Royce classic Love Don't Live Here Anymore on the radio and instantly thinking it would make for a great reggae cover, immediately envisioning the sound she was looking for. Drafting in the legendary Boris Gardiner and vocalist Sharon Forrester they created this timeless version of a perennial classic - now available here in it's full extended discomix glory for the first time on 12" since it's original outing, and backed with hornsman cut placing Dean Fraser's sax front row center.

The record was made when Ellis was studio manager for the world-famous Tuff Gong studios, but wanted her outing as a record producer to be a totally independent venture - gaining the great Bob Marley & the TG team's blessings in the process. And so Aquarius Studio in Half Way Tree was where it was all laid-down. Diane credits the Legendary owner and pioneering producer, Herman Chin Loy, as also being of great help on the record, providing a guiding ear throughout the process.

Despite this the evident strength of this first production, Ellis would follow up with only one other production, Junior Tucker's cover of "One of the Poorest People" (this time one recorded at Tuff Gong studios, and releasing the 56 Hope Road subsidiery). While both records performed well on local radio and charts, Diane exited the music industry shortly after. Now 43 years later, Diane is overjoyed her production is having a comeback, saying that "the support and love felt during the project can never be replicated, and I give thanks to all who supported then and now".

Chronixx makes an overdue but welcome return to the airwaves with the soulful reggae track titled “Never GIve Up”. A rootsy, uplifting and inspiring song containing all the essential elements for a classic, Chronixx joins forces with award winning producer Inflo to create something very special!

Channel One production, Discostyle double header as originally released on the J & J label in 1980.

Both sides come complete with extended mixes running into the version.

On limited red vinyl and housed in Channel One's Super Charge inner sleeve in a quality art board spined sleev

A conscious roots celebration on the A side with Patrick Andy on lead vocal and Yabby You on harmony. A thumping rhythm with Tommy McCook leading the horns on a tasteful arrangement. The flip side is a plea to ’Show a little love’ You can hear all the familiar trademarks of Yabby’s production techniques, attention to detail on the rhythm and the recording. Yabby, like may top quality producers undoubtedly involved in the songs text as well as production. Quality music. Comes in a grey Pressure Sounds custom disco bag.

Single cut from the album "Reggae Interpretation Of Kind Of Blue", reinterpreting the Miles Davis' masterpiece "Kind Of Blue" into reggae / dub covers. The front cover is newly designed with the Japanese title!!

Missed out on first pressing - waiting on repress

The definition of deep roots, here are a pair of almost never before heard tracks from the mythical Creole.

The A-side "Fishers of Man" is an extended mix, while the B-side "Walls of Jericho" is a vocal cut followed by a synth added version retrieved from dubplate. The vocal cuts are the band's personal rough mixes, which thankfully survived to now be heard. These tracks were meant for an LP that never materialized

A wicked piece of rock steady by Lloyd Williams backed by The Gaylettes with sweet horns arrangement... “clap your hands, stomp your feet, move your body to the beat....rock steady beat, now....”. Backed by a slow, elegant & gentle instrumental by The Los Caballeros with a sweet rock steady feel drenched in horns

Brand new album of the famous Jamaican duo. This time backed by The Sons Of Africa in a reggae roots style. Featuring Noel “Bunny” Brown (Chosen Few, Mighty Threes). Produced by Sound Of Thunder.