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"Lock And Key" was written by popular Trinidadian singer Lord Bryner. The chorus will stay in your head all day, and it is rare to find an original calypso that is so pop. The coupling is by Orville Alphonso. The melody has the smell of the Caribbean, and the ska vocals are sure to be a hit with calypso lovers. Two songs full of Caribbean moods are coupled.

Erika Crymson, who has consistently released on Loop DUB Records and continues to spread her love of reggae, and U-key, who is known for his globally successful "vibes Still Alive", have combined to release a new 7" vinyl! Guest musicians include Koji Shiono (dubjuana Midnight System/rude Bones) on basic tracks and mixing, MAI (ex-THE Redemption) on trumpet and Kiichi (dubjuana Midnight System) on percussion! Side-AA is mixed by Ga-pi, the frontman of the Thailand-based ska band T-bone and dub master of Jahdub Studio, which features and produces artists from around the world! Mastered by e-mura (mura-sta/Bim One Production), cover design by Voba Head.

Vaughn Benjamin, the voice of Midnite and Akae Beka, was one of the best and most prolific reggae vocalists of the modern era. He was a scholar, poet, teacher, and solver of mysteries. A voracious reader, he was incredibly creative - constantly writing poems and songs. Those close to him advise that he had a photographic memory, which helps explain the broad field of topics he discussed with precise detail in his work. He released over 70 albums in a 20-year period.

Living Testament is the final album Vaughn Benjamin recorded before he transitioned in November of 2019. In late October of 2019, he travelled to Grass Valley, California, recording this 11-track album at Ras Biblical’s studio, Trinity Farm, over a period of 2 days. The producers gathered 11 masterful musicians on these tracks, including Manuel “Go A Chant” Guerra, Denfield “Ras Pulse” Potter, Walker Pillow, Scott Lynwood Davis, Befekadu Assefa and Tuff Lion. Together, these musicians weaved together a powerful family of songs that that tell a timeless and truly unique story, a masterpiece of roots reggae.

Living Testament includes the single ‘Who Will Go For Us’ which was released on January 6th 2024 with a video filmed on location in Ethiopia. In the coming weeks, we’ll be speaking with Go A Chant and Biblical, who were present for the creation of this album. We’ll learn about these recording sessions and what happened behind the scenes.

Originally released on Klik Records, in 1975, Dread Locks Dread became one of the new Front Line label’s first key releases when reissued in 1978.



One of reggae’s best and most recognizable ‘toasters’, Big Youth broke new ground as a DJ in the early ’70s with a flowing, chant-like cadence that was equal parts melodic and invigorating, applying his infectious vocal approach to heavy social and political lyrics.



A huge favourite of the punk and new wave artists at the time of release, Big Youth was embraced by The Clash, via Don Letts, and PiL, amongst others. John Lydon was part of Richard Branson’s A&R envoy to Jamaica, helping sign credible artists to his new Front Line reggae label.



Featuring the legendary Skin, Flesh & Bones band, formed around Lloyd Parks (bass), drummer Sly Dunbar (before he started working with Robbie Shakespeare), Ansel Collins on keyboards, and trombonist Vin Gordon. The album was produced by Tony Robinson and Errol Thompson and mixed at the famous Joe Gibb’s studio.



Dread Locks Dread skanks from punchy, rhythm-heavy reggae to the deepest, dubbiest roots. The hypnotic Some Like It Dread reworks Dennis Brown’s “Some Like It Hot”, where the DJ’s toast is entwined with a bluesy harmonica (the dub version re-titled (Black Man Message). Also features a fiery version of Burning Spear’s “Marcus Garvey” (Marcus Garvey Dread), a tasty take on the John Holt classic “Keep on Moving” – Moving On and a scintillating dub of the Techniques’ rocksteady masterpiece You Don’t Care.



Not your typical DJ album by any means, the music equals the toasts and vice versa – an essential release for a dub fan or a Big Youth supporter.

Re-mastered at Abbey Road Studios, London.



Out of print for over 20 years!

Wade "Jimmy" Dyce was an original member of Cultural Roots. He was a vocalist and played a key role in shaping the sound of the group. Cultural Roots emerged as a four-part harmony group for producer Donovan Germain in the late 1970s, releasing « Revolutionary Sounds » and « Mr Bossman » which counts among ‘Jah Shaka's favourite tunes’. Then they released « Hell A Go Pop », one of the Greensleeves label’s lesser-known classics. In the early 80's, Wade Dyce produced alone three songs at Chris Stanley's famous Music Mountain studio. Wade Dayce surrounds himself with the best musicians of the time, namely the Revolutionaries, but does not remember the exact formation apart from Sly Dunbar on drums and Bongo Herman on percussion. « Humble », « Money Mare » and « Hide & Seek » are three forgotten songs that can be described as killer roots from the middle of the 80s and which you can (re)discover again through this reissue on the original Moving On label. For this release, Jamwax worked with Parade Studio for this original and unique Disco 45 cover graphic creation. Today, Wade, now sixty-seven years old, is living in Salem, Massachusetts, where he graduated in 2010 as a mental-health specialist. Long live to the Cultural Roots !

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

Strong nyabinghi drum dubbings from 1981, with Mad Professor at the control. Huge flip of The Revolutionaries famous 70s classic, Kunta Kinte .

Bernard Cumberbatch - presumably no relation to actor Benedict - and Garnett Cross are Aquizi, the dub duo fromed in the early 80s and Ariwa label mainstays. Their most notable 12" - aside from maybe 1981's 'Merry Christmas' was 'Kunte Kinte' earlier in the same year. It is a bit of a collector's fav that has more than held its value over the ensuing 40+ years. Driven by lazy dub swagger and carefree keys, it's a lovers rock outing peppered with toms and hits and plenty of echoing depths. Flip it over for version if you want something that will boggle the brain more with its endless mixing board effects.

During the late 1970s, deejay-turned-producer Jah Thomas played a key role in the emerging dancehall movement, harnessing the Roots Radics at Channel One studio for rough-edged futuristic rhythms that became platforms for songs of everyday life. Junior Keating’s solid debut LP Weekend Lover gathered popular singles such as ‘Watch What You Do,’ which implored upright living, and lovers laments ‘Long Long Time’ and ‘Something Is Bugging Me’; ‘Conquering Lion’ showed that the versatile singer was also adept at deep roots tunes. With a tough mix by Scientist at King Tubby’s studio and additional editing by Bullwackie, this superb offering is of massive appeal to all fans of late roots and foundation dancehall.

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.

This is the second installment of deep roots Rastafarian reggae at Studio One and features classic music from some of the most important figures in reggae music – Alton Ellis, The Heptones, Jackie Mittoo, The Gladiators – alongside a host of rarities and little-known recordings, such as a truly rare Mystic Revelation of Rastafari seven-inch single, Willie William’s first ever recording ‘Calling’ and Horace Andy’s righteous (and equally rare) masterpiece ‘Illiteracy.’
Black Man’s Pride 2 extends the legacy of Studio One’s ground-breaking path in roots reggae which began at the end of the 1960s and continued throughout the 1970s. The album tells the story of how the rise of Studio One Records and the Rastafari movement were interconnected, through the adoption of the Rastafari faith by key reggae artists – everyone from the Skatalites and Wailers in the 1960s, major singers such as Alton Ellis and Horace Andy at the end of the decade, through to major roots artists such as The Gladiators in the 1970s – and how Clement Dodd consistently recorded this heavyweight roots music throughout Studio One’s history.
The sleeve-notes to this album also discuss the links between Rastafari and Studio One in time and place, noting how both the religion and Clement Dodd’s musical empire had their roots in the intense period of pre-independence Jamaica in Kingston, expanded in the 1960s following the visit of Haile Selassie in 1966, and how roots music then came to dominate reggae music in the early 1970s. Also discussed is how the outsider stance of both reggae music and the Rastafari movement relate back many hundreds of years to the original rebel stance of the Maroons, escaped slaves who set up self-sufficient enclaves in the hills of the Jamaican countryside.

Double album compilation of Norris Reid's recordings from 1978 to 1985 in Kingston. All Remastered & licensed from Norris himself.

Norris Reid has performed and recorded with the greatest Jamaican artists. This compilation pays tribute to one of the key figures of Reggae's golden age.

Akae Beka's inimitable style, developed over decades performing with St. Croix based band Midnite and countless recordings (including 2014 iTunes reggae album of the year Beauty FOR Ashes and Ride Tru). At the point of his untimely passing in 2019, he had released over 70LP's. He is without a doubt one of the most prolific reggae artists ever known and his quanity is always matched with quality, with his albums consistently featuring in the top 10 on the billboard charts reggae LPs.

This release makes no exception. 5 years on from the original 2016 CD and Digital release which charted at number 6 in the reggae billboard charts, this timeless masterpiece is being re-released on 12" Vinyl and Cassette tape, courtesy of Before Zero Records. Produced by ZIK bassist, JAH David, Livicated was Akae Beka's debut release on the Zion High Productions (zhp) label. The album features solid original riddims composed and arranged by the ZIK family with musical contributions from Aston Barrett Jr. (drums), JAH Bless (horns), Chet Samuel (guitar), and Yami Bolo (melodica). Particularly striking on Livicated are the strident, Burning Spear-like horn arrangements and the variety and range of Drew Keys' keyboard voices.

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.

Emotional Rescue and Jamwax come together to present the first of three essential 12's from NY/Jamaican label Capo Disco, all officially licensed and remastered for the first time. The brainchild of reggae vocalist, musician, producer and label owner Glen Adams, the label married disco with his Caribbean roots to perfection. TIP! Born and raised in Jamaica, Adams story is a similar one to the performers of the golden period post-Independence. Initially discovered as a vocalist by Coxsone Dodd, he went on to work with such luminaries as Ken Boothe and Stranger Cole before co-founding The Heptones and working Duke Reid, Bunny Lee and Lloyd Charmers.
As a session organist he worked for The Hippy Boys, The Reggae Boys and later with Lee Perry's The Upsetters. Here he came in to the orbit of The Wailors, touring England with them in the early 70s and with Perry co-wrote Mr Brown. When most of The Upsetters became Marley's rhythm section, Adams stayed with Perry before making the move to Brooklyn in 1975.
There he started Capo Records, running it and it's sub-labels, successfully until the mid-80s. During these later years he ventured in to mixing Reggae with Boogie and Disco rhythms and released just four 12's under Capo Disco as well as recording boogie and hip-hop influenced releases with T Ski Valley and as Glen Adams Affair for SAM and Moonglow Records.
Here then the spotlight is on Adam's nascent disco releases and the series starts with the wonderful, uplifting A Beat For You. Actually appearing on a one off sister-label, Top Secret, this is a beautiful 'Lovers' anthem from Adams over a laidback dub-bass riddim. Backed with a simple instrumental Version, the space and interplay of the keys and guitar over drum and bass is superlative. 'There is a beat in my heart, just for you...just for you.'

One can imagine these words echoing in the wizard's mind of teacher and keys and synth man Nathan Spicer just before conceiving this, his "never meant to be released" masterpiece dub experiment. He, along with the lions share of the members of his Seattle-based funk/afrobeat group, Polyrhythmics, render a profound dub album as majestic and dynamic as if the members each had simultaneously recieved this missive from on high. Was it King Plachacha himself that dubbed these funk squires as true knights of the coming Pleiades/Earth 4th dimensional consciousness ascension portal event? The music seems to indicate so. As soundsystem technicians/prophets who came before such as Tubby, Perry, Scientist, and Pablo, Rezin Tooth and engineer/bass player Jason Gray succeed in manifesting a sonic blueprint of this possible fourth dimensional realm where peace and enlightenment flow freely as the true currency of the universe. Fellow Funk parishoners in this holy temple of dub are Ben Bloom (strings), Grant Schroff (drums and symbols), Lalo Bello (percussion) Art Brown (reeds) Elijah Clark (horns). Yes, praise the lord, Spicer et al did heed the call and indeed dubbed themselves. And you are now holding in your hand the Chronicle of their efforts. Rezin Tooth lays their new album of contemplative dub upon dub's mighty altar as an expression of their reverence to this beguiling and communal Jamaican art form. With this offering, they take communion with dub's sacrament from the basements and sound systems of planet earth and tape-echo it back out to the Pleiades. -Lucky Brown

No Wahala Sound Orchestra is a contemporary, London-based collective with members from backgrounds as diverse as Jamaica, Ghana, Bangladesh, Poland, Trinidad, Denmark, Ireland and the UK.Gideon Coe ( 6Music) Neil Luscombe (bbc Radio 3) and Steve Barker ( BBC Radio Lancashire) have all offered their support over the years.
The music takes in elements of electronica, jazz, reggae, dub poetry, Afrobeat, classical Indian music and many other global sounds."On Gossamer Clouds" is a compilation of some key recordings over the last ten years. It features 12 tracks which vary in styles and mood, but form a coherent whole.

In September 2021, The 18th Parallel unveiled their first collaborative LP with Lone Ark, Showcase vol. 1, which was unanimously acclaimed by international critics. After a series of singles in collaboration with key artists from the golden age of Jamaican reggae such as Lee "Scratch" Perry, Linval Thompson, Dennis Walks, Burro Banton and Mike Brooks, the Swiss musician-producer combo is back with a new project on November 18th, 2022, Downtown Sessions, to delight the ears of old-school roots music fans.

Downtown Sessions is the result of ten years of studio sessions between Geneva and downtown Kingston with legendary drummer and Rockers movie star Leroy "Horsemouth" Wallace (Studio One, Black Disciples, Soul Syndicate, Pierpoljak, Groundation,...). The 18th Parallel hits hard by inviting some of the biggest names in Jamaican reggae on this new record: Cornell Campbell, Max Romeo, Ras Michael, Fred Locks, Big Youth, I Kong, Leroy Brown, The Silvertones and Hopeton James, not forgetting a Swiss guest, Lala Love. A real anthology of roots reggae legends who blossom on original and varied riddims that pay tribute to different eras of Jamaican roots music production, from the raw sound of Randy's to the Studio One discomix drenched in reverb of the late 1970s, via the polished arrangements typical of Geoffrey Chung's productions at Dynamics studio or the sound of Ras Michael's nyahbinghi drums! An exceptional record that combines tradition and modernity by bringing together the original voices of roots reggae with the refreshing vision of the young Swiss collective The 18th Parallel, all under the leadership of the legendary Horsemouth and producer Mathias Liengme. A future must-have for any music lover's collection!

Year 1964. Almost out of nowhere, the little-known and regarded director Sergio Leone transposes into a western key a film by Akira Kurosawa, and by putting together all the right pieces, adding a bit of intuition, lays down new rules for the 'spaghetti western' genre, giving way to an endless series of imitations.

"A Fistful of Dollars" would not have the same impact without the inimitable music written by Ennio Morricone, who had curiously been an old elementary school Leone’s classmate. The main soundtrack themes were chosen from two arrangements that Morricone had already drafted two years earlier; once removed the lyrics and added the unmistakable whistle of Alessandro Alessandroni, the spaghetti-sound was finally complete!

The film was an incredible success, and projected Leone, Morricone, and in particular the actor Clint Eastwood into the Olympus of the Great. The soundtrack was released for the first time the following year (1965), along with the one of Sergio Leone's subsequent work "For a Few Dollars More".

This new edition sees the original seven tracks of the score in a completely new layout. The format is a 10" 45rpm LP, with a 26x26cm miniposter attached. Clear vinyl edition.

Wade "Jimmy" Dyce was an original member of Cultural Roots. He was a vocalist and played a key role in shaping the sound of the group. Cultural Roots emerged as a four-part harmony group for producer Donovan Germain in the late 1970s, releasing « Revolutionary Sounds » and « Mr Bossman » which counts among ‘Jah Shaka's favourite tunes’. Then they released « Hell A Go Pop », one of the Greensleeves label’s lesser-known classics. In the early 80's, Wade Dyce produced alone three songs at Chris Stanley's famous Music Mountain studio. Wade Dayce surrounds himself with the best musicians of the time, namely the Revolutionaries, but does not remember the exact formation apart from Sly Dunbar on drums and Bongo Herman on percussion. « Humble », « Money Mare » and « Hide & Seek » are three forgotten songs that can be described as killer roots from the middle of the 80s and which you can (re)discover again through this reissue on the original Moving On label. For this release, Jamwax worked with Parade Studio for this original and unique Disco 45 cover graphic creation. Today, Wade, now sixty-seven years old, is living in Salem, Massachusetts, where he graduated in 2010 as a mental-health specialist. Long live to the Cultural Roots !

Akae Beka's inimitable style of rich, deep, multi-layered songwriting, uncompromising devotion to RasTafari and soulful healing melodies developed over decades performing with St. Croix based band Midnite and countless recordings. At the point of his untimely passing in 2019, he had released over 70LP's. He is without a doubt one of the most prolific reggae artists ever known.

The stellar production trinity that is Zion I Kings have been involved collectively and individually in creating some of the most highly regarded contributions to the vast Akae Beka catalogue. The timeless songs of 'Mek A Menshun' amply reward the listener who can penetrate into the mystical musical realms of Rastafari. Longtime fans of Midnite and Akae Beka will note that Vaughn Benjamin's singing on 'Mek a Menshun' reached new heights of melodic delivery and emotional intensity. Coupled with his always poetic and insightful lyrics, these 10 original songs rank among his best recordings to date. The title track 'Mek A Menshun' includes vocals by Protoje Grammy (R)-nominated artist.

Mek A Menshun features the stellar musicianship of the ZIK distinguished in typical fashion by the rock-solid drumming of Lloyd "Junior" Richards. On this album, his playing is complemented by Aston Barrett Jr. ("By Day", "Only Now") and Kirk Bennett ( "Kagm Mystory", "Mek A Menshun"). The signature stylings of the other core ZIK musicians are augmented by horns (Andrew "Drew Keys" Stoch -trombone, Donald "Jahbless" Toney -saxophone), flute- Sheldon "Attiba" Bernard, kette- Andrew "Bassie" Campbell, and the guitar of Chet Samuel. ZIK guitarist Andrew "Moon" Bain contributes a string arrangement on "Only Now". Throughout the album, Laurent "Tippy I" Alfred's spot-on organ shuffle bubbles the rhythm forward. Many of the 'Mek A Menshun' tracks were among the last recordings done by the veteran engineer Gary Woung.

Originally released digitally and on CD, this LP is now being released for the first time on as a 12" vinyl LP courtesy of Before Zero Records.

Legendary Reggae vocalist Cornell Campbell is to release a new E.P entitled 'Time For Peace', to mark the 52nd Anniversary of Martin Luthur King Jr's assassination, 4th April 2021. Taking its title from Cornell's lyrical addition to Black Man In A White World, "I want you to understand, I need, I need everyone to hang on, in love, peace and unity", the new 12" EP features bold interpretations of two of soul music's most iconic songs about race, identity and injustice. Both Michael Kiwanuka's 'Black Man In A White World' and 'Outernational Blues' - a take on the Marvin Gaye classic 'Inner City Blues' - evoke the sentiment and spirit of MLK's peaceful protest, and act as a reminder as to the importance of grace, pride and dignity in difficult times. Capturing a unique combination of vocal vulnerability and wisdom, this is music that demands deep listening. Cornell Campbell's voice at 75, carries a new found poignancy and depth of emotion; one which feels perfectly suited to delivering an elders perspective on such emotionally loaded topics. The E.P was recorded and produced over four countries, with the music for all tracks having been recorded in London, England at The Total Refreshment Centre, before being voiced in Kingston Jamaica at Anchor Studios. Additional backing vocals were added at Heritage Recording Co in Burbank, California, before the track was finally mixed and produced by Sergio Lopez, in Andalucia, Spain. 'Time For Peace' is the first in a series of four releases from icons of reggae, including 'Time For Love' by Tabby Diamond, of The Mighty Diamonds, 'Time For Change' by Fred Locks and 'Time For Unity' by Big Youth; all to be released on limited 12" vinyl. All music recorded by Kristian Craig Robinson at Total Refreshment Studios, London. Vocals recorded by Delroy 'Phatta' Pottinger at Anchor Studios, Kingston, Jamaica. Mixed and produced by Sergio Lopez. Keith 'Mindlink' McKintosh: MD, Arranger and Keys Ajani 'aj' McKnezie: Bass Brian 'Rim Bim' Gustave: Drums Benedict Wood: Guitar Jordi Viella: Guitar Alabaster DePlume: Saxaphone Jackson Mathod: Trumpet Tamina Johnson-Lawson, Aankha Neil and Moira Mack: Backing vocals Backing vocals recorded by Chris Rondell at Heritage Recording Co, Burbank, California and arranged arranged & produced by Brandon Eugene Owens.

Emotional Rescue and HMV Record Shop (Japan) present the 2nd Disco Reggae Lovers with the music of Haile Maskel and his 101 Band and their cult Jamaica meets America reggae disco bomb Crazy Kind Of Feeling, in it's super rare 7" Mix. Heralding from the furtive 60's Trenchtown, Jamaica, Michael Ashley aka Haile Maskel grew up around music, recording his first sessions with friend Bob Marley, alongside the likes of Peter Tosh, Robbie Shakespeare and Carlton Barrett. Working with Lee Perry, he joined Light Of Saba, while touring with Dennis Brown and Sugar Minott led him overseas, settling in Los Angeles in 1983 and soon launching his Opulence (Sound) label. The label's in house project, Maskel's 101 Band mixed a conscious message in love song, crafted around a boogie discodub. Coming as 7" and 12" (erc101) releases, here the single is presented alongside the true dub version. Dub Take 2 was discovered when the original master tapes were recently unearthed and while the recent 12" reissue featured an "instrumental alternative mix", Dub Take 1, this 7" includes a real dub version, cutting and dropping back and forth between drums, bass, key, vocals and horns in a cool excursion for the heads.

This album from an Italian-based production outfit on Aloe Vera Records celebrates the label's early years and the unique style of one of the imprint's key acts, The Officinalis's. They were known for classics like 'Si Comme' Si' and for blending. Naples and Jamaican musical cultures. Aloe Vera Records skilfully merged these worlds in their output and created a distinctive and recognisable sound that bridges past and present. These are all well-crafted sounds with warm low ends, rich bass and plenty of loved-up melodies that make it a nice escapist listen.

Wairunga finds the Freddy juggernaut digging deep to debut five songs and revisit two classics captured in an outdoor performance sans audience but with wild weather elements playing an important creative role in producing this unique live album.

Recorded in Wairunga, high above Waimarama Beach in New Zealand, it is place etched into the DNA of Fat Freddy’s Drop who’ve roamed here for over 20 years; to party, relax between tours, make a song Wairunga Blues in its honour and even to get married. Farmed by the Parker family for a century, Wairunga is an oasis of green pasture and native tree filled valleys that fall away to the ocean below.

In inimitable Freddy's fashion the new tunes run a gamut of genre busting styles. Coffee Black is layered with cosmic hot buttered soul and cinematic wigged out psyche-blues while Shady continues Freddy's Afro-Acid adventures with Fitchie’s beat-making tapping into a South African township brand of techno Freddys experienced on tour. Bush Telegraph is a reggae classic featuring MC Slave aka Mark Williams on the mic with freshly minted yum char spiced rhymes of hope. The other new tracks Leave Your Window Open and Dig Deep are loose rhythmic experiments that the band have been working on for a long time. Versions were developed, rehearsed, but then set aside – dismissed, demonised - only to be revived with new energy in some future moment of creative cohesion. The results are loose-limbed; broken and bruised beats smashing into subterranean bass and twisted up melodies. Bones and Wairunga Blues are the two classics from Freddy's vast back catalogue. Off the Blackbird album, Bones has aged beautifully - like a fine wine - the song’s component parts matured and melded together in harmony and balance. DJ Fitchie rates this 2021 vintage superior to the 2013 original. Wairunga Blues has been a work-in-progress since it was released on Bays in 2015. Kuki dials up some appropriately off-kilter keys to match the wonky-funk laid down by Fitchie’s bass line and the horns. It’s a mighty comeback – and a fitting tribute to this magical place.

Since first emerging in the latter half of the noughties, Guillaume Metenier’s Soul Sugar project has evolved considerably. Initially a trio built around the virtuoso organist’s love of ‘60s and ‘70s soul-jazz and Hammond funk – Metenier studied under jazz organ legend Dr Lonnie Smith – Soul Sugar is now a collaborative collective that draws just as much influence from classic Jamaican dub and reggae as the works of Jimmy Smith and Jimmy McGriff. The outfit’s musical evolution comes into sharp focus on Excursions in Soul, Reggae, Funk & Dub, a collection of hard-to-find tracks that have been released at different points, and on different vinyl formats, over the last three years. Taken as a whole, the set offers a stunning snapshot of Soul Sugar’s rapidly expanding catalogue of classics. Metenier is once again at the controls but this time round Soul Sugar’s cast list of contributing musicians includes Sly & Robbie, Blundetto, Lone Ark, Slikk Tim, Thomas Naim and honeyvoiced soul singer Leo Carmichael. Metenier also stars as a musician, providing lively and ear-catching organ solos under his now familiar Booker Gee alias. What’s most noticeable from the off is the richness of the reggae riddims, the warmness of the instrumentation and the effortlessly soulful nature of the music. This is particularly evident on the collective’s stunning covers of Luther Vandross’s "Never Too Much" and Marvin Gaye’s "I Want You": effortlessly sunny and life-affirming interpretations that re-imagine the tracks as sumptuous slabs of reggae-soul and provide a platform for Leo Carmichael’s inspiring and comforting voice. Metenier and friends’ take on dub reggae – toasty, authentically bass-heavy and seeped in analogue effects – can also be admired on "Matumbee" and "Cool Down", the latter a digi-dub influenced affair rich in colourful synths sounds, echoing delay trails and sub bass so deep it will rattle your teeth. Both also contain lusciously jazzy guitar licks and some incredible keyswork from Metenier.The guiding hand of Spanish multi-instrumentalist and producer Lone Ark can be heard on album opener "Aximites" – think Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry producing Jimmy Smith – and "Faith", an expertly breezy concoction that sports Jackie Mittoo-esque Hammond B3 solos from Metenier over a luscious backing track that sounds like something that may have emerged from Studio One in the mid 1970s. The collective’s love of Studio One is explored further on a sweaty, reggae-funk cover of "Greedy" that features fabulous drums, bass and guitar from Slikk Tim, while "Out In The Rain" is an authentically sparse, spaced-out dub number laden with fluid instrument solos and devilishly heavy riddim. Part compilation, part artist album, part collaborative celebration of dub-soul fusion, Excursions in Soul, Reggae, Funk & Dub is the strongest statement yet of who Soul Sugar are, and where they’re going.

Jackie Mittoo is one of the defining figureheads of reggae music !From forming The Skatalites, at age 15, alongside Don Drummond, Roland Alphonso, Tommy McCook and others, to his work as writer, arranger, producer at Studio One records during the sixties, writing and playing for artists such as Alton Ellis, Ken Boothe, Marcia Griffiths and The Heptones (to name a few), to his career as a solo artist as well as leader of bands such as The Soul Brothers, Soul Vendors and The Sound Dimension, Jackie Mittoo is at the heart of reggae music. He was one of the instigators of Ska, Rocksteady and Reggae. In the seventies, DJ music and Dancehall were based upon classic rhythms of the sixties, many using the instrumental tracks that Jackie Mittoo created at Studio One at this time.This compilation features the work of Jackie Mittoo at Studio One. It features music recorded as a solo artist (as opposed to the numerous singers that he accompanied). Most of these are taken from his recordings in the mid-sixties where he was recording on an almost daily basis at Studio One"s Brentford Road studios developing the funky reggae sound that was his trademark.Jackie Mittoo is as much an icon of Reggae as he is to fans of Funk music. He is without doubt the funkiest keyboard player ever to come out of Jamaica!

“Best Dressed Chicken in Town” is the debut album by Jamaican deejay Dr. Alimantado. It was first released in 1978, and collects many of his self-produced singles from 1972 to 1977, employing the engineering talents of Lee Perry, King Tubby, and Scientist.

It was the first album released by Greensleeves Records, and found favour with followers of both reggae and punk rock in the United Kingdom. The album employed several major hits as the basis for the tracks, including Horace Andy's versions of "Ain't No Sunshine" (on the title track) and "A Quiet Place" ("Poison Flour" and "I Shall Fear No Evil"), John Holt's "Ali Baba" ("I Killed the Barber"), and Gregory Isaacs' "Thief a Man" (on "Gimmie Mi Gun") and "My Religion" ("Unitone Skank"). The album was described by The Independent as "one of the finest albums from reggae's golden age".

The front cover photography is credited to D.K. James and the back cover artwork and photography to David Hendley.

Recorded at Black Ark, Ariwa and Channel 1

Classic dub album from 1980 re-issued! Ten speaker-shaking Matumbi powered dubs recorded under the Well Pack Band flag. Produced by Winston Edwards and engineered by the legendary Dennis 'Blackbeard' Bovell. "Dub Conference: 10 Downing Street" - this re-release is timed to coincide with the 2015 UK general election.

Ten selected tracks have been compiled for the LP-vinyl edition with Singers on side one and the Deejays on side two, including Tessanne Chin's "Breakfast In Bed" and Noah Powa's "No Stress" feat. Shams The Producer as exclusives. The cover art is by Japanese illustrator Murasaki.

A very welcomed reissue for this rare Jackie Mittoo album, originally released in 1979 on unknown label, Rite Sound inc. The original release was sold without a jacket (maybe a promo only release ?), adding a mysterious vibe to the whole thing. The dubby effects-intensive sound of the album extends from ‘Russian Satelite’ to the whole side A, with ‘Harder Than The Rest’, ‘Stepping Tiger’ and ‘World Of Love’ being an excellent triptych of note. The thrill of Jackie's crazy keyboards intertwining with the floating dub sound like a heavenly space is beyond description. Space is the place.

The French producer, Manudigital, behind the now iconic "Digital Sessions," announces a new season which this time highlights the UK scene! After exploring the streets of Kingston, New York, Mexico, and even Trinidad & Tobago in search of ambassadors from the golden age of digital reggae and dancehall, Manudigital has now turned his attention to the vibrant metropolis of London.
Armed with the legendary Casio MT40 keyboard, or "Sleng Teng Keyboard," Manudigital has connected with singers and MCs who have written the history of the UK scene rooted in Jamaican culture: ragamuffin, jungle, grime, drum & bass, stepper, and more. All the developments in Jamaican music born in England over the last thirty years are represented here by a "who's who" of those who have shaped and continue to shape this exciting scene.

Mallory Williams (son of Jamaican pianist and band leader, Luther Williams), a celebrated musician, singer, arranger, and producer, launched his musical journey in 1976 as a keyboard player in various bands within Jamaica's vibrant tourism industry. Along his path, he performed and toured with prestigious groups like Jimmy Cliff's Oneness Band and also We The People Band, providing backing for countless Jamaican artists.

In 1985, during the reggae's digital revolution, Mallory Williams collaborated with Tony DaCosta (from Skatalites fame) and his group the Tony DaCosta Affair (tda), to craft the remarkable single "Yu Saaf." This release not only showcases DaCosta's impressive vocal range but also highlights Mallory's instrumental talent, which incorporates a pioneering proto-digital rhythm. We are thrilled to announce that the 7" reissue of this single will be released back again on Mallory's original 'now' imprint. "Yu Saaf," which translates to "You're Soft" is a pure sound business! It not only serves as a testament to Mallory's production skills but also possesses the power to silence any selectors.

The facts behind Wayne Smith's "Under Mi Sleng Teng" is deliciously interesting. This instrumental changed the course of reggae music forever, churning out a plethora of digital riddims on its heels. Wayne Smith and Noel Davey originated the digital sound using a Casiotone Mt40 Keyboard, the riff being a sample from "Hang Onto Yourself" from David Bowie's Album Ziggy Stardust. Casio's employee Okuda Hiroko improved the riff for the Casiotone keyboard and the Jamaican youths tinkered creating an everlasting anthem under the masterful hands of Lloyd "Kings Jammy" James. This fresh and dynamic sound drew many outside of Jamaica to the genre of dancehall. At this time the 18 year old Wayne Smith had been on the reggae scene for some time voicing dubs for sound systems, even releasing two full albums by the time he was 14. Barrington Levy's dancehall hit "Under Mi Sensi" was his inspiration for "Under Mi Sleng Teng". The song's success heralded a historical milestone revolutionizing the sound of reggae and also the way in which dancehall songs were recorded. Up until that time the artist would approach the studio with a song taking along the lyrics and the instrumental, but the Sleng Teng hit created the role of the digital engineer who churned out sturdy computerized riddims and then invited artistes to voice. To date there are more than 500 titles using the Sleng Teng instrumental.

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

If you're a fan of Daptone Records, chances are you've read or heard the name Victor Axelrod, and even if you haven't, you've heard music from his hand. As a producer, arranger, recording and mixing engineer, and keyboardist, his creativity has extended across more than two decades of the label's releases, even dating to its prehistory with Desco Records. If You Ask Me To..., the first LP under his name for the label, is a collection of singles released between 2007-2023 as well as unreleased tracks from Sugar Minott and Binky Griptite. The genesis of which came via an 11th hour request from Daptone for a Sharon Jones remix (2007) that resulted in the reggae version of "How Long Do I Have To Wait For You?" found here. This opened the door to additional explorations of reggae/soul synergies within the catalogue, affirming the musical and cultural link between Daptone's core soul sound and Axelrod's passion for Jamaican music. While previous projects like Ticklah Vs. Axelrod and Roots Combination (produced under the alias Ticklah) were inspired by the Jamaica of the 1970s and 80s, this set specifically channels an earlier period in the 1960s when Jamaica was both strikingly original in its continuum of genres but also closely and empathetically attuned to Black American music. Through Axelrod's exceptional taste and the notable contributions of guitarist Tom Brenneck, original tapes from Bob & Gene's MoDo discography, members of The Frightnrs, and others from the NYC reggae community, the legacy of trailblazing Jamaican artists like Alton Ellis, Tony Gregory, and Ken Parker continue to resonate and inspire a whole new generation of reggae and soul enthusiasts.

Exquisite mood of exotic electronic dub, rhythm box organ reggae instrumentals at its finest! This is a completely limited 7" from the second album "Woven" released in 2007! This is the first analog version of the very popular Ylnw self-cover of the last single by the Determinations in 2003. This one is a must have! Yossy Little Noise Weaver consists of ex-Determinations keyboardist Yossy and trumpet player Icchie, and the A-side is a self-cover of a classic song from the latter years of the Determinations' career, written by Yossy. The A-side is a self-covered version of a late Detami classic composed by Yossy. The minimalist composition of rhythm box, organ, and trumpet creates an exotic mood, and the endlessly sweet melody with just the right amount of dub is a superb organ reggae instrumental number! The B-side features a cover of the spiritual jazz classic "Love In Outer Space" by Sun Ra. This one has a cosmic exo-jazz groove with electronic sounds, organ, and trumpet, and is super cool! This is a super strong double-sider single without any complaints.

Tokyo Riddim Band continue their journey striding across times and cultures, this time with their colourful keyboardist and frontwoman Mimi Kobayashi breathing new life into a song she originally penned in 1981. ‘Lazy Love’ first featured on Mimi’s highly sought after Coconuts High LP, which she recorded in LA recruiting top session players to play alongside her. It was also included in Time Capsule’s 2024 compilation of Japanese reggae - Tokyo Riddim 1976-1985.

This soulful pop tune turned deep dub cut retains the romantic charm of the original, whilst the tasteful performances of the Tokyo Riddim Band and Ras Tavaris combined with Prince Fatty’s studio magic give the song a newly found depth.

London based Tokyo Riddim Band is a unique fusion of cultures, bringing together the vibrant energy of three generations of Japanese female musicians with the eclectic sounds of London. Their dynamic performances blend reggae drums, funky bass lines, and the smooth City Pop guitar, all magically dubbed-out live on stage. This is not just music; it's a cultural phenomenon, offering a fresh and exciting take on the reggae scene.

By drawing on the poetic pearls of Omar Khayyām's rubaiyats (quatrains), Erau dub sound takes us on the wings of a soaring dub that shines with a thousand lights. Mixing programmed beats, saturated or delicate keyboards, deep bass and oriental samples, he revisits, in his own way, the fascinating world of Nichapour's troubadour. The raw sound of the melodica rubs shoulders with the zarb and oud loops, giving another breath of fresh air to the dub. A richness which is given both in the form and the subject, creating a protean work combining musical, literary, choreographic, socio-cultural and even political dimensions.The captivating voice of Jo Corbeau makes the French translation of these quatrains roll in a controlled ebb and flow where the swell of past centuries roars. The Occitan poet Roland Pécout adds his translations and those of the legendary Max Rouquette who, in his time, proposed versions of the rubaiyats in his language of the Languedoc scrublands.

Mute BEAT’s 3rd album, released in July 1989, marked the band's final original album. With Emerson Kitamura replacing Hirofumi Asamoto on keyboards and Yukiya Naito, who would later join Super Bad, on guitar, this album captured a significant evolution in their sound. The cutting is planned to be done by Dave Turner at Curve Pusher in the UK.

Emotional Rescue and HMV Record Shop (Japan) end their Disco Reggae Lovers 7" series with reggae legend Sugar Minott and this utterly unique UK soul-boogie rarity, I Remember Mama. Reggae star, vocalist, producer and sound system operator, Kingston JA born Minott released over 50 albums and hundreds of singles for the likes of Studio One, Wackies, Suffering Heights and his own Black Roots label. His distinctive soulful voice pioneered the Dancehall style and following his UK hit "Hard Time Pressure" he moved to London in 1980, adopting the rising Lovers Rock sound. On a visit to Wackies' offices in Soho he met Steve Parr, who had recently opened a studio next door. Keyboard player for the likes of Desmond Dekker and Geno Washington, Parr moved into composition, mixing, sound engineering and production, before setting up the Sound Design Studio in Dean Street. Principally a studio, the meeting with Minott hatched the idea to create a label to showcase their capabilities. Produced by Parr, he played all the instruments except the distinctive sax by friend Andy MacDonald. With Minott's heartfelt lyrics, this marriage created a one-off, a ground-breaking synthesised 4/4 rhythm track with funk groove and soulful vocals. Released on 7" and 12", the versions noticeably differ and is the perfect closing to the Disco Reggae Lovers series.

Originally released in 1979, one of the most popular Dennis Brown albums (incl. the first hit version of 'Money In My Pocket'), gets the 21st century vinyl re-issue! This is an Errol Thompson & Joe Gibbs production, musicians: Bass - Lloyd Parks, Robbie Shakespeare, Drums - Leroy "Horsemouth" Wallace, Michael Boo, Neville Grant, Sly Dunbar, Guitar - Bo-Pee Bowen, Willie Lindo, Keyboards - Frankie Waul, Winston Wright, Percussion - Frankie Waul, Ruddy Thomas, Horns – Dean Frazer, Nambo Robinson, Willie Breakridge. Another classic!

Referred to as "one of Reggae's quietest superstars" Jackie Mitto aka "The Keyboard King" had a remarkable path in Reggae music, a protege of Sly Stone, he started his career as part of Studio One's in house recording band and later went on to work with artists such as Bob Marley, Ub40, Barry White, Peter Tosh and Oscar Peterson. This album was the result of a rare occasion of being on tour in Africa and establishing musical connections with musicians from Ghana, recorded in Accra and mixed in London. Predominantly instrumental, this album is essential to any dub conscientious record collection, as it culminates the career of a Reggae legend whilst under new influences in West Africa resulting in an unmistakably characteristic modern dub sound. Re-issued on vinyl with remixes previously only availably on CD format.

Back In Stock for summer 2013! - Erstmalige Vinyl-Wiederveröffentlichung des Longplayers von 1981! - Aufgenommen im Channel One und King Tubby's Studio und overdubbed im Mark Angelos Studio (London), am Mischpult saßen in Kingston Barnabas & Scientist, sowie Mark Lusardi in London. Hier handelt es sich um eine Henry 'Junjo' Lawes Produktion und einen Klassiker der DeeJay Historie im Combination-Style. Musiker: Bass: Flabba Holt, Robbie Shakespeare, Drums: Santa Davis, Sly Dunbar, Style Scott, Guitar: Sowell, Bo Pee, Dwight Pinkney, Chinna Smith, Bingy Bunny, Horns: Dave Cummings, Hameed Taroghion, Mark Alder, Keyboards: Ansel Collins, Delroy Donaldson, Gladdie Anderson, Steelie, Winston Wright, Percussion: Mikey Spratt, Skully, Sky Juice.

Reggae Disco Rockers cover Neil Young's classic "Harvest Moon" with Marter on guest vocals. The coupling features a remix by Slowly! Reggae Disco Rockers, who had an exceptionally big hit last summer with their cover of F. Knuckles' "The Whistle Song", have now collaborated with male vocalist Marter. The band has now collaborated with male vocalist Marter, who is a member of Jazzy Sport and expresses his unique world view as a singer and songwriter, on a cover of 'Harvest Moon', one of Neil Young's best-known songs. As on the previous album The Whistle Song, Emerson Kitamura plays keyboards on this album, giving it an organic atmosphere. The coupling track is a remix by the ever-popular Slowly, with a ground-crawling bassline, and both the organic original version and the cool remix are perfect, again in full jacket!

The one arm keyboard luminary is well known in the entertainment circle of Western Jamaica. Born on the 2nd of March 1954, the accomplished singer and musician hails from Hayes, Clarendon. In 1969 he went to live in Kingston until 1973. Ancel's first effort in a recording studio was inside the popular Randy's in downtown Kingston. He did a single called 'Riding On' on the Musical Barber label out of Mandeville. In 1977 he joined a group called Solid Foundation and stayed with them for two years. After that he moved to Montego Bay to sing with Stamma and the Sounds of Mobay, with who he appeared on Reggae Sunsplash festival in 1980. Johnny made the move for the United States in 1982, and formed his first own band 'Uprisers' in Pittsburgh city. One of the things he likes to talk about is how he once reunited the famed Clarendonians with Peter Austin and Ernest Wilson. Both pioneer icons were at irreconcilable odds with each other for quite some time. When he came back to Jamaica in 1985, he invited Ernest Wilson to do back-up vocals for him. For the same studio session, he also invited Peter Austin for the same back-up duties, and that was how the reunion came about. Inside famous Aquarius studio, there was Burning Spear's personal Band called Burning. The songs recorded there were 'Moving Out' and 'True Love' with top musicians : Tony Green on the saxophone, Bobby Ellis on the trumpet, Dwight Pinkney on the guitar, Calvin on percussion, Nelson Miller on the drums and Maurice Gordon on bass. This was not the first time Ancel was working with Peter Austin. When the split came in the ranks of the Clarendonians, Ancel was asked to fill the breach. He thus teamed up with Peter Austin and their first single together was entitled 'Out Of Sight'. They later entered the annual Jamaica Festival Song competition in 1975. Their entry was entitled 'Paradise On Earth' which Ancel said was quite popular. However, it was not popular enough to prevent the late Roman Stewart from copping the award with 'Hooray Festival'. After the release of 'Moving Out', Johnny moved to Miami and continued his career as a solo artist, singing with different local bands. He did a number of singles, notably were 'Faith, Patience and Love' and 'Stand Back' for a producer called Jolly in Miami. In 1988 Powell formed his second band Benja, a band which gained increasing popularity in the time in South Florida. They have performed on several festivals, played in most major clubs and were a big success in Andros Island in the Bahamas for an audience who not necessarily consider Reggae their prime choice of music. The saddest part of his life was when he lost his left hand to what doctors termed as a cancerous situation in 1977. This did not, however, stop him from learning how to play keyboards. Initially he was taught by the late Bobby Vaugh in Montego Bay and also got further teaching from jamaican saxophinist Reuben Alexander. Now approaching 70 years old, Ancel is still very active in his music. In previous years he performed at the Marcus Garvey Celebration and is currently working with the “Synergy Band” at Royalton Hotel in Negril under the stage name “Ancel P.” Let the one arm keyboard luminary life and music live eternally !

Beres Hammmond presents his new single! - "Call To Duty" is finest deep conscious music, a beautiful song with a powerful message, available as limted edition 7-inch single in a picture sleeve, right in time for christmas and the holiday season. The song, written by Mr. Hammond and co-produced with Clive Hunt, is familiar in its social themes, yet more dramatic as it is stripped of his usual rhythmic reggae pulse. The swells of emotive chords from keyboardist Robbie Lyn are punctuated to great effect by the all-star horn section of Dean Fraser, Oshane Love and Okiel McIntyre. Harmony House players Michael Fletcher, Errol Graham and vocalists Dorett Wisdom and Sherida Sharpe round out the session. The recording is both a strong statement about life amid a pandemic and a call to a shared vision of what our world can be.

English Reggae covers of Crystal Kay's "Koi ni Ochitara" and Masaharu Fukuyama's "Sakurazaka"!

7" cut from the compilation "J-Pop Covers in Reggae Lovers" produced by Smart Move Records/Lee Francis!

This is a 7" cut from the compilation "J-Pop Covers in Reggae Lovers" produced by UK reggae label Smart Move Records/Lee Francis, featuring Mynx singing Crystal Kay's "Koi ni ochiraraita" and Adele Harley singing Masaharu Fukuyama's "Sakurazaka". This is a coupling of English cover of "Sakurazaka" by Masaharu Fukuyama sung by Adele Harley.

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.

Jamwax Records proudly presents We Sing Gregory. On this album, jamaican producer Bravo used the best roots and culture band, the undomitable Roots Radics, featuring Flabba Holt on bass, Style Scott on drums and Keith Sterling on keyboards, and hired legends Robbie Lynn on keyboards, Cat Coore and Chinna Smith on guitar, Stick on percussion, Dean Fraser on horns, thus ensuring a heavy and flawless riddim foundation and superb arrangements. The Roots Radics were Gregory Isaacs band in the early 80's, playing on the Night Nurse and Out Deh! albums, touring around the world with the cool ruler. Gregory Isaacs' songwriting is magnificient and the subjects are always treated with humbleness and consideration for others.

Synth lovers rock at its best! Jamaican born and New-York based, Laury Webb is a singer, musician, producer, actor, former model and writer. He's been called both the Opera Dread and the Frank Sinatra of Reggae. Laury's musical career began with a role as keyboardist and later backing vocalist with the reggae vocal group The Meditations (with whom he continues to perform). Laury Webb posses a unique and eclectic vocal style. He has performed at some of New York city's premier musical venues, including Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall, The Village Gate, S.O.B.'s, The Ritz, The Lion's Den, Joe's Pub, Leopard Lounge, Kenny's Castaway, Central Park Summer Stage, The Baggot Inn and The Brooklyn Bowl. After enjoying years of being a back-up musician, Laury launched a solo career with his Tigerbone Band. During that period he recorded and releases singles "Woman My Queen" and "It Seems The Same". He was fresh out of college and touring with The Meditations, when he purchased a small organ for his girlfriend/mother of his two children for Christmas. By the time her birthday came around he was so broke and could not afford to purchase a birthday present for her so he gave her a writing pad and pen and told her to write down whatever came out of her mouth, and he sat at the keyboard and began playing and singing. “Woman My Queen”, was the result. “It Seems The Same” was begun in America but I did not finish writing it till the music was recorded. My cousin, Barry Biggs, worked with me on this one. We both sang on the backing tracks.

Back in 2014 Caio linked up with the legendary singer Clive Matthews in Jamaica as he was interested in recording some specials for his Dub Foundation Sound System. Talking about it came out the idea to play the Apology rhythm from scratch, one of Clive's biggest hits from back in the days.

It took around one year to organize everything and by the end of 2015 Clive Matthews was able to get in touch and gather all the original musicians who played the riddim back in 1973 : Bagga at the Bassline , Leroy “Horsemouth” Wallace on drums , Norman Vessel on lead guitar & rhythm and Jah D on Keyboard. Music was then recorded at Anchor Studio, Jamaica, with Garfield McDonald's as Engineer.

“Mama Afrika” has been since 2015 one of the Anthem of Black Foundation Sound System and we at Dig This Way Records were lucky enough to cooperate with Caio to work on this release with a new mix of the vocal.

Mixed and dubbed by Michael Exodus at Dub Basement Studio in Rome and mastered by Matt at Pressure Mastering in Uk.

Michael George Henry (aka Ras Michael and, for this lone release, Dadawah) was born in 1943 in Saint Mary Parish, in northeastern Jamaica. Henry was raised in a Rastafari community when the religious movement was still in its infancy and marginalized within Jamaica. It was there that he began performing Nyahbinghi, the Rastafarian devotional music that combines the influences of African drumming and Black gospel. Henry found himself in Kingston in the late 1950s where he worked for Coxsone Dodd at the legendary Studio One. By 1968, he had formed the group Sons of Negus and the first overtly Rasta record label, Zion Disc. As Rasta filtered into the mainstream, Henry released more music including albums for Trojan, Dynamic and Grounation labels. Originally released in 1974, Peace And Love – Wadadasow is Dadawah’s magnum opus. Produced by Lloyd Charmers, the album features slinky basslines, wah-wah guitar, hypnotic keyboards, dubbed-out studio trickery and, of course, the propulsive drumming and rhythmic chanting characteristic of Nyahbinghi. Antarctica Starts Here presents the first widely available domestic release of Peace and Love - Wadadasow. This reissue is part of an archival series that focuses on Trojan’s essential ’60s and ’70s catalogue. Liner notes by JR Gonne.

One of the greatest reggae singers of all time, Dennis Brown made an incredible impact during a career that spanned four decades, his reign cut short by his tragically early death from a collapsed lung in 1999, aged just 42. First released in 1995 under the title Take A Stand and also known as Temperature Is Rising, the album Love Is So True was expertly produced by Anthony Dehaney, alias Bunny Gemini, at the Record Factory studios in Kingston, then home to some of the better dancehall being cut in Jamaica. Along with saxophonist/arranger Dean Fraser and the Fire House Crew and ‘Rhythm Twins’ Sly and Robbie, the featured musicians include the stalwart keyboardist Ansel Collins of “Double Barrel” and “Stalag” fame, guitarist Lascelles Beckford and bassist Danny ‘Axe Man’ Thompson of the Gifted Roots band, trumpeter David Madden of Zap Pow, and keyboardist Dennis ‘Jah D’ Fearon. The keen musicianship brought forth by these players helped coax the best out of Brown on songs such as “Never Let Your Heart Be Troubled,” which rides a tough re-cut of the “Full Up” rhythm, and “Temperature Is Rising,” on a durable re-cut of the “Far East”/“Jah Shakey” rhythm; “A Little Respect” makes use of a bouncing update of “Pressure And Slide,” the meditative “Sea Shore” is on a great dancehall cut of “Real Rock” and the anti-rude boy “Gangster” is voiced on a beautiful dancehall interpretation of “Freedom Blues.” There’s even a dancehall take of the Beatles’ “You Won’t See Me,” delivered as only Dennis Brown can, as well as a likeable re-make of Dennis’ own “Have You Ever.”