DEVON RUSSELL Vinilo y CD

Review: If you've not already picked up a copy of Mutaksuku Records' superb reissue of two of reggae musician Devon Russell's greatest Curtis Mayfield covers, we'd suggest grabbing one of these Juno exclusive white vinyl versions, which also happens to ship with a tasty wooden "45" adaptor. You may already know Russell's incredible '84 version of 'Move on Up', which re-imagines it as a languid, post-disco reggae-soul anthem that just oozes sun-soaked positivity. On this seven-inch, it comes backed by something equally as essential: the artist's lesser-known 1993 take on 'Give Me Your Love', which turns the much-loved song into a colourful, synth-laden trip through Balearic reggae territory. In a word: essential.

Review: By now, you should know Devon Russell's sought-after 1984 cover of Curtis Mayfield classic "Move On Up", a incredible, post-disco era reggae-soul revision that just oozes sun-splashed positivity. It's virtually impossible to pick up the original 45 so this dinked reissue from Mukatsuku Records is most welcome and has been lovingly remastered. The seven-inch is also notable for including another overlooked gem from Russell's even lesser-known 1993 album of Mayfield covers, "Darker Than Blue". His rendition of "Give Me Your Love" here presented for the very first time in a 45 format is blissfully glassy-eyed, colourful and hazy, giving the Mayfield classic a decidedly Balearic reggae feel via head-nodding grooves, fluid synthesizer lines and jazzy guitar solos. In a word: brilliant.Supported so far by DJ Koco & DJ Muro from Japan and Craig Charles BBC 6 Music, The Allergies,Mr Thing, Andy Smith & Boca 45 from the uk....

Review: Devon Russell's incredible reggae covers of Curtis Mayfield's 'Move On Up' and 'Give Me Your Love' have been included in various compilations over the years and that is what has helped him become such a well-known name. Both of those gems were featured on the soulful Jamaican's previously impossible-to-find 1983 album 'Darker Than Blue', which has now been reissued on wax in various forms. It's a terrific set of Mayfield covers all told, with Russell's emotive, high-register vocals (impressively reminiscent of Mayfield in his pomp) rising above roots, lovers and digital reggae rhythms played, recorded and produced by a cast list including Sly Dunbar, Aston 'Family Man' Barrett, Firehouse Crew and Early 'Chinna' Smith.

Review: Even in this internet age where you can find out pretty much anything about anyone, Devon Barrant Russell's story remains much of a mystery. Bits of info are known about his life and recording career, but there are also huge gaps. What we do know is that he worked with High Times Players in 1984 on a full length, but then never again according to discogs. Despite that, this tune isn't on that album, so who knows where and when it was recorded. It's a warehouse find from a recent stock take and fuses a sentimental soul sound with blissful 80s reggae, R&B and roots vibes. It's a lovely little tune, too.