Review: The studio of Harry J's in Jamaica has turned out another pair of belters here. This limited edition and hand-numbered 7" features two killer 1969 tunes. The first is a bittersweet roots tune with a lead trumpet that does all the work. It's in conversation with the organ below and as they to and fro, expressing their pair, the bass rumbles and the percussion jangles. As well as that standout from Richard Ace, the flip-side has a super rare tune 'Candy Lady' by Hugh Black & George Ferris. It's another earthy tune with lovestruck vocals.
Albert "Alchemist" Thompson - "Promise Land Version" (3:34)
Review: Albert "Alchemist" Thompson's Promise Land comes courtesy of Freestyle Records and has great appearances on the mic from reggae and dancehall greats Frankie Paul, Joseph Cotton, Prince Malachi and Anthony John. It has never before been released and has had a long maturation period over the last 30 years. Albert Thompson was chief engineer at I&I Sound Recording Studio once it left LA and head to Jamaica and he saw work with greats like Dennis Brown, Bunny Wailer and Gregory Isaacs. He laid down these rhythms in 1991 during some downtime and then added the vocals 16 years later in London when working with talented local and touring Jamaican artists.
Review: Alpha & Omega are serious UK dub legends and now they are back on ZamZam with a typically powerful new anthem featuring Steppas Records' Nai-Jah. Over a thunderous bassline, melodica, sparkling keys and evocative jungle sounds, Nai-Jah's heartfelt lyrics call for empathy and action as he signs "Money-making has filled our minds with disease." The flipside jam on this fine 7" is 'The Dubplate Trembles' which extends the vibes in classic style. Another fine collaboration from these mainstays who have already long since assured their legacy over the course of 30-plus albums that have shaped global sound system culture.
Review: Partial are busy reissuing a series of the best works from pioneering UK dub outfit Alpha & Omega. They are known for the likes of their timeless 1991 reggae album Overstanding and seminal 'Shashamani' tune which came on a 1996 long player called Voice in the Wilderness. This 7" offers up 'Bush Ganja' which came originally back in 2006 and was made as a one-off with Gregory Isaacs, the late and great Jamaican singer. It has pretty much been sold out since the day it dropped but now comes back to a sound system near you with its ice cold dub, head twisting electronics and impassioned vocal. Check the flip for a mad dub.
Review: Amami's 'Wrong Way' is a dub-infused track that exemplifies the genre's rich, immersive qualities. The song opens with a deep, resonant bassline that anchors the composition, while subtle percussion elements add a rhythmic complexity. The dub version on the B-side further enhances the track's atmospheric depth, offering a more stripped-back interpretation that allows the intricate soundscapes to emerge more prominently. The release underscores Amami's adeptness at blending traditional dub elements with contemporary production techniques, resulting in a track that is both rooted in the genre's history and forward-thinking in its execution.
Review: Horace Andy dropped one of his most well-known cuts back in 1987. It's a lovely rootsy dancehall skank in the form of 'What A Problem' that he produced himself alongside Michael Taylo and Andy Bassford. His mic work is exceptional as he twists and turns his vocals to ride on top of the drums and deliver his message with style and grace in his textbook smooth vocal tone. The version on the flip drills down into darker and more gritty dancehall vibes with the fat bassline front and centre next to plenty of echo and reverb.
Review: Jamaican reggae legend Horace Andy has many great tunes in his back catalogue, but 'Get Down' is a classic roots gem often said to be one of his best. It's a signature sound with his trademark smooth and soulful vocals and is known for its deep, socially conscious lyrics and heavy bassline. This is one of those tunes that showcases Andy's ability to blend powerful messages with mellow rhythms and now gets pressed up to a tidy limited green smokey vinyl 7" thanks to Ruderalis. It comes with a fine instrumental version on the B-side
Ariwa Posse - "Rise & Shine" (with Askala Selassie) (3:26)
Joe Ariwa - "Rise & Shine" (dub) (3:27)
Review: Mad Professor's Aiwa Studios has never struggled with turning out sublime low end excursions in a range of dubby sub-genres. This 7" offers the latest chance to check in with what's going on there courtesy of the in-house Ariwa Posse with Joe Ariwa. This is reportedly one of two releases coming imminently which is great news because it bangs. First up is A-side wobbler 'Rise & Shine' (with Askala Selassie) which has clean digi-dub synths snaking between hissing hi hats and endless amounts of rerun while the silky bass rolls unhindered and the vocals bring aching soul. Joe Ariwa gets to work on a flip side dub that hits different.
Review: Joe Armon-Jones brings a fresh layer of depth to his ever-evolving sound with 'Sorrow', a track that takes its time to breathe, much like a slow unfolding narrative. The piece moves with a deliberate grace, weaving together his distinctive jazz-infused piano work with an underlying electronic pulse. It starts subtly, slowly layering textures that push the track into deeper emotional terrain. The interplay between live drums and ambient synths creates a fluid yet focused atmosphere, reflecting the introspective mood the title suggests. With 'Sorrow', Armon-Jones proves once again that he is unafraid to let his ideas mature at their own pace, leading listeners through a rich, captivating experience.
Review: As the Darker Shades Of Roots label hurtles towards its 50th release, it turns to the fine pairing of Ash & Willow. This fledgling outfit debuted in 2016 but has been slow to release. Last year was a busy one with a trio of new 7"s that are now finally arriving to us. 'The Heart Of All Men' opens up this one with slow-motion rhythms and some organic percussion that adds the detail. On the flip, the ice picks up a little and the sun shines down bright over meandering leads on The Shades's 'Revelation 21.'
Review: Darker Shades Of Roots explores just that and has done so expertly over the course of a half-century of releases to date. The New Year starts off for them with another tasteful two-tracker that pairs a couple of contemporary artists. Ash & Willow are up first and offer 'I & I Stand' which has classic melodica leads worked into a tight rhythm that's detailed with earthy guitar riffs and lush chords, and of course some fine mic work. The Shades's 'Brother Sun, Sister Moon' then comes through with more whimsical melodica sounds and moodier vocals.
Review: Ash & Willow have music in their catalogue as far back as 2016, but very little since. last year proved to be a busy one with not one but three new singles produced. They all come on the Darker Shades Of Roots label and are available with us now. This one features all their signature styles - authentic, organic reggae rhythms with conscious lyrics and melodies that linger long in your mind. 'Challenge Yourself' is a fine example of that here and on the flip is The Shades with the instrumental dub 'Grow More Loving'.
Review: 'Black Cinderella' which harriers on this new 7" as both a vocal and a dub, was written by Max Edwards Asher and offers a soulful and thought-provoking musical experience that challenges perceptions and societal norms. Originally engineered in Studio 1, this track reimagines Cinderella as a woman of colour. Written by Jimmy Rodway, the song aims to empower black women and urges them to envision themselves as the desired fantasy character. The limited edition 45 rpm showcases Asher's masterful production and features a lovely warm and inviting analogue sound and poignant message of empowerment and inclusion.
Ugly Truth (feat Lee Scratch Perry - remix) (2:36)
Review: Hot on the heels of his rather good album Ekundayo - a brilliant set of reggae, dancehall and folk-infused lo-fi soul songs - Nottingham singer-songwriter Liam Bailey returns with two bona-fide legends in tow. The Roots member Black Thought guests on a bold new version of LP track 'Champion', in which he and Bailey's superb vocals ride a fuzzy, organ-rich riddim that sits somewhere between classic reggae and pitched-down dancehall. The Legendary Lee 'Scratch' Perry lends his distinctive vocals to the fresh flipside version of 'The Ugly Truth', an intergalactic digi-dub-goes-soul affair that's every bit as awesome as the on-point A-side. Tip!
Review: Huzzah! New music from Liam Bailey, who has voiced a couple of the most gorgeous reggae, soul and dub fusion 7"s we've got in our collection in recent years. He has, we're told, recently been recording a new album and the two tunes pressed up here on Big Crown are taken from it. El Michels Affair man Leon Michels is the go-to producer once more for Bailey and they strike gold as always with 'Dance With Me'. It is a hella catchy two-stepper that harks back to the earliest days of reggae. On the flip, 'Mercy Tree' has hard-hitting drums and big horns that come with a powerhouse vocal that speaks of racial tensions that sadly persist throughout the world. It's a standup jam with a potent message.
Guru Pope - "Reggae Soldier" (Saxaphone mix) (3:15)
Aba Ariginal - "East Meets West" (Hornix mix) (3:15)
East Meets West (dub mix 1) (3:14)
East Meets West (dub mix 2) (3:18)
Review: A powerful collaboration between Jennifer Barrett, Guru Pope and Aba Ariginal released on a striking red 12". The original track blends smooth reggae rhythms with heartfelt lyrics that celebrate strength, resilience and the spirit of the reggae soldier. Each artist brings their unique flavour to the release and that leads to a harmonious fusion of voices and styles. Add in its infectious groove and uplifting message, and 'Reggae Soldier' is a standout tune that begs to be played loud.
Review: This latest 45 rpm from Phase One is another crucial reissue. Steve Baswell dropped it back in 1978 and it is a now much sought-after record that will cost you the best part of three figures to get on OG on second-hand markets. It's a classy roots rocker that was originally recorded by Pat Francis for his own label and on the B-side you will find an instrumental version for some even more pure head melting rhythms. If you love roots rockers, you'd be hard-pushed to find much better.
Review: Keeling Beckford's 'That Girl' is a fantastic early eighties vocal track by the esteemed producer and singer. It is set to Max Romeo's brilliant mid-seventies rhythm 'Stop Picking On Me' and now gets pressed up to 7" courtesy of DD and Studio 16. The original version is as blissed out as you can imagine with lazy drums and chords under the sweet and storytelling vocals. The version is longer and has more emphasis on the dubby low ends. Each copy is housed in a sturdy, company-printed sleeve making it a nice authentic wedge of roots.
Review: This crucial platter features two gems in 'Windrush Scandal' and 'Give A Little Love' which are fine tunes from Lizzi Bee and Ranking Ann, who makes a great return and lays down some superb vocals that will get you thinking as well as skanking, and what's more it all comes on a flame red vinyl 12". The track offers a perfect blend of reggae and dancehall influences, featuring catchy melodies, uplifting lyrics and a smooth rhythm that will have you swaying along and lost in the cavernous bass depths. Sax versions and dubs are all included to make this the complete package.
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