Hemsley Morris - You Think I'M A Fool/Ernest Ranglin - Heart Beat 7" (Clancy's)(2023)Europe

 

Rocksteady music from 1968(?) but released in 2023. Can't tell if this is a reissue or newly released. Hemsley Morris has a nice voice and rides the Hot Milk riddim well. Reggae fans will recognize the riddim. B side is an instrumental of the riddim credited to guitarist Ernest Ranglin. Good release. Get it. Check out Hemsley Morris here.

Ras Talent - African Trap/African Trap Version 7" (I Aim, I Destiny, I Jah) (2022) Euro reissue

 

2022 reissue of a 1980 release by Ras Talent. Straightforward roots tune. Not a barn burner. Version side is the better side. I give this a C. There are better roots tune from the era available. Check it out here.

Various - Jah Children Invasion Vol. 6: Digital Dawn (Wackies)(2024)(LP)

 

From the good folks at Deeper Knowledge (or aka "Digikiller"), we have a new selection of Wackies music but this time in a purely digital style. Solid set of digital releases from some legendary reggae performers including Horace Andy, Milton Henry, Jackie Mittoo, and Chris Wayne. I do not think this is available in CD format so you need to buy the LP.

This LP includes an interesting version of the Bobby Caldwell classic, "What You Won't Do For Love", by Wayne Chin. It works in a digital reggae style. The stand-out track for me is from Milton Henry with "Make it Right". Milton has such a smooth voice.  I would recommend this LP for advanced reggae music listeners only.

Various Artists - Atlantic 1 (Dr Bird)(2023)(2 CD)

Another great reissue of an important Trojan album, originally released in 1975. This version includes a ton of new tracks so that we have a fantastic 2 CD set. Atlantic 1 focuses on the works of producer Alvin "GG" Ranglin. This LP was the second of two aviation themed albums that Trojan put out. For those hardcore fans, the first LP was "Reggae Flight 404" and it has also been reissued and expanded by Dr Bird. 

The number of legendary reggae singers and groups featured on Atlantic 1 is top-notch. For example, you get to hear early releases by Ronnie Davis, Gregory Isaacs, The Meditations, Freddie McKay, and The Maytones. You also will find a great release by the less well known (but still crucial) The Blue Bells - Call Me Teacher. This 2 CD release comes with an informative booklet that provides some context of the music and the times. A must buy. A good reflection of early to mid 70s reggae music in JA.

Various - The Sound of Young Jamaica (Studio One)(2012)(2CDs)

 

It is always exciting to find a Studio One release that I was not aware of! The LP has has been around for a long time but this 2 CD compilation of The Sound of Young Jamaica is new to these eyes. When I saw it listed at Studio One USA, I immediately added it to my cart.  Note, I do not remember that the original LP had these many songs so I think they added quite a few songs and used the same title as the original LP. 

Ok - the music is classic. Studio One (as many have said) is Sun Records and Motown combined but for Jamaica. Quite the simplification but you get the idea. If you like reggae music, you need this and you should buy it. Classic reggae. 'nuff said. Nothing sounds sweeter and original as Studio One reggae.

Lee "Scratch' Perry Presents Soulful I (The Jamaican Upsetter Singles 1969-70)(Doctor Bird)(2024)(2-CD)

 

What a great historical account! Doctor Bird has collected the Jamaican singles on the Upsetter label for 1969-1970. In addition, this 2 CD collection includes a large amount of version sides credited to The Upsetters. The collection also includes some alternate takes so you get a chance to listen to how certain songs and rhythms evolved. Dr Bird is doing the reggae world a great service. There are other releases by Dr Bird focusing on Lee Perry productions during this time period. I will post more as I listen to them. Here is a taste David Issacs - Since You Are Gone.

Various - Reggae Power (Doctor Bird)(CD)(2020)

 

Solid 2 CD collection of early reggae music. This is the first official anthology of Karl 'J.J' Johnson's reggae productions, comprising the bulk of this output from 1968-1972, including 17 tracks never on CD. Not all of the almost 100 7" singles that he released are included on this release but there is a good sample of his productions. 

The songs on this CD were released on labels such as J.J, Sir J.J, Heavy, and People. The artists represented here are well known to reggae collectors. Among the best are Roy Shirley, Carl Dawkins, The Ethiopians, The Kingstonians, The Clarendonians, and Dennis Alcapone. It is also a pleasure to hear releases by less well-known but equally vital artists like The Rulers, The Linkers, and The Bleechers.

By the way, the original "Reggae Power" LP was released by JJ in 1969. It was the only full length he ever released. While this is not a direct reproduction of that original LP, the cover is exactly the same. This release is geared towards the hard-core reggae fan and collector. Worth getting if you are at all interested in the development of reggae music. Extensive liner notes included. Check out The Kingstonians - Slim Girl.

The Gladiators - Presenting The Gladiators (Studio One - SOR-017) (CD-Deluxe Edition) (2018)

Presenting..originally released on Studio One in 1978- has been reissued in a Deluxe Edition by Studio One. What a treat! This band, this label, and this release are considered classics in the reggae world. Led by vocalist, Albert Griffiths, The Gladiators, a self-contained band, also backed up other musicians at Studio One. Aside from including the full, original album, this Deluxe Edition, also includes some dubs, some unreleased material, and even some alternate takes.

The Gladiators had some success in the UK with releases on Virgin and Front Line in the mid-70s, but this Studio One release is where I got my first taste of this roots reggae band. This release also comes with a handy and pretty booklet which provides some background of the band some of the members that have passed through the ranks. The music? Well, listening to this album on CD for the first time allows me to hear some background harmony parts that I had not heard on the vinyl release. On some the tracks the bass can really be heard and distorts a little but if you are a fan of reggae music and Studio One, that will not be a problem. By the way, the bass parts are credited to Clinton Fearon and Bagga Walker. Solid!! If you are a fan of reggae music, you should have this. This CD is worth getting even if you prefer vinyl. Enjoy - Listen to Roots Natty

Misty In Roots - Chronicles: The Best of Misty In Roots (1994) CD (Kaz Records)

 

Misty In Roots (MIR) - one of the finest British reggae bands ever.  While not as famous or prolific as their British brothers, Steel Pulse or Aswad, MIR's music is just as vital as those bands. In the UK, MIR was a significant participant in the Rock Against Racism Movement in the late 70s. During that key time in the UK, MIR often shared concert stages and audiences with bands such as Tom Robinson, 999, Elvis Costello, and Sham 69. If you do not know, those bands and musicians are not reggae bands!

This compilation mostly features MIR's 1980's output. So while some of their critical hits from the 1970s is missing, the music here is still fantastic and really captures some of the hypnotic roots reggae music that MIR is best known for...and those horn charts....if you like horns, MIR is your band! For a taste of Misty in Roots check out Wise and Foolish

Delroy Wilson & Ken Boothe - Sarge/Unlimited (2 CD) (Doctor Bird) (2024)

 

A 2-fer from Doctor Bird Records out of the U.K. that features two of the greatest vocalists in reggae music: Delroy Wilson and Ken Boothe. Delroy Wilson's Sarge was originally released in 1977 in the UK on the Charmers label, while Ken Boothe's (Boothe) Unlimited is from 1972 and was released in the U.S. on Clocktower. Each album comes with bonus tracks that contains some 12" inch single versions. Note- there are some questions regarding the re-issue of the Ken Boothe album. I am not sure how true these claims are so just be aware that this CD release may not exactly match the original album. Be aware, that the Ken Boothe album comes in a 'Showcase style' - the vocal version is followed by the version (i.e., dub). In addition to the original album, this CD includes 7 more tracks from 12" singles.

However, I think this is still a must have CD. Both Delroy Wilson and Ken Boothe are considered reggae royalty so any re-release of their music should be celebrated. I do not have the original albums so I am very happy that I now get to hear some fine 70s output from both of these stars. Both albums contain familiar songs to the more serious reggae collector and fan. For newbies, these are good performances. For a taste, check Delroy Wilson doing Moving Away and Ken Boothe doing Look What You've Done For Me

Dub Judah - Twinkle's Riddim (Twinkle Music) (1992) LP

 

This UK release from 1992, contains the dub versions of Twinkle Brothers' Babylon Rise Again LP from 1991. 

Solid but not stellar LP. While the Twinkle Brothers are a force in roots reggae music, some of the riddims on this album are good but some are only decent. There are other, more vital albums to buy before getting this one.

Check out Tormenting Dub for a taste.

Trinity - Life (1980)

Also released as Have a Little Faith in Jamaica, this Linval Thompson produced album is solid. Trinity is a well known, old-school DJ. He has a nice smooth style and on this album he is riding riddims played by the Roots Radics. The backing vocals on these versions is usually (but not always) Linval Thompson (who is a first class singer and producer in his own right!). Overall, this album is filled with great melodic rhythms for Trinity to chat over. Definitely made for those their reggae hard and rootsy. Should you get this if you are new to reggae?  Let me put it this way. If I told a reggae collector that I have a Trinity record DJ'ing over Linval Thompson riddims played by the Roots Radics, they would buy it immediately. If you find this album in a used bin or new (since the Abraham label appears in record stores all over) buy this.

Robert Ffrench - The Favourite (2019 repress)

Robert Ffrench's first album gets the repress treatment from French label, Patate Records. Originally released on the Black Solidarity label back in 1985, this is a solid if not spectacular release. Robert Ffrench is a fine singer who is comfortable singing over roots and lovers riddims. Maybe not a must have in terms of key reggae albums to own but the collectors and the deep reggae enthusiasts will either already have this or gobble this right up. A bit of a warning. My copy sounds very crisp and distorts at the high-end. Some will be bothered by this and should maybe play a copy before committing to buying a copy.

Various Artists - Bunny Lee : Dreads Enter The Gates With Praise (2019)

A new 3LP reggae various artists album on Soul Jazz will always get my attention. Soul Jazz reggae albums are always well packaged and usually of top-shelf quality. In fact, Soul Jazz's Studio One series is a must have for any true fan of reggae music. This set, however, places its focus on the work of legendary reggae producer Bunny "Striker" Lee. While Bunny Lee started producing in the late 60s, this collection contains output from the 70s when Bunny Lee was one of the premier (if not the premier) producer in Jamaica. The 70s reggae scene in Jamaica gave us what is known as "roots reggae" and it just happens to my personal favorite era of reggae music. If you have never heard roots reggae then this is not a bad place to start. The sound is sparse and heavy, slow and moody.

As the title implies, 70s roots music is mostly associated with songs about Rastafari (e.g., praising him, following him) and the struggles faced by the poor (sufferers) in Jamaica. Hence, many of the titles here reflect that. For example, see titles like Enter His Gates with Praise (Johnny Clarke), So Jah Seh (Jackie Edwards), Real Born Africa (Jah Stitch), Natty Dread Have Ambition (Shorty the President), and You Should Be Thankful (Mighty Diamonds). So, for those that are new to reggae, this is not Three Little Birds by Bob Marley. Buyer beware.