Review: Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band is an enigmatic steel pan collective from Hamburg that has a hardcore fan following around the world and a new album on the way that is superb. They are loved for their covers of hip-hop classics and last year served up a version of the Stranger Things theme tune but this time out we get 'Love For The Sake Of Dub' of 45 rpm. It is another pair of funky tunes with the signature brass sounds front and centre as the fat bottom rhythms roll deep and fleshy. Another gem from this leftfield outfit.
Review: Dave Barker of 'Double Barrel' fame is back on the mix here for the Original Gravity label. This is the second form the many in as many months and is on the faster end of the reggae tempo scale so prepare to be swept up and skanking in no time. The lo-fi 60s reggae and early ska vibes are strong on this one as the dancing Hammond organ chords compliment Barker's effortless flow. Horn stabs and drums with infectious swagger complete the a-side 'Peace of Mind'. On the flip, The Regulators offer up a nice and laidback, deep-cut dub version with 'Jamaican beat.'
Review: Guillaume Metenier is Booker Gee, a master edit maker and studio wizard who has made his name with some much wanted work on Lucien Entertainment as well as more than once on this label. His second release this month is a trip into the world of ska. 'Out In The Rain' is a perfect sweet spot between rolling reggae rhythms, warm organ chords and skipping kicks. The mood is sensuous and inviting as Gee blends sweet soul with playful funk. The version is only a subtle rework, resining plenty of the charm and allure of the original.
Review: Here's a killer reissue from the Soul Jazz archives which is finally getting a repress. It's hardly surprising when the reissue becomes as sought after as the holy grail original jam from 1970, a sublime instrumental anthem of soulful, skanking perfection with Cedric Im Brooks flexing his sax in glorious style over a beautifully rough n' ready rhythm. It was shortly after this recording was laid down Brooks went on to form The Mystic Revelation of Rastafari with Count Ossie, which tells you all you need to know about the heritage we're dealing with here.
Review: Susan Cadogan's first live performance in Italy with The Magnetics was recorded in 2019 and is now getting released on long player. The vinyl features her chart-topping hit 'Hurt So Good,' which was produced by the legendary Lee Perry, alongside tracks from her 48-year career. Highlights include the 2017 comeback single 'Take Me Back,' and 'My Oh My,' which was a duet with The Magnetics that quickly sold out its 7" release. The LP overall captures a magic night that showcases the greatest hits from Cadogan's illustrious career.
Review: Junior Dell & The D-Lites are one of reggae's most accomplished outfits and they have a vast arsenal of tunes to back that up. This one is one of many delightful dubs - and it now makes its way to us via Original Gravity. 'East Of Hurghada' has a noodling melodic lead and nice dusty drums with a more textured horn eventually taking the main stage. On the flip, Woodfield Rd Allstars step up with 'Lickle Fat Mattress' which is another blend of ska, reggae and dub with some natty keys.
Review: DJ Cat comes through on Scruniversal here as the young label continues to go from strength to strength early in its existence. This time he serves up some re-edits and reworks of old and rare records from Scru's friends' collections. Up first is 'Roots & Culture' which is a languid funk workout with Prince style vocals bring some libidinous vibes up top while sci-fi synths and raw claps and perc all flesh out the groove. 'Possibelle' then cuts loose on a much more laid back and steamy summer vibe with the sort of chords that have you laying back in the park and staring up at a cloudless sky.
Woodfield Rd Allstars - "Shake Up The Dance" (2:52)
Review: Original Gravity brings the goods once more here with Donnoya Drake. It's a single that first dropped back in summer 2002 but arrives back on wax in time to heat up your Christmas parties. 'Only You' is a cover of a classic jam with an authentic reggae low-end and neat chords that never let up. On the flip, the ever-excellent Woodfield Rd Allstars step up with 'Shake Up The Dance' which has big brassy notes that bring a ska edge to the rocksteady rhythms. Two different but equally effective tunes.
Woodfield Rd Allstars - "Mash Down De Bamboo Bed" (3:00)
Review: Donnoya Drake's rendition of 'Be My Baby' beautifully captures the essence of the classic by Ronnie Spectre and The Ronettes, infusing it with soulful vocals and a pop sensibility that pays homage to the original while adding her own flair. Her rendition is a classy interpretation that showcases her great singing skills. On the flip side, the Woodfield Rd Allstars deliver a ska classic with 'Mash Down De Bamboo Bed.' Released under the UK label run by Neil Anderson, known for his love of various music genres including soul, funk, blues, r&b, Latin and ska, this track exudes authenticity and skillful musicianship. Anderson's dedication to recreating the sound and vibe of the original era shines through, making it a standout release on his label.
Review: Contemporary reggae artist Junior Dell and his backing band the D-Lites do it just as their forbears did back in the 70s and 80s. Stalwarts of parent label Original Gravity and favourites of theirs, it comes as no surprise: Dell recharges the reggae genre with seemingly limitless battery power, asserting without compromise the Jamaican genre's unstoppability. Appeals to infinitude aside, it still would've certainly needed a heck of a lot of electrical power to fuel all those soundsystems. Even so, 'Can't Stop The Reggae' is a serene track, deploying a lovers' tinge whilst Dell peppers the sound with his suspended vocal lilts. Woodfield Rd Allstars go a little more experimental with things, electronically sequencing their vintage drums and bubbles to a highly miscible eight-note blessup.
Review: Emotional Rescue closes out another brilliant year with one final hot drop. This sorting 7" Safari by King Sporty was the artist's first ever single back in 1976. It comes after the label has served up plenty of reissues of the man known as Noel Wiliam's tackle but this one might be the best. It's from his album Deep Reggae Roots and is nice tropical excursion with steamy hits, wooden percussive sounds and funky bass over a low-slung groove and chanting vocals. This one is backed with a special disco mix by Lexx that reworks the tune for more lively moments.
I Don't Know What It Is But Keep That Light Shining On Me (Keith Lawrence Refix version 1) (4:26)
I Don't Know What It Is But Keep That Light Shining On Me (Keith Lawrence Refix version 2) (4:32)
Review: Keith Lawrence is a DJ and producer from Brixton in South London with plenty of credentials, and here he serves up a pair of refixes of 'I Don't Know What It Is But Keep That Light Shining On Me', a reggae jam with an edge. The first one is laden with hooky guitar riffs and has soaring call-and-response vocals expanding the sound up top. The second is more raw and a little stripped back with a focus on the timeless rhythms and sounds. Two tunes that demand to be played loud and with bass - obviously - pushed to the max.
Review: London based multi-racial 8-piece Maroon Town formed 30 years ago. Their impact was immediate as they were the first collective to mix up ska, reggae, funk, hip hop, rap and Latin music. Their fresh sound came with conscious and uplifting lyrics and came with an extra seal of approval thanks to production by John Bradbury of the Specials. The band played all over the world, had tune synched to major Hollywood films and dined deals with Dr Martens. They still play the festival circuit and now comes a reissue of some of their pre-2000's material with these two high energy steppers primed and ready to make you move.
Review: New York's incomparable edit king, and a hugely prolific one at that, Danny Krivit aka Mr K returns with some elongated reworks of a couple of Stevie Wonder's most timeless tunes. First up is his version of 'Master Blaster' which was originally the sound of Stevie paying tribute to Bob Marley. In his hands, it has a big intro and drums ready to rock. Flip it over and you will find 'I Was Made To Love Her' which has big r&b overtones and the sort of breakdowns that really build a vibe in the club. Adding in lashings of signature soul and you have two more steamy and effective tributes from the one and only Mr K.
Are You Lonely For Me, Baby (feat Malik Moore) (3:33)
Review: Night Owls are coming off the back of their best-selling tune yet and follow-up 'Ain't That Loving You' (feat. Chris Murray) backed with 'Are You Lonely For Me, Baby' (feat. Malik Moore) is likely to be just as hot. It finds the Night Owls stepping up their game as they flip Johnnie Taylor's super sweet Stax classic ballad into a delightful dancehall anthem. On the flip is another version of a 1966 classic with all-new bass and bounce, a tough rhythm and deep vocal delivery from Malik Moore of The Lions and Ocean 11 association.
Review: Night Owls are back with a fresh take on Lee Moses' 1970s cut Got That Will, transforming the soul classic into a dancehall-inspired banger. Dan Ubick leads the production, bringing in powerhouse vocalist Gina Murrell and the tight rhythm section of Wilder, Colie, and Rivas to infuse the track with new life. As if that wasn't enough, Kingston's Ranking Joe adds his signature toasting, giving the track an extra layer of authenticity and drive. The B-side, Got That Dub, takes things deeper with Roger Rivas on the mix, dialing up the echo and delay to create a spaced-out, dubbed-up version. With steady radio play on BBC Radio 6 and KCRW, this release is already making waves. DJs and collectors will want to act fastithis record is primed for late-night sound system sets and is sure to fly off the shelves.
Review: Hailing from Las Vegas, Johnny Ruiz and the Escapers offer up two sides of haunting group sounds sure to scratch the itches of doo-wop and soul enthusiasts alike. Adorning the a-side is 'Sorry' a stark, creeping, dirge-like ballad with a sparse rhythm track that swings eerily underneath Johnny's sublime lead and the Escapers plaintive harmonies, creating an hypnotic vibe that will have you dropping the needle over and over again. Continuing with the dark vibes but picking up the pace a couple BPMs, 'The Prettiest Girl' brings a measure of hopefulness to the tune, evoking the earnest, lovelorn memories of youth. A must for fans of Nolan Strong and the Diablos Fortune Records output.
The Umoza Music Project - "Down By The Beach" (3:05)
Woodfield Rd Allstars - "Ghetto Guitar" (4:25)
Review: The crucial Original Gravity label is busy this month with three red hot new 7"s all dropping in quick succession. The top-notch funk crew has this spilt 7" from Umoza Music Project and The Woodfield Road Allstars up here on limited wax. The a-side is a sunny bit of original rousing 70s reggae direct from the islands. Backing vocalists provide plenty of butter while the lead laments a love lost and the rhythm rolls on. On the back side is a much more stoner-paced and funk drenched laidback instrumental with Balearic guitar licks that look to the stars as organ chords warm you through and the rocksteady rhythm gently sways to and fro. Two gems for sure.
Review: London label Original Gravity excels once more here with some authentic dub sounds from the one and only Woodfield Rd Allstars. This excellent collective has been on many a great tune on this label as well as several others and this limited 45 rm proves their might in the field once more. 'Big Shot' is a funky cut with some natty chord work and off-balance drums that tumble to and fro, while the percussion is organic and crisp up top. Things slow right down on the flip for a more traditional reggae sound that hints at the sounds of ska. 'Soul Shakedown' is perfect to go those asses wriggling.
Jackie Mittoo & The Brentford Disco Set - "Choice Of Music" (part 2)
Prince Jazzbo - "Fool For Love"
Cornell Campbell - "Ten To One"
Winston Francis - "Don't Change"
Jackie Mittoo - "Jumping Jehosophat"
Tony Gregory - "Get Out Of My Life Woman"
Dub Specialist - "Darker Block"
Little Joe - "Red Robe"
Devon Russell - "Make Me Believe In You"
Jerry Jones - "Compared To What"
Ken Boothe - "Thinking"
Anthony Creary - "Land Call Africa"
Jackie Mittoo - "Fancy Pants"
Review: Studio One Soul 2, the highly anticipated second volume of Soul Jazz Records' acclaimed Studio One series, dives deep into Jamaica's enduring love affair with American Soul and Funk. This special 18th anniversary edition features a vibrant array of legendary reggae artists like Horace Andy, The Heptones, Cornell Campbell, and Ken Boothe, all of whom got their start at Studio One before achieving global success. The album features a unique blend of classic and obscure American Soul and Funk tracks, reimagined with a distinct Jamaican flavour. Standout tracks include Cornell Campbell's stunning recut of The Mad Lads' Curtis Mayfield-penned 'Ten to One,' Winston Francis' soulful interpretation of The Five Stairsteps' 'Don't Change,' and Devon Russell's powerful take on 'Make Me Believe in You,' which arguably rivals Mayfield's original. This collection, featuring a mix of classics, rare gems, and previously unreleased tracks, has been meticulously remastered. Perfect for a serious reggae enthusiast, this compilation embodying the Studio One ethos of reworking influential soul records into a Jamaican soundscape.
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