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: Here's come another sure shot from Dave Barker, a classic reggae vocalist whose croon joins the dots with the genres connection to US soul and r&b. 'We A Fe Come Over' is an uptempo, rocksteady-esque riddim produced by Neil Anderson, featuring some joyous trombone from Michele Fortunato and The O'Gees on extra brass where it counts. On the flip, Anderson leads the Woodfield Rd Allstars in a pristine version which centres some classic 60s-style Hammond organ flexing from Abramo Riti for a feel-good flavour sure to appeal to everyone who hears it.
Review: The Original Gravity label's Reggae Dynamite series sure is packed full of dance floor heat. This fourth volume turns up the temperature once more, starting with Dave Barker's 'Move It On Now' with spoken word mic work over a guitar laced riddim. Woodfield Rd Allstars bring plenty of big horn energy and hints of ska to their 'San Salvario Stomp' then appear again on the flip with the organ-lead sounds of mid tempo wobbler 'Norwegian Wood'. Melbourne Douglas completes the picture with 'Wheel & Come Again', another raw as you like and classic sound.
Jeff Barnes/Tommy McCook/The Supersonics - "The Rooster" (2:47)
Tommy McCook/The Supersonics - "The Saint" (3:06)
Review: Historic British label Harlem Shuffle Records reissue a rare rocksteady track by the Jamaican singer Jeff Barnes, backed by the Jamaican band Tommy McCook & The Supersonics, here. A single-sided 7" vinyl comes with but one dubby audio-delight: the original 1970 version of 'The Rooster', a catchy, whistlingly haunting but no less upbeat song produced by Duke Reid and first released on his eponymous Duke Records label. Harlem Shuffle now add it to their catalogue, which charts only the best in ska and rocksteady.
Review: Beatconductor's Dub Spectrum EP takes listeners on a journey through Jamaica with seven tracks of dubbed-out pop covers. The EP features creative mash-ups such as The Wailers providing instrumental backing for Adele, Dua Lipa, Christina Aguilera, and Duran Duran, offering a fresh perspective on familiar tunes. Additionally, Amy Winehouse and The Pretenders unite to form a ska supergroup, showcasing Beatconductor's innovative approach to blending genres. Beatconductor's skillful reinterpretations breathe new life into classic tracks, infusing them with reggae and ska influences while maintaining their original essence.
Review: On the second volume in the GATT edits series, Swedish scalpel fiend Beatconductor once again pairs a previously unheard rework with something sought-after from his catalogue. In the latter category you'll find flipside 'Crazy in Kingston', an early noughties mash-up that adds Beyonce's superb lead vocals (and Jay-Z's on-point rap verse) from the peerless 'Crazy in Love' with a dusty old reggae riddim. It's a simple idea, beautifully executed. The brand-new (or at least previously unheard) cut this time around is 'Finger on the Trigger', a lolloping, life-affirming tweak of a 1970s dancefloor soul number that sits somewhere between the stomping heaviness of Detroit Soul and the proto-disco deliciousness of Philly Soul.
Review: Rocksteady era combo The Bleechers put out a lot of music in a short period of time, with the entirety of their bustling catalogue recorded and released between 1968 and'71. For much of that period they were associated with the Upsetter himself, the late Lee 'Scratch' Perry, and it's two of his productions for the act that are showcased on this Harlem Shuffle 7". Originally released via Upsetter Records in 1969, and tricly to find ever since, 'Come Into My Parlour' is a jaunty, organ-rich affair in which soulful vocals and heady Hammond licks rise above a classic, late-60s Upsetter groove. B-side 'Check Him Out' is equally as alluring, with an arguably stronger vocal and more prominent guitar licks replacing the pair's favoured Hammond B3.
Review: The Blue Beat players step up to Japan's Green Union label with a pair of heavily ska-influenced and uptempo reggae rockers. 'Scootering On!' taps into that scene's love of a Lambretta and the joys that day rides bring, all with twisted guitar lines and some big, body brass energy. On the flip, 'Marseille Soleil' is a more subdued sound with warm, smeared organ chords, more lazy and gentle horn work and a rhythm that sways to and fro on fat dub undercurrents. Two lovely cuts on a very nice 7".
Bobby Aitken & The Carib Beats - "Keep On Pushing" (with Lloyd & Glen) (2:54)
Bobby Aitken & The Carib Beats - "Soul Special" (2:39)
Review: The BA label is back with more super essential, late-60s rocksteady goodness here. this one finds the one and only Bobby Aitken & The Carib Beats doing their thing on a mega rework of Curtis Mayfield's classic 'Keep On Pushing' which features Lloyd Robinson and Glen Brown on vocals. The beats are raw and the guitars earthy with falsetto vocals soaring up top. On the flip is 'Soul Special' which is more laidback and chilled with spoken word musings and whimsical flute.
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.
Boss Capone Meets Keith Rowe - "Will You Still Be My Girl Tomorrow" (2:53)
Boss Capone - "Trouble Town" (3:31)
Review: Boss Capone from The Upsessions collaborates with Keith Rowe of the legendary Jamaican duo Keith & Tex on this new release which is well worth hearing. The A-side features a love-inspired rocksteady gem while the flip offers a roots-oriented banger. Boss Capone shared his experience of making this one, saying "I recorded a song called 'My Girl Tomorrow.' I was struggling with it and wanted a voice full of soul. Keith kindly added his vocals, completing the beautiful puzzle." Each copy includes a recycled paper insert and both of these tunes will remind of summer with their earth rhythms and laidback, dusty drums.
Review: For the latest in their series of "giant 45s" - loud 12" pressings of classic cuts from the Studio One vaults - Soul Jazz has decided to offer-up a fresh pressing of Brentford All Stars' 'Greedy G'. Based on James Brown classic 'Get On The Good Foot', the track was famously sampled by Boogie Down Productions on their iconic cut 'Jack of Spades'. It remains a bona fide party classic, adding a bass-heavy, Hammond-heavy reggae spin to Brown's insatiable funk groove. As it did the last time Soul Jazz issued it back in 1988, it comes backed with the deeper and more laidback 'Granny Scratch Scratch', another classic cut from Studio One's in-house backing band.
Review: Boston's Cultures Of Soul present some edits here of underrated Belizean artist Bredda "David" Obi whose musical style known as "Kungo Muzik" mixes key flavours from his home with reggae and calypso to rock and funk to formulate a modern tropical style. Years later, DJs and record collectors found his music in basements of record stores in Los Angeles and Brooklyn - some of which are featured here. Sol Power All-Stars will get you stoned into the groove with their acid-inflected rework of "Dancin'", L.A.'s DJ Duckcomb works the original's lo-slung dub influence on "Experience" while the ever reliable Justin Van Der Volgen similarly accentuates the reggae swagger of "Sunshine". A tribute to a legend!
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.
Joe Gibbs & The Professionals - "Ghetto Skank" (3:00)
Review: In the mid-70s, reggae great Dennis Brown was on a creative high with producer Niney propelling him to stardom. However, around this time, he was transitioning back to working with Joe Gibbs, another masterful studio hand who would later cement Brown's superstar status. Gibbs had previously worked with him on the acclaimed Visions album, and this particular track was likely recorded during that era or slightly earlier. Despite its quality, the tune didn't reach the audience it deserved, largely due to Gibbs' lack of UK distribution at the time. For much of the seventies, Joe Gibbs remained sidelined in England, limiting the global impact of his exceptional productions, but reissues like this do a fine job of underlining his importance.
Review: Robert Dubwise Browne's remake of Bob Marley's classic 'Could You Be Loved' offers a fresh and vibrant take on the timeless track. Featuring strong female vocals on the hook, this version leans heavily into a rich rhythm section, bringing a new energy to the beloved song. The remake is both classy and respectful, capturing the essence of the original while adding its own flair. On the flip side, the dub version strips things down, transforming the track into a cool, atmospheric rendition that highlights the instrumental depth. Browne's production shines throughout, making this release a standout for fans of reggae and dub alike. It's a glorious tribute with modern touches that breathe new life into a classic.
Review: Robert "Dubwise" Browne is a skilled musician who can lay down perfect basslines, lovely keyboard overdubs and excite drum programming. H does all that and more on this super laidback and heartfelt dub for the Japanese label Vortex. 'Tracks of Love' is the sound of a lazy afternoon walk in the park with a new love, without a care in the world and hearts in your eyes. The Balearic guitar solo that rings out midway through is utterly soul melting. The guitar dub makes even more of that aspect of the original.
Review: This is a crucial 45 from Freestyle Records which separates out two tracks from their recent Bunny Scott reissue project. It is a brilliant showcase of Scott's early-Black Ark debut LP with Blaxploitation-influenced funk track 'Kinky Fly' kicking off. It has backing band members from The Chi-Lites' on board as well as a nice horn section and Chinna Smith's wah-wah guitar. The whole thing is overdubbed with synths to add to the mood. 'Sweet Loving Love' is more upbeat, with sunny towlines and rolling rhythms.
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