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KSCD 059CD
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Lascelles Perkins was one of the first stars of the Jamaican music scene, Studio One's leading balladeer, and one of the most underrated singers from that time. Perkins sang sentimental ballads and scored massive local hits for Coxsone Dodd's Studio One label with tracks like "Lonely Moments" and "Together Forever." Other big hits followed, including "The Mighty Organ" (a duet with Hortense Ellis, Alton Ellis's sister), "Destiny," and a whole catalog of standards. Perkins could sing any song, make it seem effortless, and, at the same time, address it in his own unique style. Perkins was present at the birth of Studio One, at the initial sessions carried out in 1959 alongside the other big singers of the day, Alton Ellis and Basil Gabbidon. The session took place at Federal Studios and, as was standard at the time, the studio had one mic hanging down in the middle of the room. The singer would be nearest to the mic, and the musicians, depending on how loud their instruments were, would place themselves accordingly in the room, recording everything together in a single take. The singers and the musicians would have to be at the top of their game and would be paid for each side they cut. Doing things over would mean fewer songs finished. Time and money was tight, but this discipline made the great records we know today. This set includes Perkins on some lost tapes from producer Bunny Lee's archive, singing some of the big Studio One hits of the day, including "Rain from the Skies," "Stick by Me," "Love Me Forever," and "No Man Is an Island," alongside other great tunes from the time like "Dancing Mood," "Pledging My Love," "Take My Hand," "Never Never," and "Dinner for One." CD includes five bonus tracks.
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KSLP 021LP
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LP version. The shuffle rhythm that was born from the American rhythm and blues tunes that hit Jamaica in the 1950s would soon fuse under its Jamaican influence and find an emphasis on the second and fourth bars of the beat. This off-beat would create the ska sound and no fine exponent of this in the sounds early days was Theo Beckford. Theophilus "Easy Snapping" Beckford (born 1935, Kingston, Jamaica) began his musical career in the mid '50s and had after only two years mastered his instrument of choice the piano. His first hit for Coxonne Dodd's Worldisc label was the classic "Easy Snapping." He had created his own laid-back style that simply rolled off his piano and his musical arrangements became the backbone of so many early ska tunes. His services were soon in demand with not only Coxonne Dodd but all the other top flight producers of the time, Duke Reed, Beverley's, Prince Buster, and Clancy Eccles. His session work alongside his playing as part of the big group of the time Clue J and His Blues Blasters, that would eventually morph into the legendary Skatalites, meant that his fingers were truly on the musical pulse of the time. Kingston Sounds have compiled some great early ska cuts for this release that have been touched with the T. Beckford magic. Some of his own classic hits "Flip,Flop and Fly" (aka "Walking Down King Street"), "Mr Downpressor" the fantastic "Don't Have a Ticket Don't Worry." His poignant duo of "Grudgeful People" and "Ungrateful People" and two other timeless tracks "What A Woe" and "Boilerman." Alongside some of his productions for some of the other long-forgotten heroes of the early ska sound. Basil Gabiddon's "Streets of Glory," Frank Cosmo's "On Your Knees," Shenley and Annette's "Now Your Gone" and Daniel Johnson's uplifting "Come On My People." A mighty fine set of early ska tunes fighting their way out of Kingston Town and into your hearts.
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KSCD 021CD
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The shuffle rhythm that was born from the American rhythm and blues tunes that hit Jamaica in the 1950s would soon fuse under its Jamaican influence and find an emphasis on the second and fourth bars of the beat. This off-beat would create the ska sound and no fine exponent of this in the sounds early days was Theo Beckford. Theophilus "Easy Snapping" Beckford (born 1935, Kingston, Jamaica) began his musical career in the mid '50s and had after only two years mastered his instrument of choice the piano. His first hit for Coxonne Dodd's Worldisc label was the classic "Easy Snapping." He had created his own laid-back style that simply rolled off his piano and his musical arrangements became the backbone of so many early ska tunes. His services were soon in demand with not only Coxonne Dodd but all the other top flight producers of the time, Duke Reed, Beverley's, Prince Buster, and Clancy Eccles. His session work alongside his playing as part of the big group of the time Clue J and His Blues Blasters, that would eventually morph into the legendary Skatalites, meant that his fingers were truly on the musical pulse of the time. Kingston Sounds have compiled some great early ska cuts for this release that have been touched with the T. Beckford magic. Some of his own classic hits "Flip,Flop and Fly" (aka "Walking Down King Street"), "Mr Downpressor" the fantastic "Don't Have a Ticket Don't Worry." His poignant duo of "Grudgeful People" and "Ungrateful People" and two other timeless tracks "What A Woe" and "Boilerman." Alongside some of his productions for some of the other long-forgotten heroes of the early ska sound. Basil Gabiddon's "Streets of Glory," Frank Cosmo's "On Your Knees," Shenley and Annette's "Now Your Gone" and Daniel Johnson's uplifting "Come On My People." A mighty fine set of early ska tunes fighting their way out of Kingston Town and into your hearts.
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KSLP 059LP
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LP version. Lascelles Perkins was one of the first stars of the Jamaican music scene, Studio One's leading balladeer, and one of the most underrated singers from that time. Perkins sang sentimental ballads and scored massive local hits for Coxsone Dodd's Studio One label with tracks like "Lonely Moments" and "Together Forever." Other big hits followed, including "The Mighty Organ" (a duet with Hortense Ellis, Alton Ellis's sister), "Destiny," and a whole catalog of standards. Perkins could sing any song, make it seem effortless, and, at the same time, address it in his own unique style. Perkins was present at the birth of Studio One, at the initial sessions carried out in 1959 alongside the other big singers of the day, Alton Ellis and Basil Gabbidon. The session took place at Federal Studios and, as was standard at the time, the studio had one mic hanging down in the middle of the room. The singer would be nearest to the mic, and the musicians, depending on how loud their instruments were, would place themselves accordingly in the room, recording everything together in a single take. The singers and the musicians would have to be at the top of their game and would be paid for each side they cut. Doing things over would mean fewer songs finished. Time and money was tight, but this discipline made the great records we know today. This set includes Perkins on some lost tapes from producer Bunny Lee's archive, singing some of the big Studio One hits of the day, including "Rain from the Skies," "Stick by Me," "Love Me Forever," and "No Man Is an Island," alongside other great tunes from the time like "Dancing Mood," "Pledging My Love," "Take My Hand," "Never Never," and "Dinner for One."
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KSLP 063LP
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LP version. Pat Kelly, out of all the Jamaican singers, was influenced most by the voice of American soul singer, Sam Cooke. As were indeed many of the singers from that time, few however could carry out this daunting task as well as Pat Kelly. His delivery was perfect and so was his ability to carry any song that came his way. Pat Kelly, born 1949 in Kingston, Jamaica, began his singing career in 1967 when he replaced Slim Smith as lead singer of The Techniques, his voice working so well with the impeccable harmonies of Winston Riley and Bruce Ruffin. Their first hit for the mighty Duke Reid stable was a version of Curtis Mayfield's tune "You'll Want Me Back" retitled "You Don't Care" which held the Number 1 slot in Jamaica for the six weeks. For this release, Kingston Sound have focused on material that Mr. Kelly had recorded with legendary Jamaican producer Bunny "Striker" Lee. A match made in heaven and one that produced some of their finest work. Tracks include "One In a Million", "One Man Stand", "Man Of My Word" and "I Started a Joke". So sit back and you better get ready for an albums worth of great songs sung and delivered as only the great Pat Kelly could.
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KSCD 092CD
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This follow-up album to Tapper Zukie's Bunker Buster set, sees Tapper again rally calling his fellow reggae singers to work up some great songs. This group of tunes lean towards a more soulful sound, yet still holding that reggae feel listeners know and expect from Mr Zukie. The title itself A Soulful i&i suited this set of songs perfectly. The roll call of great singers starts with Prince Alla adding his distinctive feel to the opening track "Children Don't Cry." "Heaven On Earth" features Junior Ross on vocal duties. "Poverty" is richly enhanced by one of Jamaica's greatest vocal bands, Silvertones. Tapper himself follows with the thoughtful "Man-A-Man" and another great reggae trio the Viceroys counter with "Help Me." Dennis Walks guides listeners with "I Wanna Go" and Junior Ross appears again with the timeless "Be On The Right Track." Mr Zukie points the way on "People of Love" and Prince Alla insures listeners that right will always overcome wrong doing with "Good Over Evil." "That Was The Day" is sung so majestically by the Viceroys and leads listeners into the Silvertones' "Magic Touch." Little Roy leads out with "Youth In The Ghetto."
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KSLP 092LP
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LP version. This follow-up album to Tapper Zukie's Bunker Buster set, sees Tapper again rally calling his fellow reggae singers to work up some great songs. This group of tunes lean towards a more soulful sound, yet still holding that reggae feel listeners know and expect from Mr Zukie. The title itself A Soulful i&i suited this set of songs perfectly. The roll call of great singers starts with Prince Alla adding his distinctive feel to the opening track "Children Don't Cry." "Heaven On Earth" features Junior Ross on vocal duties. "Poverty" is richly enhanced by one of Jamaica's greatest vocal bands, Silvertones. Tapper himself follows with the thoughtful "Man-A-Man" and another great reggae trio the Viceroys counter with "Help Me." Dennis Walks guides listeners with "I Wanna Go" and Junior Ross appears again with the timeless "Be On The Right Track." Mr Zukie points the way on "People of Love" and Prince Alla insures listeners that right will always overcome wrong doing with "Good Over Evil." "That Was The Day" is sung so majestically by the Viceroys and leads listeners into the Silvertones' "Magic Touch." Little Roy leads out with "Youth In The Ghetto."
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KSLP 091LP
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LP version. The early reggae sound that came out of Jamaica between the years 1968 and 1971 became the soundtrack to the skinhead movement in the UK. Not only was the music embraced but also the dress style of the Jamaican Rude Boys. The skinhead style started around 1968 and by the following year 1969, had become the style and fashion of the British teenagers. The uniform of the skinheads consisted of boots, braces, button down shirts and jeans and the upbeat reggae sounds seemed to match the style perfectly. The tempo of the music in Jamaica had previously slowed down from the more up tempo beat of ska to the calmer pace of beat called rock steady. Some say this was to match the extreme heat wave that was hitting the island between 1966 and 1968. But that period had now passed and the evolution of the reggae beat had again found a new pulse to hang its songs by. A more up tempo beat that all Jamaicans, British youths and various pockets of people around the world could groove to. Kingston Sounds have selected a cross section of tunes from those heady times, so sit back and enjoy some of the tunes the youths were listening to when the Skinhead Shuffle was all the rage. Featuring Max Romeo, Roland Alphonso & Don Lee, The Hotrod All Stars, Winston Williams, Winston Scotland, Bunny Lee All Stars, Doreen Schaffer, U Roy, Val Bennet, Lee Perry, Roland Alphonso, Winston Francis, Slim Smith & Doreen Schaffer, Vin Gordon, Alva Lewis, Glen Adams, and Dave Barker.
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KSCD 091CD
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The early reggae sound that came out of Jamaica between the years 1968 and 1971 became the soundtrack to the skinhead movement in the UK. Not only was the music embraced but also the dress style of the Jamaican Rude Boys. The skinhead style started around 1968 and by the following year 1969, had become the style and fashion of the British teenagers. The uniform of the skinheads consisted of boots, braces, button down shirts and jeans and the upbeat reggae sounds seemed to match the style perfectly. The tempo of the music in Jamaica had previously slowed down from the more up tempo beat of ska to the calmer pace of beat called rock steady. Some say this was to match the extreme heat wave that was hitting the island between 1966 and 1968. But that period had now passed and the evolution of the reggae beat had again found a new pulse to hang its songs by. A more up tempo beat that all Jamaicans, British youths and various pockets of people around the world could groove to. Kingston Sounds have selected a cross section of tunes from those heady times, so sit back and enjoy some of the tunes the youths were listening to when the Skinhead Shuffle was all the rage. Featuring Max Romeo, Roland Alphonso & Don Lee, The Hotrod All Stars, Winston Williams, Winston Scotland, Bunny Lee All Stars, Doreen Schaffer, U Roy, Val Bennet, Lee Perry, Roland Alphonso, Winston Francis, Slim Smith & Doreen Schaffer, Vin Gordon, Alva Lewis, Glen Adams, and Dave Barker.
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KSLP 090LP
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LP version. Gregory Isaacs, the Cool Ruler as he became known, grew up in the ghetto district of Kingston Jamaica. His influences lay not only in the American singers he heard on the radio such as Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, but also local singers such as Alton Ellis, Delroy Wilson, and John Holt. His debut release Another Heartache was recorded for producer Winston Sinclair and was released under Winstons' name in the U.K. This saw Gregory move on to work with producer Rupie Edwards forming a vocal group called The Concords alongside two local singers Bramwell and Penros. Isaacs always had his sights on forming his own label, which he did in 1972 alongside Errol Dunkley, called African Museum. Gregory carried on working with various other producers throughout his career, work that helped fund his own label. One of these producers was Tappa Zukie. Tappa Zukie was also raised in the rough and tough areas of Kingston Jamaica, and very much like Gregory Isaacs found music as a way out of the tough environment in which he was surrounded. Music seemed like the only way out of a life of crime and gang culture. A path that Tappa Zukie found and by the mid 1970's was establishing himself as a named star on the DJ Roots circuit. Back home in Jamaica he was also getting a name for his production work for other local singers such as Prince Allah and the group Knowledge. To release his own productions, like Gregory Isaacs, he formed his own label called Tappa Records. These two artists working together was a match made in heaven and resulted in this set of songs. Nine of these songs originally saw the light of day in 1988, released on Tappa Zukie's Tappa Records initially called Red. Kingston Sounds has added some additional material also produced by Mr. Zukie around the same time to expand that release and make their work together more of a complete story.
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KSCD 090CD
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Gregory Isaacs, the Cool Ruler as he became known, grew up in the ghetto district of Kingston Jamaica. His influences lay not only in the American singers he heard on the radio such as Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, but also local singers such as Alton Ellis, Delroy Wilson, and John Holt. His debut release Another Heartache was recorded for producer Winston Sinclair and was released under Winstons' name in the U.K. This saw Gregory move on to work with producer Rupie Edwards forming a vocal group called The Concords alongside two local singers Bramwell and Penros. Isaacs always had his sights on forming his own label, which he did in 1972 alongside Errol Dunkley, called African Museum. Gregory carried on working with various other producers throughout his career, work that helped fund his own label. One of these producers was Tappa Zukie. Tappa Zukie was also raised in the rough and tough areas of Kingston Jamaica, and very much like Gregory Isaacs found music as a way out of the tough environment in which he was surrounded. Music seemed like the only way out of a life of crime and gang culture. A path that Tappa Zukie found and by the mid 1970's was establishing himself as a named star on the DJ Roots circuit. Back home in Jamaica he was also getting a name for his production work for other local singers such as Prince Allah and the group Knowledge. To release his own productions, like Gregory Isaacs, he formed his own label called Tappa Records. These two artists working together was a match made in heaven and resulted in this set of songs. Nine of these songs originally saw the light of day in 1988, released on Tappa Zukie's Tappa Records initially called Red. Kingston Sounds has added some additional material also produced by Mr. Zukie around the same time to expand that release and make their work together more of a complete story.
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KSCD 089CD
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Tapper Zukie after taking a little time out of the musical arena has come back with an album full of great material and has called in an A list of fellow Jamaican artists to add flavor to this great set. As Tapper named the album himself Bunker Buster, it shows Mr Zukie busting back out of the studio and back in the arena in fine style. The opening track finds his long-standing working partner Horace Andy adding his distinctive vocal style to "Aquarius". "Nuh Fraid A Dem" features the great Luciano, "The Blessings" the mighty Michael Rose, and Little Roy adds some magical rhymes to "Wicked". The soulful voice of Beres Hammond sweetens the effects of "Stress". The killer title track "Buster Bunker" is backed up by the Musical Intimidators and Tapper has reworked his "Good Luck My Friend" track to "Lucky Friend" which features the timeless backing vocals by the legendary Jamaican vocal group The Tamlins. Digging even deeper into his back catalog he has also pulled up some classic rhythms and more existing vocals to rework over. For example, "The Light In Me" features the greatly missed Ronnie Davis. Junior Rass adds his mighty roar to "Humble Lion" and Junior Reid leads the charge on "Warrior". Half Pint adds a musical layer to "Flesh and Blood". All in all, a great selection of musical ideas that also features the cream of Jamaica's musicians, Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare, Flabba Holt, Chinna Smith to name but a few. Tapper's son Noel Barnes (AKA Brand New) alongside Pam Hall adds some gloss. Such is his standing in the reggae community that a call out to Jamaica's finest set of singers and their eager reply to add their talents has made this an album not to be missed and can sit proudly alongside and find a place in his already prodigious catalog. CD version includes four bonus tracks.
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KSLP 089LP
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LP version. Tapper Zukie after taking a little time out of the musical arena has come back with an album full of great material and has called in an A list of fellow Jamaican artists to add flavor to this great set. As Tapper named the album himself Bunker Buster, it shows Mr Zukie busting back out of the studio and back in the arena in fine style. The opening track finds his long-standing working partner Horace Andy adding his distinctive vocal style to "Aquarius". "Nuh Fraid A Dem" features the great Luciano, "The Blessings" the mighty Michael Rose, and Little Roy adds some magical rhymes to "Wicked". The soulful voice of Beres Hammond sweetens the effects of "Stress". The killer title track "Buster Bunker" is backed up by the Musical Intimidators and Tapper has reworked his "Good Luck My Friend" track to "Lucky Friend" which features the timeless backing vocals by the legendary Jamaican vocal group The Tamlins. Digging even deeper into his back catalog he has also pulled up some classic rhythms and more existing vocals to rework over. For example, "The Light In Me" features the greatly missed Ronnie Davis. Junior Rass adds his mighty roar to "Humble Lion" and Junior Reid leads the charge on "Warrior". Half Pint adds a musical layer to "Flesh and Blood". All in all, a great selection of musical ideas that also features the cream of Jamaica's musicians, Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare, Flabba Holt, Chinna Smith to name but a few. Tapper's son Noel Barnes (AKA Brand New) alongside Pam Hall adds some gloss. Such is his standing in the reggae community that a call out to Jamaica's finest set of singers and their eager reply to add their talents has made this an album not to be missed and can sit proudly alongside and find a place in his already prodigious catalog.
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KSCD 088CD
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Jackie Mittoo, organ and piano maestro, was not only a founding member of the legendary Jamaican ska group The Skatalites, but through the course of Jamaican music's long history has produced a body of work under his own name and of that with his various group incarnations including, the Soul Brothers, Soul Vendors, and the Sound Dimension. His distinctive organ and piano sound and musical arrangements have all played a major part in Jamaica's musical history. Two Kingston bands that he played with, the Rivals and the Sheiks, brought Mittoo to the attention of Studio 1's founder Coxsone Dodd. Dodd was putting a group of musicians together to be his studio band and asked Jackie to join what would become Jamaica's foremost band, The Skatalites. The band ruled the Jamaican scene between 1964-1965 and is credited as inventing the ska sound. 1965 saw The Skatalites disband, and Jackie Mittoo move on to his next musical project, The Soul Brothers. Formed with fellow Skatalite, Roland Alphonso, this band would back all of Mittoo's hits coming out of Studio 1 for the next three years. Around this time Jackie also had his own single released, a ska underground classic called "Got My Bugaloo". It also features Jackie in the unusual role for him, as lead singer. 1966 saw the ska sound evolve into rocksteady, again with Jackie's band at the helm, and his first hit single the rocksteady cut "Ram Jam". The single's success led to a solo career and album releases under his own name. In 1967, the hits at Studio 1 were still flowing when The Soul Brothers morphed into the Soul Venders and began backing such luminaries as Ken Boothe, Alton Ellis, Delroy Wilson, The Heptones, The Wailers, and more. By 1968, Jamaican music was ready for another change, and rocksteady rolled into a slower groove soon to be called reggae. Jackie Mittoo would be at the forefront with his latest band the Sound Dimension. Being the house band at Studio 1 they backed all the leading names of the time. Jackie Mittoo emigrated in the late '60s to Canada but traveled to Jamaica and London to record with many of the big names. Producers such as Bunny Lee and Sugar Minott used Jackie Mittoo's services. For this release, Kingston Sounds have put together a selection of some of his finest recordings done with legendary reggae producer Bunny Lee. 1970s cuts that feature Jackie's numerous talents, showing his ability to embellish tracks with a feel few could better. CD version includes four bonus tracks.
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KSLP 088LP
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LP version. Jackie Mittoo, organ and piano maestro, was not only a founding member of the legendary Jamaican ska group The Skatalites, but through the course of Jamaican music's long history has produced a body of work under his own name and of that with his various group incarnations including, the Soul Brothers, Soul Vendors, and the Sound Dimension. His distinctive organ and piano sound and musical arrangements have all played a major part in Jamaica's musical history. Two Kingston bands that he played with, the Rivals and the Sheiks, brought Mittoo to the attention of Studio 1's founder Coxsone Dodd. Dodd was putting a group of musicians together to be his studio band and asked Jackie to join what would become Jamaica's foremost band, The Skatalites. The band ruled the Jamaican scene between 1964-1965 and is credited as inventing the ska sound. 1965 saw The Skatalites disband, and Jackie Mittoo move on to his next musical project, The Soul Brothers. Formed with fellow Skatalite, Roland Alphonso, this band would back all of Mittoo's hits coming out of Studio 1 for the next three years. Around this time Jackie also had his own single released, a ska underground classic called "Got My Bugaloo". It also features Jackie in the unusual role for him, as lead singer. 1966 saw the ska sound evolve into rocksteady, again with Jackie's band at the helm, and his first hit single the rocksteady cut "Ram Jam". The single's success led to a solo career and album releases under his own name. In 1967, the hits at Studio 1 were still flowing when The Soul Brothers morphed into the Soul Venders and began backing such luminaries as Ken Boothe, Alton Ellis, Delroy Wilson, The Heptones, The Wailers, and more. By 1968, Jamaican music was ready for another change, and rocksteady rolled into a slower groove soon to be called reggae. Jackie Mittoo would be at the forefront with his latest band the Sound Dimension. Being the house band at Studio 1 they backed all the leading names of the time. Jackie Mittoo emigrated in the late '60s to Canada but traveled to Jamaica and London to record with many of the big names. Producers such as Bunny Lee and Sugar Minott used Jackie Mittoo's services. For this release, Kingston Sounds have put together a selection of some of his finest recordings done with legendary reggae producer Bunny Lee. 1970s cuts that feature Jackie's numerous talents, showing his ability to embellish tracks with a feel few could better.
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KSCD 087CD
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Rock Steady Cool is another fine collection of rocksteady hits. The "Cool" subtitle could not be more relevant to an album, as around 1966, an extreme heatwave hit the Jamaican island. This would not stop the all-night dances from going ahead but the jerky ska rhythms proved too strenuous of an activity to partake in, so a new slower beat to suit this extreme weather had to be found and the ever-resourceful music entrepreneurs came up with the slower paced beat and rocksteady was born. This two-year rocksteady period ran until 1968 and would see some of the power escape from the big three producers, Clement "Coxone" Dodd, Prince Buster, and Duke Reid. It was time to make room for a new wave of up-and-coming producers that also had something to offer the people. Such names as Joel Gibson (Joe Gibbs), Sonia Pottinger, Derrick Harriott, and most prolific of them all, Mr Bunny Lee would step forward and add some new musical touches to the island. Rocksteady was an inspirational and somewhat overlooked sound that provided some outstanding music. So, sit back and enjoy some rocksteady straight from the dances of Jamaica. Features The Rudies, Derrick and Patsy, Alton Ellis, The Imperials, Bunny and Bunny, Junior Smith, The Soul Flames, Rico, Fitz & The Coozers, Bobby Kalphat, The Rudies, Derrick Morgan, and Fredrick Bell. CD version includes two bonus tracks featuring Roy Shirley and Glen Adams.
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KSLP 087LP
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LP version. Rock Steady Cool is another fine collection of rocksteady hits. The "Cool" subtitle could not be more relevant to an album, as around 1966, an extreme heatwave hit the Jamaican island. This would not stop the all-night dances from going ahead but the jerky ska rhythms proved too strenuous of an activity to partake in, so a new slower beat to suit this extreme weather had to be found and the ever-resourceful music entrepreneurs came up with the slower paced beat and rocksteady was born. This two-year rocksteady period ran until 1968 and would see some of the power escape from the big three producers, Clement "Coxone" Dodd, Prince Buster, and Duke Reid. It was time to make room for a new wave of up-and-coming producers that also had something to offer the people. Such names as Joel Gibson (Joe Gibbs), Sonia Pottinger, Derrick Harriott, and most prolific of them all, Mr Bunny Lee would step forward and add some new musical touches to the island. Rocksteady was an inspirational and somewhat overlooked sound that provided some outstanding music. So, sit back and enjoy some rocksteady straight from the dances of Jamaica. Features The Rudies, Derrick and Patsy, Alton Ellis, The Imperials, Bunny and Bunny, Junior Smith, The Soul Flames, Rico, Fitz & The Coozers, Bobby Kalphat, The Rudies, Derrick Morgan, and Fredrick Bell.
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KSLP 008LP
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2024 repress. The Congos were formed by Cedric Myton (born 1947 St Catherine, Jamaica) and Roydel "Roy" Johnson (born 1943 Hanover, Jamaica), around the mid-seventies, a time when the Rasta message coming out of Kingston and other pockets of the Jamaican Island was at its most prominent. Cedric Myton's singing career began back in the rocksteady era in reggae's musical story. He formed the Tartans group taking lead vocal duties alongside Devon Russell, Prince Lincoln Thompson, and Lindbergh Lewis. Roydel previously sang as a member of Ras Michael and the Sons of Negas. The Congos possess what all bands look for: a unique sound that draws the listener to them. Lead singer Cedric Myton's style and phasing, with his distinctive falsetto voice makes this just the case. Built on a foundation of classic rhythms and with the aid of then producer, Lee Perry, the groups statement of intent was laid down with one succinct message. The Congos mighty 1977 Heart Of The Congos album, is quite simply one of the best reggae albums ever recorded. Producer Lee Perry had wanted to record a classic Jamaican vocal group in his newly built Black Ark Studio. The voice of Watty Burnett was added at the time to cover baritone vocal duties. The studio after various changes in equipment etc. was finally finding its way. A sound built in Lee Perry's backyard in Cardiff Crescent, Washington Gardens, Kingston, but existing until then in Mr. Lee Perry's mind. The album they cut would be the defining group release to come out of The Black Ark studios, when the vital elements, vibes, musicians, songs and singing would gel to form Heart Of The Congos.
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KSLP 019LP
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2024 repress; originally released in 2009. The mighty U Roy is the originator, the man who put the DJ phenomenon on the map and made it an artform. U Roy moved into the recording arena firstly cutting two discs for producer Lee Perry: Earths Rightful Ruler and OK Corral, and then following this with Dynamic Fashion Way and Riot for producer Keith Hudson. Producer Duke Reid, seeing the potential in this new found form, brought U Roy to his Treasure Isle Studios to voice over his back catalog of rocksteady hits. His first three releases for Duke Reid Wake the Town, Rule the Nation and Wear You to the Ball held the top three positions for 12 weeks in early 1970s. Here, Kingston Sounds have compiled some of U Roy's best-loved cuts from his mid-'70s period, when all were still looking at him for guidance. The opening cut "Call on Me" sees him working over Delroy Wilson's "Got to Be There." "You Never Get Away" gets U Roy answering Delroy Wilson's "Keep on Rocking." Johnny Clarke's "Time Gonna Tell" with a roots-y bass line turns into "Every Knee Shall Bow." A fine collection of the Daddy of all DJs, who said, "I Originate, so you must appreciate, while the others got to imitate." That says it all, really.
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KSCD 086CD
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Jamaican love songs always came across as heartfelt poetry whether they conveyed a broken heart, unrequited love or even the message "it's all over don't bother to come back" anecdotes. But whatever the mood the singers of these songs were so good and versatile that putting such subject matter over in a few verses was always so moving and believable. Jamaican love songs were a constant in the ever-evolving sounds and journey that reggae music took its listeners on, from ska to rocksteady to the early reggae sounds of the late 1960s early 1970s. Kingston Sounds have complied a great selection of songs that all deal with that timeless subject matter. Max Romeo's heartfelt "Sometimes" opens our set in fine style, known more for his roots singing this song proves what a great singer he is. The Melodians a great Jamaican vocal group are featured here with "Best Girl". The Sensations provide the title track, "Born To Love You", and the theme for this compilation, a great rocksteady tune with fantastic harmonies. Alton Ellis gives the compilation the soulful "Room Full Of Tears". Ken Boothe rendition of Dennis Brown's "Money In My Pocket" is here, an ode that money cannot buy you everything. Cornell Campbell sings one of his most overlooked classic songs with his prideful "She Wears My Ring". The great singer of love songs himself, Mr. John Holt, tells his listeners that they should all "Reconsider" before giving up on love, and a great lost singer Monty Morris gives two great examples of how to find love in "Do It My Way" and "Magic Moments". A great selection delivered as only Jamaica can do with style and feeling. Also features Keith Blake, Danvan Carlos, and Johnny Clarke. CD version includes four bonus tracks from Monty Morris, The Melodians, Derrick Morgan & Hortense Ellis, and Ken Boothe.
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KSLP 086LP
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LP version. Jamaican love songs always came across as heartfelt poetry whether they conveyed a broken heart, unrequited love or even the message "it's all over don't bother to come back" anecdotes. But whatever the mood the singers of these songs were so good and versatile that putting such subject matter over in a few verses was always so moving and believable. Jamaican love songs were a constant in the ever-evolving sounds and journey that reggae music took its listeners on, from ska to rocksteady to the early reggae sounds of the late 1960s early 1970s. Kingston Sounds have complied a great selection of songs that all deal with that timeless subject matter. Max Romeo's heartfelt "Sometimes" opens our set in fine style, known more for his roots singing this song proves what a great singer he is. The Melodians a great Jamaican vocal group are featured here with "Best Girl". The Sensations provide the title track, "Born To Love You", and the theme for this compilation, a great rocksteady tune with fantastic harmonies. Alton Ellis gives the compilation the soulful "Room Full Of Tears". Ken Boothe rendition of Dennis Brown's "Money In My Pocket" is here, an ode that money cannot buy you everything. Cornell Campbell sings one of his most overlooked classic songs with his prideful "She Wears My Ring". The great singer of love songs himself, Mr. John Holt, tells his listeners that they should all "Reconsider" before giving up on love, and a great lost singer Monty Morris gives two great examples of how to find love in "Do It My Way" and "Magic Moments". A great selection delivered as only Jamaica can do with style and feeling. Also features Keith Blake, Danvan Carlos, and Johnny Clarke.
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CD
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KSCD 013CD
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2020 repress; 2007 release. The Prince became a King, never a truer word spoken when you look at the career of King Jammy. Kingston Sounds focus here on the early days of the dancehall scene which stretched across the 1980s. Picking up the story at the tail end of the 1970s, just before the sound became digital and computerized. King Jammy's production always being of such high quality, that telling the difference between his analog and digital productions was always a job for the experts. As you can see from the recording details all these tracks were cut in those heady 1977-1979 days. The reggae sound was again about to turn into what we would later know as its dancehall period. Although cut in the late '70s some of these tracks would not become hits until the 1980s had arrived. The King Jammy pivotal 1985 cut, Wayne Smith's "Under Me Sleng Teng" based on a digital computer rhythm, was still a few years away. Kingston Sounds link these fine tunes lined up here under the same umbrella as they contain that same dancehall feel, where the rhythm has slowed down and the snare sound is pronounced. Fine tunes that bring you back to a time and provoke memories when Mr. Jammy's stable of artists never sang so sweeter or sounded better. All the top flight hitters are here Johnny Osbourne with his place evoking "Trench Town School" and his massive time defining hit "Folly Ranking". The mighty Black Uhuru with their politically charged "Time to Unite". The sweet-sounding voice of Mr. Sugar Minott pulls you all in with his "Right Track" cut. Anthony Johnson who cut many hits through the '80s for Jammy, is here with his telling tale "Get Ready". Even the aforementioned Wayne Smith sings out on his pre-digital hit "Wicked Man". Hugh Mundell's "Bottomless Pit" and Rudo's ode to the Firehouse district scene "Ain't No House" -- all killers and no fillers. Also features King Everald, Locksley Castell, Fantels, and Pad Anthony.
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KSCD 085CD
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Tapper Zukie still asks the questions and stating the facts that few artists of his caliber would attain to. His classic Dee-Jay style has been copied by many but bettered by few. Over some of his killer rhythms that he previously worked up while producing fellow roots groups such as Prince Allah, Knowledge, and Junior Ross and the Spears. Alongside some fresh rhythms, he has taken these as a backbone to some further questions and biblical reasoning that needed answering. Tapper tells it as it is on this mighty collection of tunes under the name X Is Wrong. This is the first time this set has seen a proper release only previously being available as a download from Tapper's website. A remarkably great set of songs that finally get the release they deserve. CD version includes two bonus tracks.
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KSLP 085LP
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2021 restock; LP version. Tapper Zukie still asks the questions and stating the facts that few artists of his caliber would attain to. His classic Dee-Jay style has been copied by many but bettered by few. Over some of his killer rhythms that he previously worked up while producing fellow roots groups such as Prince Allah, Knowledge, and Junior Ross and the Spears. Alongside some fresh rhythms, he has taken these as a backbone to some further questions and biblical reasoning that needed answering. Tapper tells it as it is on this mighty collection of tunes under the name X Is Wrong. This is the first time this set has seen a proper release only previously being available as a download from Tapper's website. A remarkably great set of songs that finally get the release they deserve.
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KSLP 084LP
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LP version. Orange Street, Kingston, Jamaica: the epi-center of the reggae world. Where all the record shops, studios, pressing plants were based. The new cut 45s would be taken to the shops after a testing on various sound systems and passed to the record shop proprietors to sell. Bunny Lee as a former record plugger and now a leading producer knew what the people wanted and he had a great ear for a hit tune. Some-A-Holla Some-A-Bawl collects some of the stand out tracks from this period, when music was finding a new beat as rocksteady rolled into the late-60s early-70s reggae sound. The Ravers' "Mati And Fulli" telling the story that the "Rent Too High" to the Twinkle Brothers' "Miss Laba Laba" -- you see and blind you must hear and deaf -- clean up your own backyard before talking about others. All stories of daily life and love songs told over a cracking rhythm played by finest musicians on the island. So yes "Some-A-Holla Some-A-Bawl" as Max Romeo would say but it can't be denied that all the tunes on this selection are of a fine pedigree. Features The Ravers, Winston Shand, Max Romeo, Twinkle Brothers, The Claridonians, Doreen Shaffer, Slim Smith, Delroy Wilson, The Sensations, Derrick Morgan & Hortense Ellis, Roy Shirley, Ken Parker, and Dave Barker.
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