Thursday 28 September 2017

Ladies roots tonight! hotta dan lava...

Hello,

Long time I wanna do this one post and cultivate the idea of it.
It always surprised me that on reggae records sales listings, roots sung by women was refered to as "female roots" while tuns performed by male singers is just called..."roots". Maybe something related to mysoginy or phalocracy in general and in reggae music also... Women are refered to as "queen" or "empress" in this culture but as in many other places few of them reached recognition while many of them managed the family business, and still do.
Well, the purpose of this post is obviously not to be a feminist call but rather to highlight some of my favourite roots tune performed by women artists. So without further labba labba, here is the first tune and to open this series let's use a stone cold killer...

Don't mash up creation, by Sharon Little is a huge roots tune that guarantees the crowd to shout PUUUUUUULLLLLLUP! Slow riddim, tight horns and percussion, plus concious lyrics, total classic and most wanted... Rinsed by Jah Shaka, a relick of this tune came out a few years ago on his own label that it's more available but with lesser raw mix. Here is the original in all its glory, with version included.

Hard to follow this one but let's try this...
This is a next cut to Gregory Isaacs Rock on tune on the same Observer label but the ladie's cut is as good or even better. Tune called On a saturday night by the artist Christine. The dub of this is tremendous, so much bass it saturated my digital capture.


Next tune is a masterpiece from Judy Mowatt, Black Woman, followed by a "dub poetry" piece on the same riddim by Joy Tulloch (is is an alias for Judy, the voice sounds quite the same...). A live rendering of this tune can be seen on the excellent Heartland reggae movie about one love peace concert, such a feeling. Purest skank, nice guitar ornaments, great horns and flute and above all the voice of that great lady (part of Bob Marley's harmonie's group the I-Threes for thos who don't know). Beautiful music indeed...
The DJ piece is about black women's pride compared to the image of a black rose. For those who understand, pay attention to the lyrics!
 

Next feature is a tune from the woman trio known as Roots and titled Evil that you do. This is the original JA pressing on the Don One label. From a repress it seems the vocal band is backed by the Wailers but really I do not know much about that one except that I like it a lot...and I need a better copy. As you'll see sound and label condition are not that good but still...enjoy this great piece of reggae music. 




 Next one is also a super classic, wanted piece by Yvonne Sterling, called Oh Jah on the very nice S&S Records label. Rasta lyrics, groovy bassline, again great guitar and percussion work. Singer calling for Jah mercy, heavy roots at its best (plus the dub as bonus...).
"Show us some mercy Jah Jah and protect those that follow your footsteps..."


 Next tune is the most suitable for the dance as it is a very nice "steper" tune, meaning militant drumming and round and stomping bass. It is also a classic, by Beverley Williams on the Shaka label, tune called Sufferation. The organ, the drum and the bass are here laying a speedy riddim. The vocalist talent is not my favourite but does the job. The real treasure from my point of view lies on the b-side as the version is a MURDEROUS dub piece. Ting called Jam Tone dub, killaaaaaaa!
 

 Another singer who did some great and respected pieces such as Prophecy or Destiny, here is a bit less known tune by sister Faybiene (or Fabienne, or Fabian...) Miranda on the Jaguar imprint. This tune is from the same year as me, 1979, andis titled Fire. The very recognizable voice of Faybiene on a mellow riddim with some (for the occasion) well used synth plus nice guitar ornaments. Very deep stuff. No dub on this piece and B-side suits not my taste so it won't be featured here.
Nice lyrics also if someone has the courage to write them down (are you there Sir James?).

 Ok a little last one before I go to bed, without label picture as it is taken from a LP. This one is my very favourite one song (in my collection at least....) in reggae by a woman vocalist and it's the superb song Peace and Unity by the Sonya Spence. Taken from her first LP In the dark, on the High Note label (interesting it is a woman also that ran this label, the great Mrs Sonia Pottinger). This song is great for this time we're living and goes like this :
"Tell me why can't we stop the killing,
Why can't we stop the fighting and live and live in unity
Everyday we're fighting, taking our brother's life
It's time for peace Yeah it's time for peace.
Look at the beautiful world the father has given us to live in
and all we do s make war, yeah war.
You know it's time we start to live as human beings...."
Top notch riddim, great lyrics, BIM!
(If you like it as I do, you may grab a copy on 7" format as Frech reissue label Onlyroots, see here :  https://www.discogs.com/Sonya-Spence-Peace-Unity/release/4353936)

Ok, it's time for me to rest a bit.
Hope you enjoyed the ride, don't hesitate to spread the word about this likkle page, Peace to one and all and more to follow soon!











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Saturday 26 August 2017

Foo Manchu

Hello Everyone,

Just a quick one to get back in business after the summer pause.
I should be in London for carnival but for the first time in 8 years I won't be there.
So, in order to feel some of the vibes, here is a very nice "early reggae" tune.
This one is from the great Desmond Dekker, the man behind such hits as "Israelites", "007/Shanty town"and plenty others.

This tune is an illustration of the links between contemporary jamaican music and cinema.
Plenty LPs, artists aliases, illustrations link movies or TV shows to the music.
As an example you may know about the DJ's known as Al Capone, Clint Eastwood, Trinity, Dillinger, tunes such as China Gate by Guardian Angel, the LP "How the west was won", the saxophonist Richard Hall known as "Dirty Harry", all these are reference to Mafia, Western, Kung Fu or other genre films.

The title is taken from a series of books and movies about the Dr Fu Manchu, a fictious character being some kind of evil genius from chinese origins.

The tune starts with a very nice organ and groovy laidback riddim. Then Desmond Dekker enters with his unique high key voice and the Aces delivering sharp harmonies. Really a winner to me!
The sound on my copy is not optimal but please keep in mind this piece of plastic is almost 50 years old!

As usually you may download the tune by clicking on the blue link below the label.

Hope you enjoy it, plenty more to come!

Peace to one and all,
Ben

or
 http://www.mediafire.com/file/0wsbcng199bna9o/Desmond_Dekker_%26_The_Aces_-_Foo_Manchu_%28Pyramid_7_%29.mp3
or
https://www.dropbox.com/s/6pkd5shfpn3emks/Desmond%20Dekker%20%26%20The%20Aces%20-%20Foo%20Manchu%20%28Pyramid%207_%29.mp3?dl=0
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Sunday 30 April 2017

Major roots 12", rastaman tune!

Hello people,

Quick one tonight as I had this digitalized some time ago, it makes it easier.
Tonights feature is an all time favourite piece by one legendary singer. At some point member of the Heptones, Naggo Morris is responsible for numerous first class hits such as "Su Su pan rasta", "Flour power", "False rasta", "A true dem no know",...
This one 12", titles Jah Guide came out on the Joe Gibbs Music labelon the crucial year 1980.
As the title suggests, this is a rasta anthem : "Jah guide us all the way..."

The riddim is tight, militant, almost minimal with very nice horns ornaments here and there that culminates in the sax and trumpet solos in the "extended" part.
This ones guarantees to mash the dance for the roots heads every time!

Hope you 'll like it as I do,

Peace to one and all,
Ben

 or
 http://www.mediafire.com/file/39yhj3sp5a928ps/Naggo_Morris_-_Jah_Guide_-_JGM_12_.mp3

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Tuesday 25 April 2017

Some island stuff and a huge digi/rub a dub...

Hello you all,

Long time no post so you'll have three different vibes tonight.
First, as promised somewhere a time ago, here comes a tune I've been searching to ID for long.
It's what the title is, a funky calypso!
I loved this tune in a mix Frankie Francis from the Sofrito's crew did some years ago and could never find what it was... Untill recently, this LP was listed amongst other marvelous music by a big seller and the "soundclip" was this very tune. I love it when this happens so here it is to your musical pleasure (funny thing : the band accompanying band is called Frankie Francis & his Orchestra, is it where the alias comes from...) :



or
 http://www.mediafire.com/file/cfpcfwet62oakg5/Hot%2C_Cool%2C_Spice_-_Funky_Calypso.mp3

Second tune featured tonight was also part of that great listing. This one I did not know at all but this LP is great, full of different caribean vibes, from calypso to reggae and more, with a brass flavour.
The band originated from the island of Antigua and began their carrier in 1964. They even won the Brassorama Champion title in 1975 says the back cover.
Obviously, I'll go for the reggae tune but the whole LP deserves attention. It is a nostalgic piece titled "Tighter", sung by the guitar player of the band and it goes like this :
"We must look for one another
And stop this fighting between brothers, brother
That is what Jah Jah wants for all of us
If you look in the book that is what he say
And time is getting tighter and tighter me tell you...tighter
We must be loving and trusting each other for ever"



 or 
http://www.mediafire.com/file/pn5sbwc106seltu/Saints_brothers_of_Antigua_-_Tighter.mp3

Last but not least tune for tonight takes us to the 80's or even later. Do not know about the date of issue of this but it has this typical late 80's sound...very different vibe but I can't wait to share it with you.
Tune is from Moses E. Henriques, which is pretty unknown to me. It seems he did a tune for Wackie's in 1982 according to discogs (https://www.discogs.com/Moses-Itopia-Band-When-The-Vampire-Come-To-Your-Neighborhood/release/4733134).
This 12" comes on the Mokin original label and if you have a proper sound system to drop it, the riddim is masive. Straight forward lyrics, the singer claims that he's "ready, willing and able to put bread on the table" and support the family.
Rare and enjoyable piece of digi/rub a dub in my book.

http://www.mediafire.com/file/mq8c6db94tr8uu8/Moses_E._Henriques_and_The_Revealers_-_Ready_willing_and_able_-_Mokin_original_12_.mp3

That's all for tonight but stay tuned as more is coming, hopefully soon!
Peace to one and all!
Ben

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Tuesday 28 March 2017

In these times

Hello people,

Quite some time since last post, sorry to be so elusive...
A quick one tonight while digitalizing some of the latest additions to the vaults.
This one is re-take of extra classic "summertime" theme from the great George Gershwin.
Errol Walker did a first re-lick of it with Lee Perry, that you can find here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkMRXQygxTI
A repress of this tune has been done on 7" recently, that I do not know if it's legit or bootleg business.
On the 7" cut, the lyrics are quite the same as on original song and the tune benefits from Perry dubbing expertise.

Well, here is the later 12" cut on Solid Gold, second 12" release on that label, as B side to All my love to give.
I did not know much about Errol Walker but it appears is lead vocalist to the band The In Crowd, who did the massive hit "Mango Walk" that you will find on the superb Darker than blue comp' (PK label for the vinyl release and Blood and Fire for the CD).

The year of release of the 12" is unknown to me but it sounds like 1979 or 1980 release with that typical drumming that reminds of Sly Dumbar, super tight on the snare drum; repetitive and hypnotic bassline, just balanced by some organ. Just add the smooth as sugar voice (made deeper by constant echo effect) and that timeless theme and you get a hell of tune.

This is to be played loud when summertime comes, but while waiting the nice days to come, it warms my heart nice!


Share Errol Walker - In these times - Solid Gold 12_.mp3 - 12 MB

or
http://www.mediafire.com/file/mlz6y3silz8c5bi/Errol_Walker_-_In_these_times_-_Solid_Gold_12_.mp3

I hope you like this as much as I do, just click on the blue link to download the tune in nice quality.
Feel free to comment or leave a hello while listening,
More soon,
Peace!
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Saturday 4 March 2017

Best ever roots instrumental!!!!! (at least for me...)

Hello Ladies and Gents, 

Today's feature is nothing less than what I consider the best ever instrumental roots reggae tune of all times. Obviously this is a subjective opinion and if you want to champion this, you are very welcome to submit your own favourite!

I've been hunting this for a long time and am very happy to finally be able to share this with you all.
So, not much information about the band The Righteous Foundation. According to Discogs, some of the tunes are credited to Hopeton Thaxter, Maurice Roberts, Randall Thaxter.
More or less, these are non other than original members of the much more known Gaylads band!
Another interesting link is that they also are credited as composers of the other deep roots favourite tune "Wolf in sheep clothing" by...The Upright Foundation (on the Wisdom label, featured on the excellent Wanted compilation on Makasound).
Many interesting links here!
Production duties are done by Delroy Hinds who vocalised, wrote or arranged some nice Burning Spear and Horace Andy tunes.

What to say about the tune itself? 
It's a stormer steppers piece with a prominent trombone (anyone who knows who plays it?) and very nice horns section arrangements. The melody reminds me of some of the best Rico pieces form the man from Wareika period. The trombone solo form 1:34 to 2:02 is a masterpiece, the little "birds" sounds and other percussive additions, all here is rich and well done!
Icing on the cake, the B-side is blessed by a very delicate, still heavy dub mix of the tune. By stripping the piece to the bone it gives the drumming/guitar more presence and, as a steppers piece, it guarantees every massive to go mad dancing!

So here it is, just click on blue link below the labels to access this beautiful tune! 

Peace to one and all and to the world!
 
 

Share The Righteous Foundation - The second comming - Cosmic label 7.zip - 16 MB

http://www.mediafire.com/file/xuwvoi4xu9dqaju/The_Righteous_Foundation_-_The_second_comming_-_Cosmic_label_7.zip

PS : I received two comments by on person today (a first in this blog's history!). So this post goes livicated to David, whoever and wherever you are.
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Wednesday 1 February 2017

Gully bank...

Hello people,

In these times when the US and many European countries are trying to close their borders and bring new boundaries to culture, people and thinking it is time to share more and more!

And what I can share is some music :-)

So here is a new 7" ina me boxes, from early 80's (1982 to be precise).
Roots music from that era tends to be more crude than the golden 70's (less horns, more organ, heavier mixes, and eventually crude in the lyrics also).

This one is heavy in the mix and serious in the lyrics.
Devon Russell (half of the Lloyd and Devon combo) sings about these tuff times when violence was rising in the island : "you gotta be a tuff hombre to stay in town, you gotta be a tuff tuff hombre to move 'round and r'ound, You gotta be real cool if you want to keep your crown" and then warning the bad boys "ranking a burried 'pon gully bank in these times". Literally "the high end killers ("ranking") will end up in the sewer..."
The riddim is tuff also and will most certainly make you move your feet, fe sure!
So here are both sides for you to enjoy and heat a bit this winter.
Peace to you all,
Ben

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Monday 30 January 2017

Rub a dub fever

Hello y'all!
Just a quick one this evening.

I received a LP today, not one you see so much in the Fatman Ridim Section series.
It's titled Dub in South Africa and its a Dub/DJ combination style LP with Brigadier Hulk as DJ (absolute unknown to me, any info welcome).
It's not the whole LP that's good and the toasting is quite basic stuff (even if he does not stop to rest!) but the opening title of B-Side "African Rub a dub" is so heavy when played loud that I listened to it all afternoon and so I must share it with you!

That bass (somehow it reminds me od natural mystic...) and the elusive horns section in the back, plus tipically echoed keyboard drives me mad (and I am usually not fond of these rud a dub riddims).
I kinda fantasize of playing this on a proper sound system to feel the ground tremble on a nice open air venue under summer sun, hummm!

So here is the ugly but funny cover and the label design, and the link to the tune itself below.
Hope you like it, as I said and as the cover suggets, this is heavy weapon so play it LOUD with bass boosted and get the "Rub a dub fever"!
NB : I have to re-record it 5 times, don't know why Audacity kept cutting parts of the tune as if it was skipping (the record is as new...) so I had to listen to it many times and...it's getting better every time :-)

Hey nice, it seems my browser is generating direct links again (so you don't have to cut/paste this time but simply click on the link above, nice and easy!
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Sunday 8 January 2017

Some version excursion

Hello there, how are you people?
Wish you all the best for this new year, may nothing but peace, love and happiness come your way in 2017, and may the same apply to the earth!

So, a good way to start the year is to go on a little version excursion.
As you probably know if you have love for reggae music, a tune or a riddim may be used several times by different artists.
A same producer could make more money on a riddim by making many artists or groups vocalising it. And then producers used to copy the others best tunes my having their in-house band recording it. The very best riddims or tunes may be found in many versions and dubs and would be re-recorded even long time after they first appear (somehow like jazz "standards").
Have a look at Blood and Fire compilation "Tree os Satta"and you'll have a good illustration of what I'm talking about.

So tonight feature is a small example of that with a riddim I like very much from reggae golden era.
It's one of early Dennis Brown output (the crowned prince was only sixteen at that time).
Here is a link to the lyrics : http://www.jah-lyrics.com/song/dennis-brown-foot-of-the-mountain
I love that laid back groove, the flute and guitar ornaments, wicked stuff!

Share Dennis Brown - At the foot of the mountain - Downtown 7.zip - 14 MB

 http://www.mediafire.com/file/15y1ekl5lypo7tp/Dennis_Brown_-_At_the_foot_of_the_mountain_-_Downtown_7.zip

And here is another tune on same riddim, the DJ lick by scotty over Tony Aiken "Holy father, one year later in 1974. Great toasting and some little birds added to the mix.
http://www.mediafire.com/file/2p0jrejl0jujd66/Scotty_-_Holy_father_from_the_roots_-_Tobin_7.zip 

I know there are many more versions of that same riddim but do not own them so if you're blessed with one, just let me know!

Hope you like this, peace to one and all,

Ben 
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