Reggae & Dancehall 28 Items

Death Is Not The End's 333 series is back with another dig into the catalogue of the NYC-based Flames label on this reissue of a highly coveted Revolutionaries LP, Meditation in Dub.
One of reggae music's most famed session bands, The Revolutionaries were an often revolving cast of some of the finest session musicians on the island during the roots and early dancehall periods of the mid/late 1970s and early 1980s. These would include Earl 'Wire' Lindo, Radcliffe 'Dougie' Bryan, Ansell Collins, Bobby Kalphat, Lloyd Parks, Uziah 'Sticky' Thompson, Bongo Herman, Stanley Bryan, Bo Peep, Eric 'Bingy Bunny' Lamont, Errol 'Tarzan' Nelson, Skully Simms, Robbie Lyn, Mikey 'Mao' Chung amongst many others. The enduring core of the group, however, was undoubtedly in the coming together of the legendary rhythm section of drummer Sly Dunbar and bassist Robbie Shakespeare - with the formation of The Revolutionaries marking the first time that this often unparalleled duo worked together.
The group laid down these rhythm tracks at their base at the storied Channel One recording studio, Maxfield Avenue, Kingston sometime in the mid 1970s - under the arrangement of one of reggae music's great undersung figures, Ossie Hibbert. Early in 1975 Ossie was to move to Maxfield Avenue just as Jo Jo & Ernest Hookim's studio was starting up. A well-respected session musician himself through the late 1960s and early 70s (he played keys for Bunny 'Striker' Lee and Keith Hudson and would also form part of another foundational session band, The Soul Syndicate) he was initially summoned by Jo Jo as a band member for The Revolutationaries but quickly assumed the role of producer, engineer and talent scout for the studio, responsible for selecting the artists to bring into the studio.
These tracks were recorded by Hibbert around this time for Winston Jones, the original singer and composer of Stop That Train (later made world-famous by Keith & Tex's version) with his Spanishtonians for Prince Buster's label in the early 1960s. Jones had moved from JA to NYC in the early 1970s where he established and ran the Flames label. The imprint would go on to form a core part of Brooklyn's reggae scene from the mid-1970s until the early 1990s, though Jones often employed the use of Channel One, Hibbert and The Revolutionaries back home in the recording of rhythm tracks for his productions. Thus the Meditation in Dub LP is essentially formed of stellar dub versions to many of the early Flames labels 45s, produced and released by Jones throughout the mid to late 1970s, including crucial takes on a great many popular rhythms of that period. One of any self-respecting dub LP collectors' holy grails, with originals going for up to £400, it is issued here under license from the now Texas-based Jones with the kind assistance of Rob at DKR in sourcing the audio for this new cut.

Available on April 20th, we're excited to unveil "Free Indeed" by Akae Beka and Higher Bound Productions on vinyl for the first time as part of our ongoing collaboration with Higher Bound Productions.

Produced in 2012, this remarkable collection represents a tapestry of deeply resonant melodies and emotions showcasing the perfect harmony between Vaughn Benjamin and producer Ryan 'Ishence' Willard showcasing their undeniable artistry. With each note and lyric, they both paint a vivid portrait of their shared creative vision, demonstrating an unparalleled synergy and depth of expression. "Free Indeed" ships on 4/20.

This album consists of unreleased Dubs recorded between 1986-90 at the early Blakamix Studios.

Blakamix have re-opened the tape vaults and let Mixman loose to revamp and revitalise and give the Dub Doctor treatment to these early Dub tapes.

This first single is not only available on digital platforms, but also as a 7” record on a limited edition press, with Tiempos Ruff on the A side and its instrumental riddim version on the B side.

A musical bomb, inspired by the great Mikey Dread, that will shake the ground while talking about the nowadays struggle and inequality.

Jahlin, whose real name is Colin Pitter, was born in Clarendon, Jamaica and moved to Canada in 1975 for his education. He graduated from high school majoring in welding in 1979 and began working as a welder in Toronto while pursuing his musical career. In 1980, Jahlin joined the reggae band Joshua on the recommendation of a fellow musician, Gregory Frank. Later, he recorded his first single "Roots Reality" under his own label, Black Echo. Jahlin's "Roots Reality" is a roots reggae song that was originally released on the Roots Reality label in 1983. Overall, "Roots Reality" is a powerful roots reggae song that showcases Jahlin's talent as a singer and songwriter, as well as his commitment to spreading messages through his music. Its particularity is the addition of violin which is rarely heard in roots reggae music.

10 tracks

Igziabeher Yi mas gan (Let Jah be Praised!) - as we follow up with the next release forwarding from Ashanti Selah Music; we are proud to present a fresh combination to the label with Iqulah Rastafari who is a true ambassador and master of his faith as well as being a high-caliber artist in his own right; this release delivers the whole roots and nothing but the roots in its full entirety. Hailing from Jamaica and toured the 4 corners of the world with his band 'Giddeon Family' as well as performing many shows in Africa with the 'Azania Band' - Iqulah always brings the spiritual power and most honourable Rasta energy in connection with the music; making it a such an engaging experience when being among the vibration.

The Maxi-single offers two original vocals and two dub mixes per side with strong lyrics and heavy riddims to accompany!

After the release of their hugely popular !Turn Up the Heat" debut album which reached No.2 in the Itunes Reggae Charts, featured the cream of the UK dub scene and was released through Trojan Reloaded in 2020, Reggae Roast are back with a brand new release, guaranteed to set dance floors alight this summer. The double A side release features true MC legend Ranking Joe from Jamaica, as well as Reggae Roast Soundsystem front man and award-winning vocalist Donovan Kingjay.
The lead track is a contemporary take on the classic Stop That Train" by Kieth & Tex with Donovan"s sweet vocal take on the original the perfect complement to Ranking Joe"s quick-fire lyrics.
Mr Bossman is a killer 90"s dancehall style track with Donovan lamenting the treatment received by workers from their bosses in their fancy cars and houses, while people like him are stuck in poverty. A sentiment felt by many across the land in these difficult times.
Reggae Roast have established themselves at the forefront of the UK Reggae / Dance- hall scene with a string of forward-thinking productions, with their debut album reaching No. 2 In the iTunes Reggae Charts. Reggae Roast built their following running one of the capitols most loved and long-standing Reggae Soundsystem parties.
This EP epitomises the sound that they have been championing for over a decade, witha nod to 80"s and 90"s nostalgia they are simultaneously bringing the music into a new era.
Ranking Joe is one of the original mic men to chant or chat lyrics on the mic. Along with artists like U Roy and Little Roy in the 70"s and 80"s, their style influenced a slew ofother deejays or Rappers who would talk on the mic and hype up the crowd. This technique of chatting on the mic was later adopted by DJs in New York like Kool Herc and it later developed into their own style: Hip Hop and later in the UK as grime. But before rapping ever existed Ranking Joe was one of the first to originate the style. His first release was on the legendary Studio One in 1974 and he has been active ever since with releases on Greensleeves, Joe Gibbs, Trojan, Ariwa and many more.
Donovan Kingjay is the Reggae Roast Soundsystem Front man and award winning vo- calist. As a figurehead of the UK Reggae scene his soulful voice, and charismatic per- sona make him one of the UKs most sought after singers. He has twice won Best UK Vocalist at the UK Underground Music Awards and continues to release consistently quality output through various labels across and UK and internationally.
Reggae Roast are in full flow working on a new album, and with the covid recovery look- ing promising this summer, they are bringing back there Soundsystem parties too.
Look out for Reggae Roast in a field or venue near you in summer 2021!

We are pleased to introduce our new single coming out on 16th of February featuring ever productive Guiding Star Orchestra eleven-man roots reggae ensemble from Copenhagen, Denmark and young, upcoming, Jamaican roots Artist Azizzi Romeo (son of legendary Max Romeo) on “In Jah Sight” riddim. Coming out on both vinyl and as a high quality digital release.

The song contains conscious lyrics on top of a meditating steppas riddim with beautiful arrangements from GSO horn section and includes an amazing dub version made by the great Roberto Sanchez from A-Lone Ark Music Studio. Two wicked collaborations on both sides of a heavy slab of 7” record!

The song is an uplifting statement about putting trust in your faith. “When thirst cover your mouth, Jah will send the Rain!” A strong message from a young Artist who’s ready to take over the world of conscious roots reggae music. This is the first time Orchestra has done a collaboration with a vocalist and we have many more collaborations planned for the future as well as some brand new solo material coming this year. Stay tuned!

Infini-t music (chalice Sound) presents a brand new 7” - 45rpm vinyl release: Nytto Dread “kush", an original song mixed by Roberto Sánchez at A-Lone Ark Muzik Studio and mastered by Ibon Larruzea, Euridia Estudios.

Nytto Dread unique style alongside the Emeterians vocal trio on the backing vocals, with an instrumental made by the legends: Mafia & Fluxy, alongsinde the international known Spanish Forward Ever Band.

After years of anticipation, here are the Iration Steppa “90s Classic Cutz”, an exclusive re- edition of five seminal UK Dub tracks that revolutionised reggae & electronic music in the 90s!

After years of anticipation, here are the Iration Steppa “90s Classic Cutz”, an exclusive re- edition of five seminal UK Dub tracks that revolutionised reggae & electronic music in the 90s!

Israel Vibration is one of the greatest triumphs to come out of the Jamaican Reggae scene and TRS Records is very pleased to announce this special 12" release highlighting 'Vultures' and 'Jailhouse Rocking' both recorded in 1990 as heard on the album 'Praises'. Produced by RAS Records owner Doctor Dread who's vision and guidance propelled the group to new heights. Once again backed by the reggae rhythm machine known as the Roots Radics, Israel Vibration always on point in harmonies with their politically-charged Rasta lyrical concerns, known for their heartfelt spiritual and social commentary songs, and even onto more personal matters. Their songs all ring with true conviction. Under licence and for the very first time ever, TRS is pleased to present both these tunes with their Dubs, side by side.

Black Uhuru first formed in 1972, initially as Uhuru (Swahili for 'freedom'). Over the years the group has undergone several line-up changes with Derrick "Duckie" Simpson as the mainstay. As a unique singer in his own right, Delroy "Junior" Reid had the opportunity to reach a wider international audience when he was offered the chance to be the lead singer in Black Uhuru in 1986. Jr. Reid was from the same area of Kingston, shared a similar vocal style and already had a reputation for writing strong reality lyrics. After joining the group, Jr. Reid elevated the group to another level delivering militant songs such as Let Us Pray and Dread In The Mountain. Songs as these taken from the "Brutal" sessions, sung over typically robust rhythms from Sly & Robbie, tailored to fit in with developments on the international scene whilst upholding Black Uhuru’s penchant for uncompromising roots music with the emphasis on tight, forward-thinking arrangements.