Roots & Culture 128 Items

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First issue of Sleng Teng label material released by Evidence Music. “Mr Bossman” by Wayne Smith was recorded from 1983 to 1986.

The ultimate tribute project with all exclusive new recordings featuring the new breed of jamaican stars and upcoming artists like Chronixx, Jah 9, Iba Mahr, Jesse Royal, Kabaka Pyramid, Ikaya, Exco Levi and exciting bands like Raging Fyah or No-Maddz. Also paying tribute are the international known and established artists Jah Cure, Maxi Priest, and Gyptian, Richie Spice, with also the veterans Freddie McGregor and Mutabaruka being on board. All tracks have been recorded with producer legend Clive Hunt, who also appears with two instrumentals as the VP Hit Team. "We Remember Dennis" comes as 2LP-vinyl set with 20 tracks available including high-quality printed inner sleeves presenting sleeve notes and images! (Also available as 2CD Digipak with 24-page booklet including photos and linernotes).

"We Remember Dennis" is a celebration of the life and music of Dennis Brown, proclaimed one of the top 50 voices of the 20th Century! He is also one of the most influential vocalists among reggae musicians and was noted to be Bob Marley's favorite singer. His iconic status and pivotal place in the history of reggae music is highlighted by the range of contemporary artists and power in the musical selections on the album. The two-disc longplayer blends romantic love songs and ballads with roots and revolutionary songs made famous and (mostly) written by Brown, with all tracks recorded with producer legend Clive Hunt. Dennis Emmanuel Brown was a spokesman for the people of Jamaica and the diaspora and his message is a vital today as when these songs were first recorded. His voice and his music are with us and we remember Dennis Brown (born 1st February 1957 - r.i.p 1st July 1999) - his music will will forever!

First time reissue of "Kaya Dub" from 1975, noted as the first ever proper dub LP pressed and released in New York City. The eponymous LP is among the first set of releases on the KAYA label. This imprint was the first to showcase the partnership of Percy Chin and Hyman "Jah Life" Wright as producers and cornerstones of the burgeoning NYC reggae scene of the day.

Though these tracks originate from Jamaica thru a connection with Pat "Jah Lloyd" Francis and have also been released elsewhere, this is none the less a killer selection of dubs from King Tubby's and Randy's studios. In sound and visuals, "Kaya Dub" serves as a fantastic snapshot of the music and vibes of roots reggae in the mid '70s, among the best dub LP's of its time.

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Tribase is a heavyweight Dub trio from Valencia with the Jamaican Kung Fu Ras as lead singer. This EP produced by La Panchita Records is the first business card for this band will already confirmed for some big festival in this summer as the International Dub Gathering

Toots and the Maytals' Funky Kingston is a brilliant reggae album and suitable for both beginners as for experienced listeners. The album was released twice and with so much success that it charted in the Billboard 200 and eventually made it to the Rolling Stone's list of The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.

Released in 2012 as the opening song of the CD album " Far Eye " featuring Daba Makourejah, Calabash Rock have remained unknown for most rockers reggae aficionados. And that was a shame. The Rockers Disciples and Dig This Way Records decided then to strengthen their collaboration by releasing this wonderful instrumental piece of music, deeply influenced by Aswad’s « Warrior Charge '' and Rico Rodriguez’s vibrant music. A 7 ‘’ record, including a vertiginous dub version on the flip. Enjoy the Calabash style!

Four years ago, Liam Bailey visited NYC from his hometown of Nottingham, England to write and record songs with Truth & Soul (Jeff Silverman & Leon Michels), that could help secure him the ever elusive major label deal. Shortly after the group met, an instant chemistry led to a series of reggae and soul songs that have been long-time favorites at T&S headquarters. Soon after his visit, Liam Bailey signed to Polydor Records. This is the first 45 from an upcoming series of Liam Bailey singles on Truth & Soul.

Spinna B-ill's sweet cover of Al Jarreau's 1981 classic! A double-sided 7" record featuring a sweet cover number of Al Jarreau's 1981 classic "We're In This Love Together" by Spinna B-ill and a guitar instrumental tune by Yota Kobayashi on the B-side!

Echoltd006: 12" LP 180g black / slightly silver vinyl. 2 stickers included.

Slowly feat. Mizuki Ohira "Drippin' Summer", a popular song that was included in a series of popular compilation series in Japan last year, and has over 10,000 listeners in less than a week after its release, is finally available on 7-inch analog! Slowly, which has been selling out 7-inch singles in rapid succession, welcomes next-generation singer/songwriter Mizuki Ohira as the featured vocalist for this smoky, summer anthem with vocals that mix coolness and passion. The coupling track features a superb Dub Mix by e-mura of Bim One Production!

Kultural Grooves is thrilled to unveil Shakedown Unlimited’s inaugural album, a masterpiece crafted amidst the vibrant cultural backdrops of Italy and Spain. This album is a testament to the eclectic talents that are part of the contemporary European Reggae, Funk, Soul, and Jazz scenes. Steering this sonic expedition are the adept Michal “Michu” Krygiel, also known as Baodub, and the inventive Davide “Deez” Di Sauro. Michu, a stalwart in the dub sound system and electronic scene, not only anchors the album with his foundational drum beats but also takes the helm in mixing and recording. Davide, with his creative spark, orchestrates the album’s arrangement and composition, weaving in his unique bass rhythms that echo his past work with The Officinalis and Napoli Rockers Syndicate, alongside the pulsating beats of Afrodesia’s ‘Episode One’. Their artistry is amplified by the spirited strumming of guitarists Andrea Farias and Alessandro “Sugar / Papa” Rizla, and the percussive precision of Giosuè Perna, whose collaborations with Periodica Records and Aloe Vera have refined their collective harmony, enriching the musical journey with a diverse palette of auditory hues. The album’s vocal prowess is delivered by Payoh Soul Rebel, whose voice stands unrivaled in the European reggae and soul landscape. The icing on the cake is undoubtedly the presence of Andres Balbucea, the singer, composer, and pianist of the breakout Disco/Afrobeat band, Parlbleu. A fellow member of the Napoli Rockers Syndicate, like the pianist Giulio Neri, Andres is entrusted with the entire composition of the organ sound for this album—an indispensable element of offbeat music—imbued with his unmatched touch. The brass arrangements, a soul-stirring element of the album, are the brainchild of jazz maestro Enrico Fumo, with the alto saxophone melodies woven by the esteemed Jah Wind, a name synonymous with reggae aficionados. The fusion of these musicians and their diverse styles, rooted in a strong reggae foundation yet infused with Soul, Funk, Latin, and Jazz, is visually encapsulated by Riccardo Corda. Corda, a visionary designer whose work has graced albums like ‘The Mauskovic Dance Band’ by Soundway Records and ‘Bar Mediterraneo’ by Nu Genea, lends his artistic signature to this album, further solidifying its place as a modern classic. The trumpet and trombone are in the capable hands of the Valencian duo, Jonas Sanchez and Manuel Pardo, masters of brass who bring a vibrant soul to every note. Shakedown Unlimited’s debut is more than an album; it’s a musical journey enriched by the essence of the Mediterranean, a reggae anthology that resonates with the soulful rhythms and vibrant influences of its heritage. We are beyond delighted to present this auditory treasure, a testament to the enduring spirit of reggae and its universal appeal.

"Tattoo Woman" was originally released in 1965 and includes "Under My Skin", a favorite not only among calypso fans but also Ska and Reggae lovers! This is a calypso arrangement of Cole Porter's original song "I've Got You Under My Skin" and is truly a masterpiece! The album as a whole contains many wonderful pieces that convey the breath of calypso in its heyday! Please enjoy these two historical masterpieces by the god of calypso, Mighty Sparrow, together with "The Outcast", which will be released at the same time on analog LP!!

Recorded early in 1976, apparently ‘Born Free’ was never released in Jamaica, but went straight to the UK market as a 7’’ on the obscure ‘Boss’ label, and reissued as an Attack 12’’ few years later. While production details are somehow puzzling, with British sound operator Fatman sometimes credited among the producers and the riddim re-surfacing within Yabby You’s catalogue, what remains undisputed is the King Tubby’s studio stamp on the mix, emphasised by the raw cymbals on the B side. Michael Rose’s incredibly inspired voice floats over a stripped down roots rhythm singing timeless lyrics of freedom that will inspire Black Uhuru’s hits Willow Tree and Peace and Love in the Ghetto.

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A cover of the hit song "I'm In The Mood For Love," sung by Frances Langford in the movie "Every Night At Eight" and later released in many versions as a standard. This take, which was not very successful in Jamaica, was loved in the UK and is now one of the most popular ska anthems and Tanamo's most popular songs. The Jamaican version was pressed in small quantities by Down Beat, and a UK Ska Beat version is in distribution, but it too is rare. The combination of Tanamo and Skatalites is excellent. The coupling is a bright and simple melody sung by the mysterious one-hit wonder Orville Alphonso, and nice ska vocals backed by a vigorous rhythm.

Lloyd Charmers' remake of the 1974 Ohio Players' big tune that became the album title. The tight rhythm and horn section are replaced with a piercing organ sound for a sexy funk reggae tune.

Cover of Barry White's Funky Soul "I'm gonna love you a little more baby". Like the original, it is urban and full of adult eroticism. The intro break is also reproduced, and the vocalist has an appealing bass tone.