Roots & Culture 241 Items

company sleeve

picture sleeve / 500 numbered copies

company sleeve

Get ready for a double dose of roots fire with the next Jack Ruby reissue! This 12" packs a serious punch on both sides. First up, the legendary Tyrone Taylor with "Move Up Black Man." Originally recorded in 1976, this anthem for empowerment is finally getting its rightful release as a single. Next up, for an absolute deep roots experience, we have "Free Rhodesia" a monumental instrumental on the "Rockfort Rock" rhythm featuring the full lineup of the Black Disciples backing band. Jack Ruby himself introduces the band one by one, and for those who remember, this track gets a mention in the iconic film "Rockers," where Ruby requests the drumming talents of the one and only Leroy "Horsemouth" Wallace.

Another inferno is ignited by the legendary producer Jack Ruby in the next installment of the reissue series. Once again, featuring the iconic Tyrone Taylor with "Birds of a Feather," whose vocals soar above a foundation of pure roots reggae, originally recorded in 1976. The heat doesn't stop there, as for the first time on 7-inch vinyl, we unleash the fury of "Death Before Dishonour," an instrumental by Jack Ruby's militant Black Disciples backing band with seriously blazing horns that leave an undeniable mark. This is the first time ever that "Birds of a Feather" and its instrumental counterpart are paired together.

HHV exclusive vinyl edition on multi-colored vinyl, limited to 100 copies. Only available at hhv.de!

Joe Yamanaka, born in Yokohama, was of mixed descent. His father was a US Army soldier who hailed from the Caribbean. He played Psychedelic Rock with the Flower Travellin' Band. He was also a philanthropist, travelling around the world to help people in countries where conditions aren't great. He himself was raised in harsh conditions as well, being born in a brothel and growing up in an orphanage. In post-war Japan, it was not easy for him to grow up looking racially different from his peers. Joe Yamanaka joined The Wailers after Bob Marley had passed away and recorded with them 'Reggae Vibration'. The very first track is also called 'Reggae Vibration' and can be seen as his introduction to the genre, being a Rock artist in his home country. You will still hear a strong Rock influence in his songs. 'Reggae Vibration' was Recorded And Remixed At Tuff Gong Studios, 56 Hope RD Kingston Jamaica, In April 14th 1982 ~ April 30th 1982

master bag

Limited edition original 7" single - only 250 copies!

Next on deck, straight from Producer Dan Ubick’s Lions Den Studio, comes two more re-imagined soul classics from Los Angeles’ own Night Owls. First up, we have soul phenom Eli “Paperboy” Reed taking on Ray Charles’ classic “You Don’t Know Me” and Rocksteady champions Jr. Thomas & The Volcanos, laying their beautiful soul harmonies to Eddie Kendricks’ timeless “If You Let Me.” For Side A’s “You Don’t Know Me,” Ubick had a tough assignment - find someone who could bring his own innate soulfulness to a song sung by “The Genius” in his prime. The answer came from Massachusetts-bred Eli “Paperboy” Reed, who moved to Clarksdale, Mississippi at 18 to cut his teeth singing in juke joints all over the Delta. Then, moving on to spend a year as minister of music at Chicago’s Southside church of Soul legend Mitty Collier (Chess Records) and relocating back to the East Coast to record for Capitol Records, Warner Brothers, Colemine Records, and now Yep Roc, Dan had found his man. On “You Don’t Know Me,” Reed’s voice ranges from belted lows to soulful highs that perfectly sets the stage for this more upbeat and Roots Reggae-infused rendition. With a tip of the hat to Jamaican legend and producer Bunny “Striker” Lee, Night Owls take Charles’ classic soul and R&B standard to new territory. On Side B is Eddie Kendricks’ “If You Let Me” feat. Jr Thomas & The Volcanos (Colemine Records), re-done here with a nod to another legendary Jamaican singer, songwriter, and music producer, The Techniques’ own Winston Riley (Johnny Osbourne, Dave & Ansel Collins, etc.). Originally debuted on Eddie Kendricks’ post-Temptations 1972 masterpiece People…Hold On (Tamla/Motown), Night Owls create a decidedly more moody and dubbed-out tone here, laying into a bass-heavy one-drop feel that perfectly sets the stage for Jr Thomas’ soulful lead and Volcanos members Alex Desért (Hepcat, The Lions) & John Butcher’s (The Expanders) spot on backing harmonies. While keeping much of the original harmonic language, Night Owls bring this much-loved classic to new heights, primed for the dance floor.

A truly exceptional song showcasing the pinnacle of Jack Ruby's productions, "Black Slavery Days" by The Skulls stands out as a remarkable gem that gained significant popularity in the Ochi Rios sound system scene. The lead singer of The Skulls, Tony Thomas, penned all their tunes, bringing his experience from singing with the original Justin Hinds & the Dominos group. This piece is a manifestation of pure 70's roots music in all its glorious essence.

company sleeve

bam bam rhythm

company sleeve

company sleeve

With the fantastic 'Black Rabbit,' dub don Prince Fatty masterfully navigates the realms of dub and reggae, infusing each track with his signature vintage sound and infectious grooves. The single is a great trip through rich basslines, swirling echoes, and soulful melodies that all showcase Fatty's exceptional production skills and deep understanding of Jamaican music traditions. From the laid-back instrumentals to his lively vocal performance, this tune has timeless charm and undeniable authenticity so is a testament to Prince Fatty's enduring influence in the contemporary reggae scene.