September 3, 2010
The Promised Land 1977-79 includes the entire Joseph’s Coat of Many Colours LP and seven additional tracks from Dennis Emmanuel Brown’s very own D.E.B. Music label. A stunning set that floored me upon my first listen. Some of the most powerful roots music I’ve ever heard and has been in constant rotation for years. For an artist as prolific as Dennis Brown was, this, in my opinion, represents his work at its peak. Simply extraordinary and simply essential.
Dennis Brown – The Promised Land 1977-79; Blood and Fire, 2003
Liner notes written by Steve Barrow
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August 28, 2010
August 27, 2010
Rockamovya is an all-star cast of sorts which brings together long time Jazz-heavyweight Will Bernard (Stanton Moore, Dr. Lonnie Smith, T.J. Kirk, John Medeski, Motherbug, and the various Will Bernard combos), the incomparable Leroy “Horsemouth” Wallace (Yabby You, The Royals, The Gladiators, Ja-Man Allstars, Burning Spear, The Abyssinians, Augustus Pablo, I Roy and a wealth of other recordings) and Ryan Newman, Marcus Urani and Harrison Stafford of the Cali-based Reggae-Fusion group Groundation. Steppers rhythms combine with inspired jazz-funk licks and a deep-roots sound to create an album well worthy of repeated listening for years to come.
Rockamovya – Self-Titled; Young Tree, 2008
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August 25, 2010
The Robustos were a traditional ska-rocksteady band from Atlanta, GA, USA who I had the supreme pleasure of seeing live on dozens of occasions. Their blend of ska, rocksteady and soul was top-notch and had an enormous influence on my listening ear as their records came to serve as a sort of benchmark for which I’d judge other sounds. The group gigged constantly and always landed the opening spot for national acts that would come through the area making for some very memorable shows in the ATL. Still wish so much that I was around a few years ago for the two-show reunion. These two platters have been spun literally thousands of times and there is no doubt that they’ll receive another thousand spins more in the future. If you’ve never heard of them, do yourself a favor and check out this band that will forever remain very special to me.
The Robustos - Introducing; Ska Satellite (Moon Ska), 1997
The Robustos – The New Authentic; Beatville, 1999
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August 23, 2010
August 22, 2010
Afro-Beat Airways showcases an amazing diversity of local organ-driven Afro-beat, cosmic Afro-funk and raw, psychedelic Boogie rhythms spiced with Afro-American Funk, Soul and Jazz. Find more details about this release here.
Afro-Beat Airways: West African Shock Waves (Ghana and Togo 1972-79); Analog Africa, 2010
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August 19, 2010
Bobby Matos’ favorite selections from his Cubop releases, plus previously unreleased material and some of his collaborations are featured on this overdue retrospective. Guest musicians include Jerry Gonzalez, John Santos, Larry Harlow, Dave Pike and Jack Costanzo.
Bobby Matos – The Best of Bobby Matos; Cubop, 2008
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August 17, 2010
Recorded in Cologne, Germany, Gentleman’s hometown, at the end of the Runaway tour in the Spring of 2003. While Gentleman’s studio albums are absolutely stellar, this live set really captures the vibe that I love most from this crew. The Far East Band drops the riddims inna fine style and Gentleman rides the riddim in the way that only he can do. Would have been amazing to have been there…or any Gentleman show for that matter. Maybe one day, but for now, I’ll just keep listening to this gem over and over again.
Gentleman & the Far East Band – Live in Cologne; Four Music, 2003
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August 12, 2010
August 8, 2010
The latest release in the stellar catalog of Gerardo Frisina. More essential vibes from the Italian master of grooves. After digesting nearly everything he has put out, I’m still searching for a weak cut. Solid in every way.
Gerardo Frisina – Join the Dance; Schema, 2010
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August 5, 2010
August 2, 2010
Just picked up the debut album by The Superglasses Ska Ensemble outta Krung Thep, Thailand. I’ve only had some rough live recordings of theirs and have been anticipating hearing their sound polished up. Fantastic vibes on this platter. Well done! To all the fellas, I hope you can make a trip down to the islands to share these vibes in the setting they deserve. Sun, sea, sand and ska! Keep up the great work and hope to meet you some day. Choke dee!
The Superglasses Ska Ensemble – Dancing Mood; Self-Released, 2010
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July 31, 2010
Collected here are versions cut by U-Roy for the Treasure Isle label in the late-60s and early-70s alongside a second disc that features all of the original songs that he versioned. A total of 58 platters. All of which are essential. “Wake the town and tell the people, about this musical disc comin’ your way…”
U-Roy & Friends - Version Galore; Trojan, 2003
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July 29, 2010
July 26, 2010
You Better Believe It! is a trawl through the pick of 70s Modern and Rare Soul across all the Warner’s labels, and the standard is never less than excellent throughout. Selected by Richard Searling and showcasing many ultra-rare, but keenly sought-after 45s with the majority appearing on album and CD for the first time.
You Better Believe It! Volume 1; Rhino, 2004
You Better Believe It! Volume 2; Rhino, 2006
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