Previously unreleased early shuffle and boogie recordings from the ‘Man from Wareika’: Rico Rodriguez



One of the most talented musicians of his generation, trombonist Rico, was a key player and founding father of Jamaican music who went on to establish ska in Britain in the early sixties and then add authenticity to the Two Tone ska revival of the late seventies. Hear him here at the outset of his incredible musical journey…

Judy Mowatt used to form a group called the Gaylettes in her early career although she is known for touring all over the world as a member of I Threes and the Wailers. 'Silent River Runs Deep' is the most known song and a hit for the group. 'I Like Your World' was also originally released on the A-side of another record released on Merritone label. Those recordings of this double A-sided single are certainly great enduring female Rocksteady songs of all time.

A fundamental album released in 1966 that determined the way Rocksteady was going to journey. In 1966, Rude Boys were at the peak of the fame with their notorious behaviors, while Ska gradually started to slow down its tempo. This album paved the way for a newborn music, Rocksteady, with rather slower and tighter rhythm approach. This album should be considered as one of the ten most important albums in Reggae history. The descent from Ska, which had its derivation from Jazz or Rhythm and Blues, to Rocksteady, with its various potential elements which would be passed to the next decade of Reggae, has been allegedly created in this album with Trinidadian guitarist Lynn Taitt and his band The Jets as the backing band. Entitled “Take It Easy With The Rock Steady Beat!”, most of the tunes featured in this album were written for praising dancehall as if he’d have known this genre was going to rule the dance floors. Among the tunes in this album, “This Music Got Soul” was the coolest of all and called out the dawn of the Rocksteady era. This tune had a huge influence on the future developments of Reggae music.

A fundamental album released in 1966 that determined the way Rocksteady was going to journey. In 1966, Rude Boys were at the peak of the fame with their notorious behaviors, while Ska gradually started to slow down its tempo, this album paved the way for a newborn music, Rocksteady with rather slower and tighter rhythm approach. This album should be picked one of 10 pieces of the most important album of Reggae history.

Patsy's classic slow ska backed with Webber Sisters previously unreleased rock steady piece pushing forward til their day comes.

Missing masterpieces of the original Jamaican Ska. Recorded at the Federal Studio between 1964 to 1965 and released on Ken Khouri's Kentone label.

This is a Rocksteady cut of the Zodiacs' 'Walk On By' released in 1967. They recorded the original Ska cut at Duke Reid's Treasure Isle. Rare Rocksteady classic with beautiful harmonies on a profound rhythm. On the B-side, this previously unreleased material 'House Upon The Hill' features an unknown vocal group called Merritone singers.

An up tempo duet with great lyrics sung by a veteran unprolific singer. You may think twice about getting the original copy of this release. Oldies but goodies, this 100% positive conscious tune is almost singing about “Emancipate yourself from mental slavery” Redemption Song ? Bob Marley, one of the representative themes of Jamaican music, in a nice duet style. An excellent party piece guaranteed to make you smile.

Because of his superior talent and intense personality, one of the most ingenious pianists Leslie Butler had a lack of releases, however he was given an exceptional chance by the Federal Records to record this one of the most peculiar albums in the history of Jamaican music. This beautifully finished Jamaican Jazz Funk/Rare Groove album is mostly constructed with the traditional covers that all Jamaicans will know although with the wonderful arrangement, and very Jamaican, ensemble stripping aesthetics give the album a whole new character that can’t be heard elsewhere.This masterpiece should make it to the shelves of not only reggae fans but soul and jazz fans as well. Leslie always committed on making a serious piece of music - never liked to make either of Jamaican popular music or business-like commercial music. He had a strong belief of not letting others to control his talent. Therefore there were often conflicts between him and producers or he was not even given a chance to record anything at all. It’s a really sad story, but this unfortunate musician’s lifestyle can be heard on the recordings such as “Guitar In Ernest ? Ernest Ranglin (DSR-LP / CD-501)” and “Reggae Rhapsody ? Leslie Butler (DSR-FEDS12-001).” Perhaps with this album in addition, it might be all enough.

Merritone label endorsed Henry Buckley as a star singer of the label during the Rocksteady period. He sings "Beware of all those rude boys going around with their guns, spoiling everybody's fun" to warn behaviors of Rude Boys. It seems Rudies were everywhere when the song was released in 1966. He also showcases his conscious lyrics with song ‘If I Am Right’. The artist tried to deliver profound messages to youths. Those recordings were taken straight from the original master tape for the reissue.

The Renegades showcase one of their valuable early works to perfection. 'Big And Fine' was originally released 1966 and collectors would say the record is one of the most sought after records by the group. It also features Oswald Sewell 's previously unreleased Ska vocal material 'Oh My Love' from the original master tape on the B-side.

The Tartans were like the 70’s reggae all-stars, and this is their early big hit along with a rare Lynn Taitt’s instrumental! Formed by Prince Lincoln, Cedric Myton and Devon Russell, the Tartans brilliantly represent the “oldies but goodies’”vibe on the A-side. Flipping over to the B-side is the Lynn Taitt’s interpretation of the Miriam Makeba’s hit tune. Mysteriously it’s been unknown if this rare piece has been put out as a single or still being unreleased.

Previously unreleased rare instrumental Ska masterpieces based on Rhythm and Blues classic!

These are the previously unreleased two instrumental cuts of the cheerful cover of Amos Milburn’s Jamaican sound system classic in the 50’s sung by Clive Wilson. Clearly great and with full of vibes, if your are a Ska Man there is no way to avoid these special tunes. *Recommended to pair this with the vocal version by Clive Wilson released on this very same series (DSR-FW7-02)

The Skatalites’ killer shot interpretation of the world’s famous electric guitar inst, and the fully carnival-mode Ska played by a luxurious bunch of musicians. Originally played by the American electric guitar band, this is the proof of how Jamaicans won’t miss no trends. Guaranteed killer up-tempo Ska! Identical to the originals on flip by Jack Sparrow later known as Leonard Dillon of the Ethiopians, this praiseworthy piece features the Wailers on the backing vocal.

First ever re-issue of 1965 Jamaican Latin-Calypso-Jazz album by the piano genius Cecil Lloyd, who led a 20-piece hotel band from the age of seventeen. In 1959, the maestro was asked to record an album for 20th Century Fox and he later released three albums on Studio One. Featuring a solid rhythm section with conga and percussion, A Night in Jamaica was produced by Ken Khouri for Federal's Kentone label. This enduring masterpiece still echoes across the beautiful Caribbean Sea.

Another smash hit Ska masterpiece by the Blues Busters, the superstar duo who had been dominating the Jamaican pop music industry since the 50’s!! Covering the American hits as their specialty, the popular group had left a number of Jamaican souls, although only a few ska hits. Out of those few, this is undoubtedly another one of the most considerable tunes they had left. An excellent singing melody sparkles on top of the Byron Lee’s iconic softly touched bass line.

Superior rock steady from the vaults of Federal Records

The third edition in this universally acclaimed series including giant of the genre, Hopeton Lewis, and a scintillating selection of hit records and previously unreleased material.

Based on the Rhythm and Blues classic, this is a super rare uptempo Ska cover and for all Ska Man and the DJ’s!
Originally sung by Amos Milburn, in the 50’s this had been a sound system classic in Jamaica. There is nowhere else in the world but Jamaica could produce such a cover version and utterly convincing Drummond’s solo works nicely as a spice of this tune. Originally released on a blank label although it’s a super rare one to find - a proud copy to own and must have for all Ska Man. On the flip is a great vocal Ska yet the singer’s detail is completely unknown. *Recommended to pair this title with the instrumental version by Don Drummond on this very same series(DSR-FW7-04)

Derrick Harriott’s original cut to sound system foundation rhythm ‘Solomon’. Derrick sings comically about Solomon, who was given wisdom amongst of all mankind from God in the Old Testament: “Solomon was the wisest man but he didn't know the secrets of? a woman” The hit rhythm has been versioned many times over last four decades. On side B, there is a nice & cool horn instrumental entitled ‘The Emperor’ by Bobby Ellis, its title might imply Derrick Harriott productions had a good taste in music at that time.

Another rare recordings from Merritone label released in 1966, ‘Fountain Bliss’ is a heartful love song with cheerful piano and brass instruments. On the B-side, feartured nice saxsophone solo, a heartbreaking love song in Rude Boy Ska style performed by Daynamites.

A rare previously unreleased Rocksteady by Federal’s star singer, Hopeton Lewis. This killer Rocksteady represents one of the traditional elements of Jamaica, as well as the Rude Boy themed warning which could be heard in the lyrics. These types of unreleased materials could only be dug out at such a profound label, Federal.

A masterpiece of Jamaican Jazz recorded in 1960 by the Eric Grant Orchestra, resident band of the Casa Montego Hotel in Montego Bay. Rhythm & Blues, Jazz standards, Cha Cha Cha, Merengue and Calypso all combine in this wonderful amalgamation of sounds. Produced by the first Jamaican studio, Federal Records, and its founder Ken Khouri, it is now re-issued for the first time ever

One of the earliest works recorded by John Holt. This is a golden Rocksteady piece clearly depicts beautiful atmosphere that Federal Records always has kept in their recording material. The single was originally released in 1966 without this acappella version. Reissued from the original master tape.

From rudeboy era of the early Merritone label, this is an elegant and refreshing instrumental Ska backed with a rudeboy vocal in pre-Rocksteady style. The A-side is an unusual instrumental Ska recorded remarkably at the Federal studio by the Studio One’s iconic session band the Soul Brothers. The B-side is a debut song by Laxton Ford who only recorded a very few pieces during his career. The lyric is built upon proverbs, which is a popular theme amongst Jamaicans. Recorded directly from the master-tape.

As Junior Soul, Junior Murvin recorded definitely the greatest Rocksteady tune,「Glendevon Special」 on early days of his recording career. This tune is also unique among Derrick Harriott's catalog and it proves how wide varieties his production was. This song is rare that many collectors have been looking for years.