Unlike all the other musicians in those days, Ranglin was not allowed to go between studios to record and release music as he wished because he was an exclusive employee of the Federal records. Thus it’s really hard to find a Rocksteady record with his name on it. Although whenever he finds a spare time, he would go to Duke Reid’s studio and play the guitar and bass as a sideman, often playing sessions with Lynn Taitt. According to Ranglin himself, “I felt really comfortable being at Duke Reid’s studio”, though sadly there have not been a single release of his solo guitar tune which was recorded there. So here comes the album, it’s the rare Rocksteady instrumentals by the man himself. Some of the main features would be “Summertime”, “Flamingo” and “Hold Me Tight”, the wickedest selection of the moist Rocksteady that will certainly catch your heart. Other than that, it’s got an exotic intro and uptempo “Sling Shot”, relatively arranged towards pop direction “Don’t Sleep In the Subway” and some ballads to represent the Federal’s widely ranged style that won’t go off after a long time, exactly how this one of the biggest leading labels in Jamaica had thought of. This may not make Rude Boys in downtown growl, although it will clearly last eternally as Ranglin’s 60s best album to the future generations.

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.

The leading pianist of Jamaican dance music since the 1930s, this is the only jazz album he recorded in the 60s. George Moxey has made an effort in the making of Jamaican dance music since the 1930s, teaching local musicians and has been praised as “Uncle George”. Born in Nassau, the capital of Bahama, Moxey moved to Jamaica in the 1930s where he formed and led an 8-piece band since 1939. His band took a big part in developing the local ballrooms and radio stations, therefore by the 1950s, he was a vital musician in Kingston music scene. This is a lounge style Caribbean jazz by himself and the Ernest Ranglin trio. By the young Ranglin at the time, Moxey must have appeared like a giant although the trio’s performances beautifully support Moxey at all times. It would be hard not to pay attention to the combination of this piano and guitar geniuses, the whole album is mainly constructed with the traditional calypso and jazz standards, though it also contains solo piano and organ ballads as well. As Moxey used to play organs for churches, it’s interesting how you can hear bits and pieces of those influences in his music, however it may be difficult to separate the Churches and Bibles by the background of Jamaican music. After leaving Jamaica, he became an ambassador of the Caribbean music and by the 50s he already become a legend there. This sound is the zest of good ole’ days, daddy Ken Khouri's Federal Records and having it as a real background, Jamaican music develops into Ska, Reggae to modern Ragga. Everything has its own roots, so as the Jamaican 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.

The Ras Michael & The Sons of Negus 12" features the long-desired Black Ark recorded & mixed tracks that were only ever issued on the very first pressing of the classic "Love Thy Neighbour" LP originally released on the Jah Life label. The LP was then issued again shortly thereafter on the Live & Learn label (which for those who don't know, belongs to Jah Life's brother Delroy Wright), but with these tracks omitted and replaced with others. Finally reissued in all their glory on a crisp 12", these are some of the deepest roots reggae & nyabinghi tunes ever made.

One of the most rare double A-sided singles recorded under direction of Ernest Ranglin, who was the musical director of Federal Recording Studio at the time. While this jazzy instrumental features superbsolos by trumpet and alto saxophone, Ernie leads this minor track from beginning to end and showcases his mighty guitar playing. On the flipside, remarkable solos by trumpet and alto saxophone are again featured on the bright mid-tempo track. The original 7inch format is almost impossible to find. These recordings are simply elegant Ska Instrumentals.

A long time in the making, part one of a new series of reissues produced by the great Lloyd "Bullwackie" Barnes. So many Wackie's productions are long among our personal favorites, and some helped introduce us to the wonderful world of Jamaican music. We'll be issuing many now hard to find singles as well as some previously LP-only tracks and other surprises! Our first selection of singles all appear, of course, on their original labels. Joe Axumite's tune is one we've long wanted to present, awesome tune backed by an incredible dub featuring what sounds like infinite echo.

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.

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.