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Richie Spice, Sherieta - Kings And Queens / To Isis - Live Your Life
Penthouse / Buyreggae EU 2013
¥1380 (US$9.80)
Ernest Ranglin - Mr. Ranglin With Soul
¥3980 (US$28.25)
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.
Beres Hammond - Fire & Ice / Beres Hammond, Busy Signal - Fire & Ice (Remix)
Penthouse / Buyreggae EU 2013
¥1180 (US$8.38)
Cecil Lloyd - A Night In Jamaica With Cecil Lloyd
¥2500 (US$17.75)
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.
Toots & The Maytals - 54-46 Was My Number / Pressure Drop (Off Center)
Beverleys UK 1969
¥2280 (US$16.19)
Cecil Lloyd - A Night In Jamaica With Cecil Lloyd
N/A
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.
Barrier Free, Innocent Sound, Young Hawk, King Klepto - No Mercy 2013 (2CD)
Barrier Free JPN 2013
¥1944 ¥1680 (US$11.93)
Ernest Ranglin - Mod Mod Ranglin
N/A
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.
George Moxey, Ernest Ranglin - Plays Music For Dancing
N/A
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.
Paragons - On The Beach: Rock Steady Beat
Treasure Isle UK 1968
¥5800 (US$41.17)
***Sleeve damage and small paint marks
Love Experience - Are You Together For The New Day? / 87th Off Broadway - Moving Woman
¥2180 (US$15.48)
Chosen Few - I'm Sorry / Melting Pot
Move & Groove / Dub Store Records JPN 1970
Info: Adapted
N/A
"I’m Sorry" is one of the loveliest tunes by Chosen Few, the group consisting of Noel Brown, Richard McDonald and Federals, who were the Soul songs covering experts at the time. The flip side "Melting Pot" is another great Reggae Soul by Chosen Few. This record is a rare piece and a popular item amongst record collectors.
Chosen Few - Am I Black Enough / Psychedelic Train
Crystal / Dub Store Records JPN 1972/ 1970
¥2180 (US$15.48)
Undoubtedly one of the best Funky Reggae tunes from Derrick Harriott's production, "Am I Black Enough" was originally a Billy Paul hit and has been covered by Derrick Harriott and Chosen Few who were into the Black Power movement at the time. The B-side "Psychedelic Train" is one of the earliest Funky Reggae instrumental songs which made Derrick Harriott recognized for his Funk-influenced style to listeners.
Chosen Few - People Make The World Go Round / Derrick Harriott - Brown Baby
Crystal / Dub Store Records JPN 1972/ 1973
¥2180 (US$15.48)
One of the best cover versions of a Philadelphia Soul classic, "People Makes The World Go Round" is performed by Chosen Few, who were idolizing The Stylistics so much. The flip side "Brown Baby" is another Funky Reggae vocal sang by the producer Derrick Harriott himself
Dennis Brown - Silhouettes / Augustus Pablo, Crystalites - Bass & Drum Version
Move & Groove / Dub Store Records JPN 1972
¥2180 (US$15.48)
'Silhouettes' is one of Dennis Brown's earliest recordings and a good old Reggae hit. The flip side features Augustus Pablo's melodica cut to the A-side. This peaceful piece proves that the early sound of King Tubby is the greatest of all.
BB Seaton - My Jamaican Girl / Conscious Minds - Jamaican Boy (Off Centre)
Soul Beat UK 1973
¥2180 (US$15.48)
Please note the AA side is slightly off centre.
