You might have seen Jammy playing this devastating sound killer in sessions lately, although before that this Nitty Gritty on Jammy’s ‘Tempo’ has only been heard on dubplates. No one knows why it never came out – is it because it was a counteraction to Tubby? Or tune that was the lethal weapon of Jammy? There is nothing we can do but imagine those pictures when listening to the intense energy and impact of this tune.

Another unreleased rare material only heard on dubplates previously. Jammy’s iconic heavy bassline and melodious instrumentals in minor scale represent his production style from around 87’. Super Black sorrowfully sings man’s pure heart in this lover’s dancehall tune.

Previously unreleased material from Prince Junior – known for his killer digital hit “Crucial Boy” produced by Jammy. Taking in the essence of the aboriginal roots flavor along with Jammy’s rugged bassline, it makes up the melancholic digital roots music. Prince Junior approaches this sound killer forcibly and directly, yet sings up softly to showcase his low-keyed performance skills.

Known as a synonym for “killer”, this is one of the best singles released on Studio 1 by Don Drummond, including another precious take that’s been previously unreleased. Compare to any other artists, the extreme tension that Don Drummond brings into his sessions were next level. His trombone skills were above genius and it is clear to hear his strong personality and humanity through his music. With his works being released on Studio One and other productions, he had established the “Far Eastern Sound” which still lives today in Jamaica. The fact all the music that was influenced by this sound has been evaluated since therefore it is a proof of how his music is universality. It is interesting that all the unreleased Skatalites tracks from this era have different solo phrases each time, showing how valuable these recordings are for the archive.

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)

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.

The Renegades consisted of Winston 'Pipe' Matthews, Lloyd 'Bread' McDonald and George 'Buddy' Haye and later became a group called the Wailing Souls. ‘You've Lost The Love’ is one of their earliest Rocksteady works and it was originally released in 1966. It is also one of the rarest records hardly ever found. The record also features previously unreleased Ska vocal recording ' Rude Boy A Wail' by the Merritone Singers from the original master tape.

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)

Even after releasing the legendary “Sleng Teng” rhythm, King Jammy continued to produce hits after hits such as “Punnany”, “Duck” and many more. There is no doubt that he was at the top of the digital dancehall scene back then. Although he had put out an uncountable number of releases towards the end of the 80’s, this is one of the popular and rare tunes among record collectors. Beautifully sang in falset by Cornell Campbell on this melancholic digital rhythm makes it an excellent masterpiece.

‘Freedom Sounds’ is the glorious introduction to the iconic Ska LP “Ska Authentic from Studio One”, and also known as the opening theme for the band’s live performances. What’s more exciting is the early take unearthed for the very first time! Although it nearly got released with the 64-65’ masterpiece ‘From Russia With Love’, then eventually got cancelled due to the release of “Ska Authentic” LP. Compare to the ordinary recording that we’re familiar with, the unreleased take comes rougher but that is also brilliant and it will sound miraculously to all the Ska fans. There have been occasions that the band played this version at number of gigs, though it depends on who was leading the performance.

Freshly dug out uptempo Ska beats by Toots Hibbert and Don Drummond - apparently never been released before!

Recorded in 1965 when Ska was at its peak, those are the typical Maytals uptempo beats with an unmissable Don D’s solo part on both. Taken directly from the great Daddy Ken Khouri’s master-tape which belongs to the Federal Studio. It’s quite a combination to pull both the Maytals and the Skatalites together, although what’s more remarkable is the fact they have been unreleased for the whole time

Originally started as The Renegades onto The Classics, one of the most prominent vocal groups, Wailing Souls have been keeping it authentic since the 60’s. Although they did not record that many at the digital dancehall era this one has been well received since day. Having both roots and dancehall elements is one of the key factors of King Jammy’s sound and this one remains as a masterpiece with the sorrow vocals by Wailing Souls. On the flip an enormously rare Wackad – Cry For The Youth who only released a few tracks from the late 80’s and early 90’s. Previously this can only be heard as a part of the compilation “King Jammy: A Man & His Music vol.1”.

Wayne Smith scored numerous hits at Jammys and one well known is 'Under Mi Sleng Teng'. He also released same title album 'Under Mi Sleng Teng' where he showcased wavy & choppy 'E20' and crisp & clear song 'In Thing' on further computerized [Barrington Levy - Come] rhythm.

In the late 80's, not only Jammys but also many labels tried to score some hits by remake of a foundation rhythm 'Heavenless'. Among Jammys catalogue on this rhythm, 'We Gonna Rock It Tonight (Dub Plate Playing)' by Johnny Osbourne is known as the most popular number. Often hear sound systems playing this dub plates.