A pair of traditional Japanese folk music reissues sang by Chiemi Eri, one of the top female Showa star singers along with Hibari Misora, best known for her exotic Latin Jazz covers of Japanese folk music in the late 50’s.

On A-side “Yakkosan” is based on Edo pops performed in Latin Jazz arrangement uniquely well known in Ska circuit in Japan. Backed with “Hanagasa Odori”, traditional folklore of Yamagata prefecture used for their local festival dances. Originally released in December 1960.

A pair of traditional Japanese folk music reissues sang by Chiemi Eri, one of the top female Showa star singers along with Hibari Misora, best known for her exotic Latin Jazz covers of Japanese folk music in the late 50’s.

Taken from “Chiemi No Minyoshu (Japanese Folk Songbook of Chiemi)”, 10inch LP released in 1958, two of its popular songs are now being reissued on a 7” format. “Otemoyan” is a splendid combination of Japanese folk song with an Afro Cuban rhythm performed by Tokyo Cuban Boys. Coupled with “Kushimoto Bushi”, a folklore from Wakayama prefecture styled in Mambo music.

1976 Twelve Tribes' roots - one of the top tunes from Orthodox camp backed with the version.

Single cut of the epic "Grounation" - lively piece gathering peace and love backed with the flute lead instrumental "Ethiopian Serenade" also a single only version.

Jo Jo Bennet's killer horn rocksteady with exceptional solo by Leslie Butler. Backed with previously unreleased alternative version.

Obscure but undoubtedly a historical nyabinghi masterpiece played byy Count Ossie with organ virtuoso Leslie Butler. Backed with a genre defining "ABC Rock Stedy" by The Gaylads.

A pair of soulful rock steady classics from two of the finest choir groups that Gay Feet label had introduced, The Afrotones & The Conquerors.

Ska, Jump Up and Soul! The authentic early sixties sound of the Caribbean

A shimmering showcase of the wonderful work of Jamaica’s first and foremost female record producer, Mrs Sonia Pottinger, featuring the inimitable talents of Oswald ‘Baba’ Brooks and his Recording Band with their 1966 debut album.

Bunny continued to release records throughout the seventies that were never less than excellent and, as the new decade got underway, he came forward with one of his best ever releases: the militant clarion call 'Rise And Shine'. Stretched over two momentous sides of a UK twelve inch release, the record was a huge hit, but has been unavailable ever since. Bunny returned to the song on his superb 'Liberation' album at the close of the decade but the original cut has remained one of the most in-demand records on the 'revival' circuit.

Along with Sleng Teng and Tempo, Stalag is without the doubt the biggest dancehall rhythm of the 80's. Bam Bam especially needs no introduction been sampled countless times on various genres and appearing on films etc.

A seriously sought after classic album of rocksteady and uptempo reggae hits

from 1969

Moving rocksteady vocal from Delroy Williams, George Allison, Ricky Grant a.k.a The Afrotones backed with killer funky instrumental from the maestro.

Without any explanation, ‘Stop That Train’ by Keith & Tex is a true Rocksteady classic of all times. The song stands tall in Reggae music history and a biggest hit among Derrick Harriott’s catalogue. Side B features Memphis Soul Rocksteady instrumental, just like a trendy song from Stax Records. Now reissued for the first time with these original recordings on both sides.

The legendary 'Sound Clash Dub Plate Style' album digitally deconstructed by

King Tubby

The big hit Ska classic everybody loves, sang by one of the top groups of the 60’s!! Along with the Maytals and the Wailers, the Blues Busters were one of the top groups at the time, however commercially they were going more of a mainstream than the others. Since their career goes way back in the late 50’s, they must have been idolized by so many of those who made their debut later in the Ska era. This is an essential mainstream Ska classic by the brilliantly skilled duo in their best form backed by no other than Byron Lee.

Needless to say one of the top Count Ossie's nyabinghi pieces but also a Jamaican rare groove masterpiece accompanied by Ernest Ranglin and Leslie Butler.

Another extremely rare take to the identical title released on Wild Apache that is known for being played by the mighty Jah Shaka at his sessions. Comparing to the other Stereo One tunes released around the same time, this one is really fantastic and luring, also complimented by refined deejaying Burro Banton. This one will stand as the definition of heavy weight ragga!

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.

A star duo at the Harriott’s production, Keith & Tex’s‘Tonight’is also the everlasting masterpiece in the history of Reggae music. There were many essential songs in his production from 1967 to 68 but‘Tonight’is obviously the most indispensable one. Lynn Tait plays a beautiful instrumental version to Melodians’ hit ‘You’ve Caught Me’ on the flip side. Reissued with these original recordings on both sides.

Among rhythms produced in 80's dancehall scene, 'Sleng Teng' by King Jammy and Firehouse produced 'Tempo' are considerably the most respected; however, you can never forget 'Stalag' rhythm by Winston Riley lead Techniques, too. King Jammy reproduced this 'Stalag' rhythm with Sly & Robbie and in result, it created shadier atmosphere in comparison to the original Techniques' version.
This is certainly another anthem of Jammys!

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.

Without mentioning Half Pint, the true story about the Jammys label can never be told. King Jammy adopted a classic song ‘Open The Gate’ and versioned the rhythm digitally. The young Half Pint claims this wild world is ‘One Big Ghetto’. On the flip side, Tonto Irie showcases his skillful and edgy lyrical flow to the same rhythm.

A seriously sought after classic album of rocksteady and uptempo reggae hits

from 1969

Killer instrumental ska and one of Baba Brooks' masterworks on A-side backed with crucial ska vocal by Patsy accordingly to the original edition. Both sides taken from the mastertape.

Extremely rare 69 reggae single from The Conquerors. Killer uptempo vocal on front side and sorrow trio choir on flip.

This funky reggae classic go way beyond the boundary of reggae music and reaching to every music lover out there. Beginning with the killer drum break, the Aretha Franklin cover is built to move everyone’s body! Backed with slick instrumentals produced by Lloyd Charmers, it’s about time this 7” gets reissued.

Rare and seriously sought after instrumental album of Gay Feet rocksteady hits from 1968.

Eleven elegant instrumental tracks, and one female vocal, showcasing the tenor sax artistry of master musician Roland Alphonso, ably assisted by Aubrey Adams on organ and the inestimable Lynn Taitt on guitar, interpreting a selection of Mrs Pottinger’s most memorable hits of the era.

Winston Riley started his production career as a singer with an enviable track record, having formed the Techniques in 1962 and hitting the top of the charts two years later with the splendid ‘Little Did You Know’ for Duke Reid’s esteemed Treasure Isle label. When the frantic ska beat slowed down and turned into rocksteady Winston remained the only permanent component of the Techniques, arguably Jamaica’s finest vocal group.

As the beat changed yet again from rock steady to the faster reggae format, Winston’s thoughts turned to production, and he decided to create his own ‘Techniques’ label. A serious man with a serious work ethic, the quality of his music was apparent from the start as he released hit after hit, producing and singing as part of the different combinations of singers and vocal groups that he worked with.

A perfect, yet low-keyed, Studio One Rocksteady double A-sided masterpiece!! Recorded in 1967 while Clement Dodd and Soul Vendors were on tour in the UK. The former Jamaican popular singer Owen Gray, who had already been living there then, voiced these unique pieces. It sounds very different from the ones recorded at Brentford Road, although both tunes certainly have the “Coxsone Sound” – A masterpiece that is refined, and maximize the talent of this one-time star. Only ‘The Raver’ was recorded from the original master-tape.

Bunny produced a string of hits during the dance hall explosion of eighties where, backed by The Roots Radics, he continued to show the new generation how it should be done. The greatest of his dance hall style records was the self explanatory 'Rule Dance Hall' from 1987 originally released on the album of the same name and subsequently issued as a seven inch single. "East, west north and south I rule the land. I play original style while others play version…"

Out of all Jammy’s gigantic catalogue, “E20” rhythm could be considered as one of the most destructive ones to date. Jammy found the unreleased track on this rhythm from the vault featuring a familiar face of the 80’s dancehall, King Everal melancholy singing this killer!

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.

One of Vena's classic rhythms, Tonight. “Raggamuffin Mi Soup” is a joyful reissue by Thriller U singing mistily and emotionally inna real dancehall fashion! Alog with Little John and Tony Tuff cuts, this one marks the most popular amongst all the rest.

Cool Ruler a.k.a. Gregory Isaacs’ stunning lovers vocal on heavyweight Jammys digital. Much more focused on vocal compared to the Music Lab cut not to mention the gorgeous chorus part.

Solid introduction of the island by the female conscious deejay Hempress Sative along with Mellow Mood and fellow Italian deejay Forelock.

Arguably one of the top modern roots combinations to come out in recent years produced by Dave Green, the drummer for Alborosie not to mention a refined dub cut by Italian maestro Paolo Baldini on flip.

In the period of Jammays golden era, Chaka Demus was a prolific artist among others like Admiral Bailey. At this time, Bobby Digital, who was often regarded as the right-hand man of King Jammy, had a popular 'Peanie Peanie' rhythm. 'Original Kuff' was recorded on this rhythm, which can be characterized by its minor chord baseline and choppy riffs and there Chaka Demus performs his catchy lyrics and melody smoothly.

To explain the Redman International label, without mentioning Carl Meeks is impossible. The ‘Danger’ is Carl’s masterpiece where he sings with his unique Out Of Key style with his sharp lyrics on simple and un-colorful but addictive sounding rhythm to produce another impressive killer tune.

King Jammy recorded two outstanding songs on the foundation ‘Heavenless’ rhythm among many others. Although Pad Anthony’s ‘Murderer’ is perhaps the most well known soundclash standard, Tullo T aka Papa Tullo showcased his conscious lyrics with fast-rapping style on the same rhythm.

‘The Ruler’ by Gregory Isaacs was only available for listening on a LP album “Reggae Sound War: Electrocutioner Vol.2”. The reggae crooner gently buries idiot sound bwoys with his killer lyrics and stand tall as the Cool Ruler. Recorded to the same rhythm track ‘Running From Reality’ by Admiral Tibet.

Sampling one of the greatest classics Black Uhuru left for Jammy’s, the remarkable roots revival tune is finally out on vinyl. Dominating the recent rasta revival movement, Cronixx sings freely bringing new life to the rhythm with his strong message. Representing the excellent side of reggae music of taking lessons from the past.

Only other tune from Stereo One label that can stand against the masterpiece “Mix Up” for its popularity and recognition. Killer combination of Frankie Willmott’s melancholic vocal and vigorous deejaying from Captain Barkey!

Ken Khouri’s Federal Records gave Jamaica its musical identity The Federal Record Manufacturing facility was the first pressing plant in Jamaica... their studio gave birth to mento, ska, rock steady and reggae of the highest calibre. This album features an astonishing selection of well known classics and rarities transferred straight from their master tape

American rhythm & blues fervour, boosted by a multitude of sound systems playing 78rpm records on increasingly larger sets, gripped Jamaica from the late forties onwards but, towards the end of the decade, the American audience began to move towards a somewhat softer sound. The driving rhythm & blues discs became increasingly hard to find and the more progressive Jamaican sound system operators, realising that they now needed to make their own music, turned to Kingston’s jazz and big band musicians to record one off custom cut discs. These were not initially intended for commercial release but designed solely for sound system play on acetate or ‘dub plates’ as they would later be termed. These ‘specials’ soon began to eclipse the popularity of American rhythm & blues and the demand for their locally produced music proved so great that the sound system operators began to release their music commercially on vinyl and became record producers. Clement ‘Coxsone’ Dodd, Duke Reid ‘The Trojan’ and Prince Buster, who operated his Voice Of The People Sound System, were among the first to establish themselves in this new role and the nascent Jamaican recording industry now went into overdrive.

In 1954 Ken Khouri had numbered among the first far sighted entrepreneurs to produce mento records with local musicians (mento is Jamaica’s original indigenous music) before progressing to opening Jamaica’s first record manufacturing plant. Three years later he moved his operation to Foreshore Road (later renamed Marcus Garvey Drive) where, with the assistance of the inestimable Graeme Goodall, he updated and upgraded his recording studio. The importance of this enterprising move was critical to the development of Jamaican music and its influence both profound and far reaching.