Debut song from The Browne Bunch according to Steely. Triangle, Pyramid and Antrim labels consists of Chung Brothers, Steely & Clevie impacted greatly to the popular crowd within lovers rock circuit and beyond.

If you mention Baba Brooks, most people would think this tune or “Shank I Sheck”. Even though the recording tape itself was hard to come by these days, we managed to include a previously unreleased alternative take from the master tape.

Rare instrumental and dub gems, produced by Aston ‘Family Man’ Barrett
Rare instrumental and dub gems, produced by Bob Marley’s bassist and musical arranger, Aston ‘Family Man’ Barrett, between 1972-82, featuring members of the Wailers band and other stalwart musicians.

Some may call it the original sound tune! This deejay cut strongly represent the new era of reggae music during 1969-70 with a string of new producers landing with serious hits. “Dynamic Fashion” would definitely be one of the top three U-Roy early classics.

Versions, dubwise, horn riffs and what not – all of those creative elements made this great tune and it was only Keith Hudson who had an ability to make it all possible. Even if you’re no an ordinary reggae listener you should try this. Apart from Hudson, at this time in Jamaica there was a number of eccentric producers like Lee Perry, Pablo, Niney and co who used their studio like an instrument to create their own sounds.

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

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.

Marcia Griffiths' fine cover of Paul McCartney classic. Essential for fans of UK lovers.

Aston ‘Family Man’ Barrett is much more than just one of the most renowned reggae bass players of all time. As the bassist of choice for Bob Marley and the Wailers from 1969 up until Marley’s untimely passing, Barrett acted as chief musical arranger and bandleader for the Wailers, greatly altering the course of reggae in the process. He has also been one of the most important Jamaican session musicians, beginning with the Hippie Boys in the late 1960s, and after helping reggae to become better established internationally as a member of Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry’s Upsetters band, he also performed bass duties for a range of noteworthy producers, including Bunny Lee and Keith Hudson, among many others. What is less known, but equally important, is that Family Man produced some of the most challenging and experimental reggae of the 1970s and 80s, issuing unique works in small quantity in Jamaica on a range of short-lived record labels. Soul Constitution collects the best of Family Man’s instrumental and dub output, issued between 1972 and 1982. Aside from a few early tracks recorded at Randy’s studio in the heart of downtown Kingston, much of the work was crafted at the rehearsal room of the original Tuff Gong, based at Marley’s uptown home at 56 Hope Road; some of these works have the very first instances of a drum machine being used in reggae, and all are marked by the supreme musicianship and unorthodox production techniques that has made Family Man’s releases greatly prized by reggae collectors. Several of the tracks are appearing for the first time on long-playing LP and CD format, and most come complete with stripped-down dub counterparts.

Not only reggae fans have been after the reissue of this lovers roots classic. “Unity, Love and Strength” starts with smooth piano into sweet dramatic vocal piece backed by the Wailers band. Horace Andy’s falsetto is the perfect touch to this masterpiece.

Tubbys, as well as Jammys tunes after the digital revolution, you can find many that sounds great but not all of them will stick to your heart forever. However this Michael Prophet digi killer comes with absolute presence and confidence reflecting his true soul.

The Jamaican lovers masterpiece by Sharon Forrester and UK lovers classic.

Superlative reggae soul produced by Mikey Chung for his own Superstar imprint. Having both young Steely and Clevie in the band, when you think of the further development in reggae music, this production was crucial. Compared to Geoffrey’s high quality lustrous reggae soul this Jackson 5 cover is slightly different and lean towards the beauty of Jamaican pops sounds.

1982 unconventional reality dancehall anthology riding upon heavy Roots Radics rhythms.

‘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.

A great cover version of a Sam Cook hit with beautiful chorus and a killer instrumental that blended Jamaica’s Caribbean roots and Afro-Cuban essence. Jamaica’s favorite American singer, Sam Cook’s hit was beautifully transformed into a sweet and peaceful vocal Ska when it went through Studio One’s unique filter. The tune was taken straight from the master tape. The flip side features a mixed style of Caribbean-decent music that Soul Brothers could play best at and Jackie Mittoo’s burning keyboard maneuver made this killer instrumental best of the best.

The Soul Vendors’ horn inst cover of a mellow Latin tune, backed with the authentic Studio One Rocksteady masterpiece. This gorgeous horn inst Rocksteady features a superb arrangement from King Cannon a.k.a. Carl ‘Cannonball’ Bryan and Roland Alphonso. Like the originals on the other side here comes the one that Island was certainly familiar with back then, the Nat King Cole’s excellent vocal cover from the Hamlins.

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)

A pair of all time classics, soulful lovers rocksteady vocals sang by the Mr. Rocksteady a.k.a. Ken Boothe.

For all collectors here is a great reissue of rare rocksteady from The Gaylads. Wonderful chorus works by the group that are thought to be some of the greatest works the Gaylads after Studio One era.

A prominent singer backed by none other than the Skatalites, it is a symbolic Ska beat representing Kentone which will make everyone a smile. Although the Maytals have recorded Ska tunes for Studio One, Prince Buster and many more, they might have taken a further step when recording for the Jamaican music industry’s godfather, Ken Kouri by singing it well tight and fiery. Even for the Federal side, it must have been quite special to hire the Skatalites for this project. One minute and half might be a little too short for an A side, though this one will make you want to slip it in your DJ box every time.

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.

1973 reggae soul cover of Robert John’s classic by Sonny Wong who started his career early with The Mighty Vikings. Chung brothers had a clear vision of creating what is believed to be the origin of lovers rock. Splendid arrangement from In Crowd on flip is a must.

After selling out the first 7” cut from her latest album within a couple of days, Japanese lovers rock singer Asuka Ando comes back with another single, “Jiri Jiri” including a dub from Jagabe (Reggaelation independence). One of the most talked about singers in Japanese circuit at the moment.

Recorded in 1967 and previously unreleased material from the original master tape. This elegant but also distinctive recording is certainly incomparable to other recordings appeared during the Rocksteady era. Veteran singer, Eddie Perkins, started his career in the early 1960s and he worked with Alton Ellis as duo called Alton and Eddy.

A selection of magical rocksteady music from one of the masters of the genre…One of the forerunners in Jamaican music from its very beginning, Derrick Harriott, along with a stellar cast, showcases the some superb rocksteady.