‘Runnings’ by Dave Bailey begins with very rough & tough melodic elevation. This is certainly one of his classic songs! The strong digital track, which was created by magic hands of Redman with profound roots in essence, matches perfectly to Dave Bailey’s melancholy vocal.

Redman International Dancehall 1985-1989 press sheet by David Katz

Hugh ‘Redman’ James is one of the greatest Jamaican music producers of the late 1980s. Raised in a musical household in the west Kingston slum of Hannah Town, with his mother a sound system selector, Redman gained his initial schooling in the music business from none other than King Tubby, the legendary sound system owner and dub mixer that was responsible for voicing and mixing some of the greatest reggae of all time. After being immersed in sound system culture during his youth in the 1960s and 70s, Redman began sitting in on sessions at King Tubby’s studio, but migrated to Hartford, Connecticut in 1978 in search of steady employment. Returning to Jamaica a few years later, he established a popular sound system in Kingston and began producing music with King Tubby’s assistance in 1985, working with the Roots Radics during a time of great uncertainty in Jamaican music, as the new dancehall style came to prominence; early work featured Gregory Isaacs, Sugar Minott and Frankie Paul, as well as rising stars such as Little John and Horace Martin. Then, following the computerisation of dancehall, Redman began producing some of the most popular music of the day, crafting durable and complex rhythms with a broad team of players that included Steely and Clevie, augmented by members of the Browne Bunch and other players. Redman helped establish a number of total unknowns in this era, including Carl Meeks, Dave Bailey and Wayne Palmer, and became a serious contender for King Jammy’s crown. But the producer was ultimately frustrated by the dramatic changes to sweep Jamaican music in the early 1990s, and subsequently retreated from the music industry Redman International Dancehall 1985-1989 compiles the best work from his glory days, with half of the twelve vocal tracks coming complete with corresponding dub versions.

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 wicked vocal from Pad Anthony of the Jammys posse. Encouraging lyrics that can relate to many of us even today. On rhythm side it’s got catchy riff and comical synth action.

Both sides released on single for first time. On A side the title track from Tinga Stewart’s 88 album, a strong declaration from the man who keeps everything straight. On flip a killer vocal from Echo Minott originally included in his masterpiece “What The Hell” LP and it’s a different cut to “Super Black – One Time Girlfriend”.

'Rock Them One By One' is a King Jammys' digital remake on 70's classic roots tune 'Wicked Can't Run Away' by Glen Richards. Its version is very detailed to its original but still a tough digital dancehall cut. Eccleton Jarrett's delicate vocal stands out proudly.

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.

Recorded to the same rhythm track ‘’New Tactics’ by Admiral Tibet. Horace Martin, who is known for his major works during the late 70’s to early 80’s, has released the LP ‘Mix Up’ on the Redman label. This tune here is can be characterized with his deep sounding vocal and Redman’s synthesizer works.

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.

Dave Bailey’s ‘Concrete Jungle’ within the Redman’s catalogue is considerably one of the most popular tunes. It’s not only an ordinary digital dancehall track, but also roots flavor added to this speedy edgy rhythm where Dave Bailey showcases his cool & smooth vocal to make this tune a killer!

Da Da Waps is probably not familiar to many but he recorded many songs, which were mainly included in the Redman produced albums. He sings about the abolished slavery on this digital stepper rhythm. This record is highly regarded as one of sought after vinyls among the Redman’s catalogue.

Previously unreleased on 7inch vinyl record. Those two songs were only included in the Redman and Carl Meeks’ classic LP [Weh Dem Fah]. ‘Without Your Love’ was recorded on the famous ‘Wicked Can’t Run Away’ rhythm and ‘Red Eye Lover’ was on the popular Sleng Teng (Computer) rhythm.

One of the earliest works from the Redman’s catalogue. Little John, the dancehall veteran, performs on this steady rhythm to showcase his heart touching vocal skill. Pure roots elements are pushed to the forefront in terms of rhythm and song to create another classic Redman sound work.

Prince Junior’s ‘Crucial Boy’ appeared　on the King Jammy’s classic LP [Prince Jammy Presents VOL. 2]. Although he recorded a few songs for King Jammy in 1986, much information about the artist remains unknown. However, this ‘crucial ’song preaches equal rights, Justice and Love & Unity over his high-pitched weeping voice with his conscious and profound lyrics.

Being a little youth did not stop Little John hustling around with big deejays when it comes to sound system dances. This is a tough killer he left for a man like Redman. An iconic Redman heavyweight riddim features slick stripping and roots orientated earthy sound. Along with the well-trained rub a dub style vocal, it is a true landmark which proves the transition from roots to dancehall style. Whether if you’re a roots or dancehall fan, this killer will certainly light up your heart!!