Hip-Hop Новости

Exactly 30 years now went by since the last time any Hailu Mergia's original material was released.

In the past few years the reissues of his old recordings brought him back to the scene allowing a wider audience to discover his great music.

The combination of african roots and western influences gave his music a unique touch which is again the strenght and charm of the two new tracks released on this 7" for Philophon. A wave of elegant melodies will hit your ears while your body won't stop be driven insane by the polyrhythmic funky beats.

The songs were recorded in Berlin at Philophon's studio, run by the german drummer and producer Max Weissenfeldt (Poets of Rhythm, Whitefield Brothers, also known for his collaborations with Dan Auerbach and Dr. John).

This 45rpm gem perfectly reflects the aim of the label: to put on vinyl something precious that will make you forget time and space and leave you alone with what really matters: awesome music.

Our hero, Jo Tongo (born Joseph Ekambi Tongo Mpondo) was born and raised in Douala Cameroon. In 1964 he headed off to Paris to begin Pharmaceutical studies. Somewhere along the way the music in his soul eventually won out and he embarked on a life of music. In 1968 his first single "Dig It Babe" released under his Jojo L'Explosif alias. A few more singles followed, as did regular appearances, contributions and productions with (fellow Camerounian) Manu Dibango, Tala AM, Manfred Ebanda and others throughout the 70s.

In 1977 Jo's the stars in Jo's timeline all aligned when he produced and recorded his debut self titled "Jo Tongo" for the Fiesta label. Recorded in both French and his native Duala language, it is a perfect example of 70s funk meeting afrobeat with African folk styles and flavors. Produced with legendary Parisian funk / disco / afro soundman Slim Pezin the album oozes style, quality, fine musicianship and is full of instantly memorable songs.

The album opens up with stunningly catchy Jangolo. It's a prefect introduction to Jo's awesomely funky bass guitar. Slim adds layers of percussive "jangly" guitar and the track is underpinned by African drums, funky stabs and 70s nascent synthesiser string machines. Tracks such as a "Kiele" and "Boso Bongo" highlight Jos Cameroonian roots. While dancefloor stompers such as "Piani" and "A'Muna" sounds more relavent and current today than possibly they did in 1977. The album also includes plenty of swagger with the boogie-style afro swingers "Ewande" and "Muasa Loko".

The Jangolo track was a highlight of the recent Africa Seven debut release "African Airways Volume 1: (Funk Connection 1972-1979). To Follow that up Africa Seven are proud to repress the debut Jo Tongo album in its full glory.

Jo now spends his time between Paris and New York. He is a social media and Internet wizard (buzz him up!) and is currently working on new material.

Debut single for "Planetario" honors legendary Peruvian percussionist & longtime band member Mangue Vasquez who passed in 2014. Life affirming lyrics underscored by rolling percussion, twinkling synths, & chorus of "Gozen la vida como yo" (Enjoy life, lik

2-Track, starker Dance Hit

Reissued for the first time by Left Ear Records, Basement Party is a must have 12" from the inimitable Trinidad artist, Andre Tanker. Originally released in 1980, Basement Party showcases Tanker's talents as it blends reggae, disco, funk and calypso flavours into a deep reggae groove. The reissue features artwork from the rare original 12" and is limited to just 500 copies.

DJ Support:
Adrian Sherwood, Gilles Peterson, Ross Allen, Dub Vendor, Steve Barker, Keith Lawrence, Robert Elms, David Rodigan, Rootikal

The album that captured the essence of Fat Freddy's Drop jam origins, 'Live at Matterhorn' is being released on heavyweight vinyl for the first time. Originally released on CD, the new limited edition 2LP 180gm vinyl features four tracks 'Runnin', 'Rain', 'No Parking' and 'Bounce' that span a total of 70 minutes with the songs taking up a side each. The recording was made in March 2001 when Freddys was honing its sound and chops in the Wellington underground music scene. The stage was literally the back garden of Wellington's den of inequity The Matterhorn. The audience consisted of a random collection of 30 people most of whom from memory were hospitality workers having a drink after work. Freddys had started as a few musician mates playing along to instrumental B-side records dropped by DJ MU and by 2001 had grown to a solid six piece who liked nothing better than to jam. It's Fulla Flash aka Warren Maxwell on saxophone, the fore runner to Chopper Reeds, and trombonist Hopepa aka Joe Lindsay is yet to join but Freddys distinctive hi-tek soul qualities shine through led by the velvet vocals of singer Joe Dukie aka Dallas Tamaira.
'Live At Matterhorn' went on to sell Platinum in New Zealand and while it pre-dates the bands record breaking 'Based On A True Story' studio album it is a touchstone for those wanting to experience Freddys early jams, the source for where Freddys story began.

Keysound Recordings are excited to announce the return of one of their most elusive and celebrated acts, LHF. After a trio of vinyl EPs and a cult 2012 double debut album the clan disappeared to regroup. Now in 2015 they have emerged with an EP of dark rolling beats featuring Hackney's legendary Ragga Twins. In true clan style, the Ragga Twins vocals were less recorded, more unearthed from an unlikely source dating back many years. The Hackney jungle pioneers gave LHF their blessing and the EP was born. The vinyl art, shot by Keysound photographer Nico Hogg, was shot in the heart of the 2011 London Riots. Consisting of core and satellite sounds, LHF have built an alternate sonic platform upon which they can operate freely, familiar in essence but essentially an unknown quantity - harbouring both ghostly memories and echoes of past underground movements since faded as well as glimpses of what might be. Members of LHF include Amen Ra, Double Helix, No Fixed Abode, Low Density Matter, Octaviour, Escobar Seasons, Solar Man and Lumin Project. Members are as at home in London, Mumbai, LA, Rio, New York, reaching out into the near reaches of the cosmos or the past. TRACKLIST:

The Dubdadda, or Jono as he is known throughout the reggae world, is one of the mainstays of the UK reggae scene. Hailing from Manchester he was a founder member of the renowned Community Charge - the best homegrown reggae talent in the UK in their era. After the demise of this band the Dubdadda was instrumental in forming Nucleus Roots alongside other former members of the Community Charge line-up.

In 2001 Dubdadda joined Zion Train vocal section and started to work on his debut album.

'Lo-Fi Pon De Hi-Fi' was originally released in 2004 on his own label Dub Hooligan Records and distributed worldwide through Universal Egg Records. During the past decade he toured the world with Zion Train as their main vocalist and released some quality tunes including 'Boxes and Amps' or 'Terror Talk', mainly on the Universal Egg sublabel Deep Root.

'Lo-Fi Pon De Hi-Fi' was one of the albums that had a huge impact on the work of our team at Moonshine Recordings, therefore we are more than happy to present this great piece of dub history on our label. After over 10 years from the day it was first released, Dubdadda's debut album 'Lo-Fi Pon De Hi-Fi' will be finally available on vinyl.

Jamaica's favorite US northern soul group, The Chilites, perform some smooth harmonies on an updated version of the 'Sleng Teng' rhythm produced by King Jammy's son, John John. Pad Anthony sings 'Caan Mek We Run Way' on another Jammys classic 'Jump Up' rhythm in his finest style.

Junior Reid sings 'Puppa Jammys Nice' in a Rock 'N' Roll style on this dry and bouncy computerized rhythm while Little John showcases his rhythmical performance on a previously unreleased rhythm, which sounds similar to Jammy's classic 'Love Punanny Bad' rhythm.

Little John praises King Jammys Super Power with his melancholic vocals and serious lyrics. Anthony Malvo and Collin Roach, who both recorded at King Jammys Recording Studio regularly, combine their lyrical talents on the world famous song 'We Are The World

Nitty Gritty updates his major hit song 'Run Round The World' to 'Play Around The World'. This dubplate simply praises King Jammys Super Power and he warns the sound boys by singing "Jammys is the sound where play around the world, don't test Jammy sound"!

Another crucial dubplate by Nitty Gritty on his hit tune 'Trial And Crosses'. Side-A features Pad Anthony's 'Try A Time' and the original dubplate version of 'Trial And Crosses' by Nitty Gritty on the other side. Only some foundation sound systems own and play Nitty Gritty's dubplates as he was shot to death in 1991.

Cubiculo strikes again with a new limited 7' vinyl.
After Dub Unit's first release on Cubiculo Records, Ganjaman EP which was also Cubiculo's first vinyl, he teams up with KnD from Portugal for a different digital style riddim where they have the veteran mc Jah Screechy voicing it.
This is also the first vinyl release for KnD where he has been involved with the Portuguese reggae scene for years and now has his deserved vinyl debut.
This release is really unique, where the riddim does´t fit in one genre 100%. Fat subass, Wobble Synths and 8 Bit sounds make this release so original and very niche towards the listeners.
We hope you enjoy this as much as we do.
Only available on 7' Vinyl with no repress and no digital!
Hand Stamped / Embossed white sleeve.

Comes with liner notes and Japanese obi strip. Available on CD and 2xLP.

Dub Store Records presents Kiddus I - Rockers: Graduation In Zion 1978-1980

Recordings by the legendary Roots singer Kiddus I, who appeared in the "Rockers" film, are released for the first time. "Rockers: Graduation in Zion" is the first release in a series of three albums that will bring to the public the majority of his existing recordings.

Kiddus I is the mysterious figure singing at the start of the film Rockers. A graduate of Ras Michael's Sons Of Negus, a key member of The Wailers milieu, and a Black Ark artist, his recordings - centred on the Roots Reggae period - are marked by the openness of their musical horizons, and a striking originality and integrity. (Also during this era he was a key voice raised in the Jamaican music industry against political oppression.)

Yet Kiddus I's disdain for careerism has held him back from the spotlight - as so many people in Jamaican music will tell you. Now, this revelatory, comprehensive retrospective will surely confirm his place amongst the all-time greats of Reggae music.

This compilation consists of every single recorded at Lee Perry's Black Ark between 1978 and 1980 and unreleased sound sources recorded at Tuff Gong. The best sessions of the most accomplished international Reggae musicians are unveiled for the first time in twenty years.

PRODUCED by: F. Dowding. ARRANGED by: F. Dowding. RECORDED at: Black Ark, Tuff Gong, Harry JStudio, Sound Dragon NY. MIXED by: Lee Perry, Dennis Thompson & Chow Chow, Stephen Stewart. ENGINEER: Lee Perry, Dennis Thompson, Mervin Morris, D. Lee. OVERDUBBED at: Aquarius Studio.

MUSICIANS: DRUMS: Carlton 'Santa' Davis, Leroy "Horsemouth" Wallace, Cornell Marshall, Oral Fabian. BASS: Robert Shakespeare , Micheal Williams, Haile Maskil, Leebert 'Gibbi' Morison, Paul Blake. GUITAR: Earl "China" Smith, Dwight Pickney, X Sweeney, Ernest Wilson. SAX: Glen Da'Costa, Cedric 'Im' Brooks. TRUMPET: Mike Hamson. PIANO: Tyrone Downie, Newton Brenor. KEYBOARDS: Leslie Butler , Earl Wire Lindo , Harvey Bernard Touter, Winston Wright, Belly Lloyd, Little D. CLAVINET: Tyrone Downie. HARMONICA: Jimmy Beeker. PERCUSSIONS: Kiddus I, I Jack. BACKING VOCALS: Kiddus I, Congos,Tyrone Downie.

Vibronics new album is crammed to capacity with bass heavy sound system dub. From the roots of orthodox reggae right through to the far reaches of new UK bass music culture, The Return Of Vibronics is a no-compromise dub mission. This time Vibronics have hooked up with some proper JA reggae heavyweights, in the form of King Tubby/Yabby You legend Michael Prophet and Mad Professor microphone don Macka B, as well as contemporary UK talents including the Scottish firestorm MC Soom T and Leicester vocal luminary Madu Messenger. 12 brand new tracks of pristine vocals, militant instrumentals and intense dub mixes.

Based in the city of Leicester, right in the middle of the UK, Vibronics have been on the rise since 1997. Their music productions have helped define the sound of modern UK Dub music, and their live show is a must see that is constantly on the move across Europe, Asia and the Americas.

It all started for Vibronics way back in the last century working with Aba-Shanti-I and Zion Train. Since then a label was formed (SCOOPS Records) and a near endless list of collaborative artists (Ranking Joe, Fun Lovin Criminals, Big Youth, Jah Tubbys, Iration Steppas, OBF, High Tone) have worked with Vibronics in the studio and on stage. Ever restless, past projects include releasing a single every month in 2010 and producing the World War 1 concept album 'Empire Soldiers' with France's Brain Damage in 2013. Now with a new studio built that combines vintage analogue equipment with the latest digital technology, Vibronics and a cast of incredible collaborators present this brand new album, taking inspiration from the original Jamaican roots of Dub and bringing it full force into the 21st century.

Throughout the seventies the productions of Bunny'Striker'Lee were incredibly prolific and he created a number of different labels to handle his ever expanding output.
Bunny had always worked closely with Osbourne'King Tubby'Ruddock,who had built his first Sound System in 1957.But Tubbt felt that thingsreally got going when he took on Ewart'U Roy'Beckford as his DeeJay in 1968.When Bryon Lee upgraded Studio B at Dynamic Sounds to a sixteen track recording in 1972 Striker brokered a deal for Tubby to purchase the old four track equipment.The package included the MCI console that Tubby would go on to make world famous and as they say the rest is history...
Here we look at the Attack label and have assembled a compilation of some of the finest Dub cuts released on this label....enjoy

Horus Records' fifth release is the first production played and recorded at their studio 'The Arch' in Tottenham, North London. An all analogue affair, recorded with real instruments live and direct to tape, sounds pumped through homemade valve pre-amps and other equipment amassed over the last few years.A 2015 production, heavily influenced by Horus' love for the sonic qualities and approach of 1970's reggae. Ronnie Davis shouldn't need an introduction, considered one of the founding artists of reggae music. Starting off with legendary rocksteady and reggae group The Tennors, he remained a prominent force throughout the 70s working with producers such as Bunny Lee, Phil Pratt and Lee 'Scratch' Perry, to create tracks that are still relevant today. On this release, his voice is as distinctive and strong as it ever was - with lyrics to match.

Bunny produced a string of hits during the dance hall explosion of the 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...,"

Bunny followed 'Search For Love' with 'Bide Up' another emotional tour de force and with a message so different that it takes a while to fully assimilate. He would later recut the song for his classic solo debut album 'Black Heart Man' but this is the original cut in all its glory. The B-side features one of the two Big Youth versions to the song and the Youth is at his peak here as he reinforces Bunny's message with his plea for greater understanding: "Be unto one another like a man to a brother...,"

The first release on Bunny Wailer's Solomonic label was the reflective and ambitious 'Search For Love' credited to 'Heat, Air & Water'. Bunny sings this yearning song beautifully, the mournful horns play a variant on the traditional 'Waltzing Matilda' melody and an early incarnation of the I Threes provide the harmonious backing vocals.

Limited Edition LP of vintage Jamaican GOLD. Compiled by the trustworthy Japanese reggae label Rock-A-Shacka, Soul Train Is Coming collects the late Alton Ellis' lesser-known and even lost recordings, giving fans of the "Godfather of Rocksteady" a wealth of hard-to-find material in one desirable package. Big TIP!
The set is bookended by the smooth-strolling highlight "My Time Is the Right Time" and "Bam Bye," the latter being a DJ take on the first tune with the singer "versioning" his own song. That rare cut alone is enough to make Ellis fans flip, but the set goes further by unearthing "Dedication" a straight-up R&B tune which finds the singer in lustful, Otis Redding mode. Also of interest is "I Don't Know Why" featuring a backing track King Tubby would later use for Dennis Brown's massive hit "Things In Life," plus two cuts from Hortense Ellis, Alton's younger sister who would often record "female"-adapted lyrics of her brother's songs. Even if there's no example of that here, great sound quality, informative liner notes, plus plenty of those 45 label photographs Jamaican music collectors cherish more than make up for it. Not an overview or introduction, but the material this set brings to light is worth any rocksteady music fans' attention.

This is a Jimi Tenor's Afro project. "Black January" has never before been released digitally having previously been only available as a B-side on a 7inch single.

Musician and composer Jimi Tenor has never settled for the traditional role of a pop artist. He is known as a productive musician whose work lies beyond current trends, and also as a performer who combines the finest elements of afro-american music, spontaneous silliness and shameless glamour in an original way.

Besides being a professional musician for almost 20 years, Jimi Tenor (born Lassi Lehto, 1965, Lahti, Finland) has also practised photography, directed short films and designed clothes and musical instruments.

The 28 tracks which comprise Feel So Fine are key recordings in the development of reggae's precursor, ska. Throughout the '50s and into the '60s, the most popular style at Jamaican sound systems was the hard-hitting New Orleans 'shuffle blues' sound, and the holy grail for the big operators were the obscurities that could serve as 'exclusives' for their sets, obtained from trusted importers or from forays to the US mainland. By the close of the '50s this practice was threatened by significant developments, most notably the demise of this style of R&B as American music evolved into what would ultimately become soul.

Sound system operators started taking the only possible route to ensure the continued popularity of their sets: become record producers and start creating their own 'exclusives'. So it was that men such as Arthur 'Duke' Reid and Clement Seymour 'Coxson' Dodd began producing local talent, utilising Jamaica's first commercial studios. Initially, there was little to distinguish these early home-grown recordings from New Orleans R&B records, but by the dawn of the '60s, Jamaican 'shuffle blues' or 'boogie' had developed its own unique sound. Debate still rages as to the first locally-produced recording clearly distinguishable in style from its American forerunner, but the Coxson Dodd-produced 'Easy Snapping' is the most likely candidate. Other significant works from this period include the first commercially available disc to feature a rasta drumming ensemble, namely 'Oh Carolina'.

As Jamaica's burgeoning recording industry developed, a select number of local performers acquired star status, and other entrepreneurs including Simeon 'Little Wonder' Smith, Leslie Kong and Chris Blackwell swelled the ranks of aspiring record label owners. Soon, Jamaican music had a clear identity of its own and by 1964, ska (or, if you happened to live in Britain, 'blue beat') had become an international sensation. Yet within a year or so of its heyday, ska had been succeeded by rock steady, which late in '68, gave way to reggae, the style with which Jamaican music is still most commonly associated. A lot has changed since those pioneering days. The music contained on Feel So Fine provided a major part of the solid foundation upon which the island's recording industry has since prospered and developed. Although now over half a century old, this music continues to provide immense pleasure to thousands the world over. And few can deny that the 28 classics on Feel So Fine are undoubtedly great.

Jamaica's national motto, 'Out Of Many One People', could well be applied to the music that shaped the island's national sound, with modern reggae the result of many different musical forms being brought together to form a wonderfully unique 'one'. Fantastic Voyage's highly popular Sound System Classics series has already celebrated the American jump blues favoured at Jamaican dances in the pre-ska era, but contrary to widespread belief, US rhythm & blues and the indigenous style of mento were not the only types of music enjoyed across the island prior to the development of Shuffle Blues and Ska. In fact, the diversity of sounds that exerted a direct influence on popular Jamaican music throughout the 20th Century is astonishing, taking in gospel, blues, jazz, vocal groups, country, pop, film music and exotica, hailing from Cuba, Puerto Rico, Southern Africa and the British Isles, as well as America. Now the full extent of these influences is demonstrated by Out Of Many, One Music! which features original or key versions of songs that have played a significant role in shaping the development of Jamaican music.

But of course the small West Indian island has not just taken from others musically - as through its pioneering use of talk-over DJs and stripped down 'version' rhythm tracks it has been key to the development of the now globally dominant music form, hip hop. Over the years, the Jamaican music-loving public has demonstrated that it has a keen ear for sweet and sentimental music and that factor is far more important than the musical genus to which any given recording belongs. What becomes apparent from the music featured on this set is the Jamaican talent for reinvention. Rather than simply attempt to copy 'foreign' recordings, as 'do over man songs', performers and musicians have taken elements of the original and changed them into something entirely different.

And to prove this point, as you experience this extremely diverse and satisfying musical journey, consider the Jamaican versions that resulted from these recordings. There is no doubting of course that they provided the original source of inspiration, but the Ska, Rock Steady and Reggae that followed were far from simple, straight-forward covers, as we are sure you will agree. This 2LP vinyl edition features 28 cuts selected from the 81-track 3CD set.

'Life Line', a gentle, haunting love song showcasing Bunny's sublime vocals over a subtle, restrained rhythm encapsulates in just over two minutes more than many artists manage to express over an entire double album. Big Youth's plea for tolerance and understanding, one of his two essential cuts of Bunny's 'Bide Up', was originally released as a double sided single and is one of the hardest to find records on the Solomonic label. Search no more...,

Blood Sugar Sex Magik is Mustafa aka Harry Knuckles (Yellorange) and Scott K (Box Music)

Deep roots UK style - highly regarded 1982 classic from the golden age of UK reggae. Championed by John Peel, Capital Letters' 'Smoking My Ganja' became one of the best-selling reggae records of 1978 The success of debut album 'Headline News' led to successful tours all across the UK and mainland Europe where the band established a loyal fan base. Capital Letters are busy rehearsing for more shows in support of album release.
Sales/ Marketing / Promo Points:
Bonus tracks feature four previously unreleased 'Headline News' tracks along with the legendary BBC John Peel session. Tracks 1-10 Original Vinyard album that saw limited 1982 release in Germany and Scandinavia only. Produced by Capital Letters at Recordway Studios, Frankfurt Tracks 11-14 previously unreleased out-takes from the original 1979 Greensleeves album 'Headline News'. Produced by Chris Cracknell at TMC Studios, London Tracks 15-17 previously unreleased BBC John Peel session from 1979. Produced by Bob Sargent for the BBC MARKETING Press Record Collector Magazine ½ page group advert April edition Echoes Magazine ½ page group advert April edition Digital United Reggae 4 week web banner Commencing week of release Reggaeville 1 week web banner Commencing week of release PROMOTION Press Reviews / interviews targeted in: Echoes Magazine Interview / Review by John Masouri Record Collector Review Reggae Vibes Interview / Review Digital Social Media Campaign (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram etc.)

Old Horace Andy song, only recorded twice so far... in the 90's with Massive Attack... famous tune. And in the 80's on his « Exclusivly » album. Super sound, record comes with stickerz, black sleeve + undersleeve... Class autoproduction production.

Dubsteppa sounds

OBF keeps on... 4rth EP and angain... limited quantities:-/

Tropical roots dub, instrumentals

One reegae and the dub guitar version bseside:)

`Jah Protection' is the fourth release from Alpha and Omega on Partial Records, following on from `Pure and Clean', `Rastafari' and `Show Me a Purpose', which all sold fast.
* With vocals by Nishka, this is a prime example of the heavyweight 1990s UK dub style, with this track dating from 1992, now appearing on a 45 for the first time and a bonefide Jah Shaka Sound System classic from those times.

The Brooklyn Gypsies are a group of NYC based musicians/ producers whose creative influences draw from the constant shifting of an ever changing urban sociopolitical landscape while retaining their unique cultural backgrounds through what has come to be recognized as "Gypsy" music.

Sin Fronteras is the groups debut album which translates to "Without Borders". This theme can be heard in the seamless fusion of genres taking the listener on a sci-fi desert journey through the Middle East and North African Sahara with The Spy From Cairo's Oud stylings navigating the caravan. Lyrics in Spanish, English and even Russian are featured from the group's two vocalists Carmen Estevez, who showcases her flamenco freestyle textures on "Supercore", & Tina Kristina's , whose reggae blues & Russian folk inspired melodies in "Desert Moon" create a unique BK Gypsy sound. Rhythmic trances are induced via drummer Brandon Lewis & Estevez's Arabic percussion breakbeats as heard on "Marfa", while producer Takuya Nakamura's seductive trumpet lines & deep bass synth pads along with co producer Troy "Mobius" Simms summon Gypsy Dub sax riffs & solos reminiscent of street musicians on Istanbul's Istikal thoroughfare and dancehalls in Kingston Jamaica. The roots reach as far east as Japan on "BK Gypsy Dancehall" Feat. Bajah of Dry Eye Crew, fusing a Japanese Koto melody with the Sierra Leonean MC's signature reggae dancehall cadence. "Sin Fronteras" is a tribute to the nomadic Gypsy spirit worldwide.

Originating from Spain, Japan, Russia, Italy & U.S.A. BK Gypsies truly represents Brooklyn's diverse ethnic heritage and style. The gypsies came to be in 2012 within Williamsburg Brooklyn's Studio BPM music scene. Members include: Carmen Estevez, Takuya Nakamura, Tina Kristina, Brandon Lewis, Troy "Mobius" Simms & Zeb "The Spy From Cairo". After a number of collaborative projects between the artist were explored the opportunity to form a band that incorporated elements from each project arose. The groups sound is an infusion of Mediterranean, North African, Arabic Themes with Electronic, Dancehall and Dub Reggae. The term "Gypsy" was incorporated into the band name representing the nomadic spirit & way of life within this musical journey.

*A long lost 90s roots classic from the late great Junior Delgado, one of the most important and vocally distinctive roots reggae vocalists of his generation
* Co-produced by Adrian Sherwood from On-U Sound and Restless Mashaits.
* Recorded at Leggo Studio, Jamaica and voiced in London, the vocal cut comes on 45 for the first time while the dub cut has never seen the light of day, until now.
* Yet another in-demand obscurity brought to you by the ever on-the-ball Partial Records.

'Hear what happen now! We used to punch the juke box lunchtime..Me and me friends had a kinda thing like the juke box was our sound system and we'd use our lunch money to play the baddest tunes on the juke box.We were aided and abetted by a kinda dodgy little shop keeper cause we were kids and we were in the rum bar punching the juke box when we weren't supposed to be allowed!! So we were breaking all the rules...punching the juke box and taking turns to play the wickedest tunes in the juke box...' Ossie Thomas

Breaking rules from the outset Ossie Thomas had furthered his childhood fascination with music while still attending Oberlin High School and many more rules would be broken when together with Phillip Morgan he set up the Black Solidarity label in 1979 on Delamare Avenue deep in the heart of the Kingston ghetto...
'I used to tell people that dance hall was like styles and fashions,if you have a wicked style and you have the fashion you go make it in the dancehall..You understand....Ossie Thomas

The prestige, pre-eminence and, perhaps more importantly, the permanent influence of Jamaica on popular music the world over has been unparalleled and unprecedented and whether it is ska, rock steady, roots, dub raga, dancehall or basement, all music originating from Jamaica has been termed reggae.

'Do you know what reggae really is Reggae is the same as rock steady but with the organ shuffle. It's the shuffle that kinda carried up the rock steady.....if you take out that you get rock steady! The organ shuffle kind a make it sound a little faster....the shuffling...plenty people a talk but they don't know. Reggae is the organ shuffle...' Bunny 'Striker' Lee

The languid, laid back rock steady beat that reigned supreme in Kingston's dance halls for the previous two years started to speed up in the Autumn of 1968 as the faster, brasher reggae rhythms came to the fore. Many claimed to have originated the new beat....

'All those singers used to like to listen to one another...anytime you'd voice Slim Smith or Delroy Wilson then you'd find Alton Ellis up at the studio listening to them.....every one of them was good in their own right'
Bunny 'Striker' Lee

The finer points of what is, and what is not, reggae are invariably lost on all but serious devotees of the music, however, pedantry should never stand in the way of appreciation. We would respectfully advise you to simply listen and enjoy...
Track 1 - Cool operator- Delroy Wilson
Track 2 - Natty Dread In a Greenwich Farm- Cornell Campbell
Track 3 - Riding For a Fall - John Holt
Track 4 - Cherry Oh Baby - Eric Donaldson
Track 5 - The Time Has Come- Slim Smith
Track 6 - Poor Marcus- Johnny Clarke
Track 7 - Bongo Natty- Owen Grey
Track 8 - Too Late - The Twinkle Brothers
Track 9 - Kaya- Ronnie Davis
Track 10 - Stick By Me - Dennis Brown
Track 11 - God Helps The Man - Leroy Smart
Track 12 - Ehthiopian Girl - Linval Thompson
Track 13 - How Long - Pat Kelly
Track 14 - Guiding Star - Horace Andy
Track 15 - Step It Up - Barry Brown *
Track 16 - Play It Cool - Alton Ellis *