Interview With The Revivers

Back in the mid-nineties there was something of a flourish of Ska/Reggae bands in California. Some just saw it as a passing fad but now some 15 years on there is still a very close knit and energetic scene there with many bands out regularly plying their trade. The Revivers are just one of those bands and their dedication to “reviving” the sounds of early Jamaican Reggae from the late 60’s and early 70’s has not gone un-noted. They have supported some of Reggaes true legends like Michael Rose, The Mighty Diamonds and Ska pioneer Eric “Monty” Morris as well as with fellow “revivalists” Hepcat, and The Aggrolites. Due to their authentic sound they have also supplied backing for the likes of The Wailing Souls, Ras Michael and most recently Pat Kelly. They are now about to release a single through Reggae Club 69 and with all this in mind I took a chance to catch up with them and find out more… 

You formed in 2009, how did you all meet?

-We have all known each other for years before forming The Revivers. Tom (organ), Mike (lead guitar), Tony (vocals), and I (Mano, rhythm guitar) all met in High School when we formed The Debonaires in 1995. Tony stopped playing with Debonaires a few years later, but we stayed in touch, and eventually he and Brent (drums) became good friends and wanted to start a new band. Brent had been a fan of the Debonaires for years; he is the youngest in the group, and helped form The Revivers. We had a few line-up changes, but asked Mark (Bass) from the Skeletones to play bass for us, and that sealed the deal. We had all been a part of the Southern Ca. Ska/Reggae scene since 95 and have played in various bands, so we formed the Revivers as more of a fun side project at first for the love of the music.

There appears to be quite a vibrant Ska/Reggae scene in California why do you think that is?

I think when it first started to make waves in the early/mid-nineties; it was a trend with younger fans just like anything else, Punk, Rockabilly, etc. It was something new and different for the younger audience, and a lot of the original Ska/Reggae legends were still alive and touring as well, like Desmond Dekker, Laurel Aitken, The Skatalites, and Justin Hinds to name a few. This spawned a huge influx of traditional style bands, particularly in Southern California, which was solidified and promoted heavily through Luis Correa at Steady Beat Records.He would record bands, put out compilations, and promote shows regularly, which really gave the scene some uniformity and consistency. Everyone would dress their sharpest, the music was great, and all around, the Ska/Reggae scene was unifying people from different racial and economic lines. Ska and Reggae fans tend to develop such a deep love of the music and feel such a connection to it that they become lifelong fans, which is why I think the scene continues to survive today. Many of the bands and fans from the nineties heyday are still around today.

Despite having been together for three years now you have only brought out one 10” E.P and now this new single for Reggae Club 69, ‘Reggae Fever’ b/w ‘Medical Operation’ any plans to go in the studio and record more for an album?

Our plan for the near future, after we play some gigs to promote the new 7" release, is to focus on writing original material for our first full length release. We plan on making it like an LP, with the A side being originals and the B side being covers of boss Reggae tunes.

Boss Reggae or as it’s sometimes known ‘Skinhead Reggae’, do you find being labelled a Skinhead Reggae band causes you any problems? Here in Europe I feel there is still a stigma attached to the skinhead name.

-There is definitely still a stigma that comes along with the term skinhead here in the States as well. Within the Ska/reggae scene it is understood and accepted that original skinhead culture has nothing to do with racism, however I constantly have to explain that to people who have no idea. We don’t necessarily go around boasting that we play Skinhead Reggae, but like Bob Marley said, “Who feels it, knows it”.

Your shows contain many authentic renditions of classic hits and obscure rarities, have you tried to model yourselves on any particular group?

-It’s interesting because a lot of our favourite groups were really the same combinations of musicians who had different studio names for different producers The Dynamites, GG All Stars, Harry J All Stars, Mudie’s All Stars, The Crystalites, The Upsetters are some of our favorite groups. I’d say we definitely try to go for the Jamaican style sound of Skinhead Reggae vs. the UK bands, but we like many of those groups too. In fact, referring back to the California Ska/Reggae scene, it's actually very similar to how it was in 60's Jamaica as far as how a lot of the musicians have played in various groups together with different names. If you were to trace the musicians and bands from today back to the early 90's you'd see it's almost like a family tree, and all of the musicians have a strong connection and friendships with each other just like a family.

You have been the backing band for the likes of The Wailing Souls and Ras Michael did you have to change your sound at all for these acts?

-Yes we had to adapt to each groups different styles, which can be challenging and rewarding at the same time. As I mentioned, we have all played in several groups in the past, Mike, Tom and I have backed up other artists as well, such as Ken Boothe, Dennis Alcapone, Derrick Morgan, Stranger Cole, The Maytones, The Cables, and Prince Buster, so we were a little more accustomed to learning material and being patient and accommodating while working with these artists, who can be quite particular about their backing bands and how their music is performed. The Revivers most recently backed up Pat Kelly on Sep 17 in San Francisco, which we were selected for specifically because that is the style of Skinhead Reggae that we usually play. So we didn’t have to change up our style much for that gig, except for a few Rocksteady tunes, which we love as well.

So far your career has definitely seen you more as a live band than a recording band with many gigs across the United States any plans to visit Europe or The Far East?

One of our main goals as a band is to tour Europe. We've heard great things about the scene out there, and are familiar with a lot of the bands that come from there. We've had the opportunity to go in the past, but couldn't because of people's family/career responsibilities. It’s been hard to coordinate enough time off at the same time to make a worthwhile tour possible so far, but we haven't given up yet! We're trying to make it possible summer 2012.

New 12 inch Single Release From The Roots Hitek Label

Side A features veteran UK Sound System Roots Rocker Errol Bellot with a tune Creation Song, originally advertised as a 10" now out on a 12" single with 3 cuts, a vocal piece followed by a dub version and then a Horns Solo Dub featuring Digistep on Saxophone and Melodica all dubbed out in sound system style.
the riddim is also featured on Tenastelin "Rasta Ancient" this is part of a series of tunes Errol Bellot has laid down at Roots Hitek Studio, more in the very near future.

Side AA features guitarist /singer/songwriter King Saint from East London in a collaboration with Roots Hitek
3 versions of a tune called "One Jah ", a straight vocal version eschewing unity and clear purpose among mankind, folowed by an Instrumental cut then an acoustic Binghi mix with King Saint on Riddim And Lead Guitars, Kheru"Jahman" Dan
on funde and Kette drums and Saxophone from Digistep plus backing vocals from Sista Beloved, Sista Fanti and Princess Carifa with additional percussions ,music and mix from Roots Hitek . 

This release is available now from Dub Vendor and other leading outlets

Side A
Errol Bellot - Creation Song
Roots Hitek - Kananga Waata
Roots Hitek/Digistep - Kananga Horns

Side Aa
One Jah - King Saint
One Afrika Dub - Roots Hitek
One Jah(Binghi Cut) King Saint/Roots Hitek

One Jah One Afrika

REGGAE ROAST - ‘OCCUPY THE SESSION’

’Occupy The Session’ is yet another first class release from the UK’s #1 label for new Dub. A summery tune full of bouncy bass it is sure to get people smiling and on toes skanking throughout the sumer of 2012.

Reggae Roast’s eleventh release is the first official production by label boss Jim Moodie. The track is a collaborative effort between Moodie and UK production legend Nick Manasseh and features one of the most respected singers of his generation; Earl 16. The release sets the tone for a string of productions under the already well established moniker ‘Reggae Roast’, but this time as a production outfit as well as a label and continues the trend for the movement releasing the highest calibre roots music with cross genre appeal through its ruff and tuff remixes.

Each remix takes the track in different directions showing the versatility of the labels sound. Adam Prescott and Noises (Black Butter Records) show why they are both hotly tipped for big things in 2012 and give the release significant cross genre appeal.

Earl 16 has become one of the most revered Reggae singers of his generation and has been an integral part of the Reggae music industry since the 70’s. His recordings have been produced by names such as Linval Thompson, Lee Scratch Perry, Augustus Pablo, Clement Dodd & Sugar Minott. He’s currently touring with Leftfield as the live front man for the band after guesting on a number of their

infamous tracks in the 1990s.

Nottingham’s Adam Prescott is an up and coming producer combining a crucial selection of rough and tough roots music with a modern injection of dubstep. He’s been making moves in the scene through his work with artists such as Charlie P, Kenny Knots, Brother Culture, Daddy Freddy, Dynamite MC & Jah Screechy. He has remixed for the likes of Mungo’s Hi-Fi, Riddim Tuffa, Solo Banton, Radikal

Guru, Iration Steppas, Linval Thompson / Vibration Lab, Dub Pistols and Tenor Fly.

Noises has been tearing through the club scene with a big, bass heavy sound that can only be described as banging. First noticed for his take on the Alicia Keys and Jack White’s 2008 Bond soundtrack ‘Another Way to Die’, he went on to claim a #1 spot on the ‘Trackitdown Dubstep Chart’ with huge BBC Radio 1 and 1 Xtra support from Annie Nightingale, Nihal, Rusko and others.

Nick Manasseh has been deeply involved in the development of the UK roots scene for the past two decades, championing his distinctive production style with many of the biggest talents of his generation. His productions have backed several Reggae Roast releases including previous single with Linval Thompson and Kenny Knots.

Reggae Roast is a leading light in the new generation of dub music. With DJ bookings across Europe and a steady release schedule featuring some of the hottest talent around, 2012 is set to be their biggest year yet.

Keep your eyes peeled for upcoming releases featuring artists such as Hollie Cook, RackNRuin and Congo Natty. More Fire!

Out now at Reggae Roast

Reality Shock Records The Ancient Times Riddim

Ancient Times riddim combines Nyahbinghi & Indian musical influences to create a powerful & epic acoustic anthem. All six pieces contain backing vocals by Soom T & the dub mix also features flute played by Maya, with all other instruments played & mixed by Kris Kemist. 

A recent addition the Reality Shock family roster, Soom T, is a Glaswegian renegade artist known for her eclectic vocal collaborations with the likes of The Orb, Asian Dub Foundation, Mungo's Hifi, Jahtari & many more. Soom T has already earned herself a seemingly cult status amongst underground music followers worldwide, performing to sell out crowds at shows in Mexico, Brazil, USA, Canada, Japan, China, India & all over Europe, whilst clocking up millions of hits on YouTube & even appearing on the BBC's Jules Holland Show. The Soom T phenomenon shows no signs of abating, with her first collaboration with Reality Shock's founder & producer Kris Kemist marking an exciting new chapter in the Soom T story. The result of this collaboration is best described as a musical journey to a higher dimension! Soom T delivers powerful & deeply spiritual lyrics based on a Hindu prayer, in her uniquely energetic yet melodic vocal style, complimented by a refreshingly organic acoustic instrumental track.

Next to feature on Ancient Times riddim is Reality Shock's homegrown superstar Solo Banton. With his song 'Rejoice', Solo gives thanks for the positive things in life & reflects upon the blessings that we all too often take for granted. Solo Banton has rapidly become one of Europe's most highly respected artists and has been described by some as "the best thing to happen to reggae music in years". Since the recent release of his Music Addict EP with Jahtari, Solo Banton continues to spread his musical messages to ever wider audiences & is gearing up to drop his highly anticipated second album on Reality Shock later in 2012 which promises to be some of his finest work to date. 

Following Solo is a piece by Afrikan Simba entitled 'Man of Today'. Inspired by his experiences in Ethiopia, Afrikan Simba speaks of the times we are living in, warning of evil forces which could lead us down a path of destruction if we do not work hard to take action to become self-sufficient. Afrikan Simba recently hosted his 4th annual Goodly Words festival in London and continues to tour at home & abroad, whilst also hosting a radio show on Voice of Africa radio 94fm and running his own music & clothes shop called 'Drum Beat' (639 High Road Leyton, East London). Amongst other projects Afrikan Simba is working on an album with Kris Kemist due to be released on Reality Shock next year.  

Turning over the record we find the title piece of the riddim, a beautiful piece sung by UK roots legend Aqua Livi. Ancient Times is a song about unity & oneness which describes a time when all tribes were united, living & working on one accord. Aqua Livi is devout Rastafarian & a special kind of artist from the original school of reggae music, with an authenticity & a spirit which has been liked to that of the late Dennis Emmanuel Brown. During the 80's & 90's Aqua Livi's band 'Urban Warrior' (later called The Roots I-mansion) enjoyed success, touring the world & being played extensively by the likes of Jah Shaka & David Rodigan. Aqua Livi even recorded an album for the late Coxsone Dodd at Studio One in Jamaica, although it sadly remains locked in the Studio One vaults to this day. After remaining relatively quiet in recent years, Aqua Livi is now working on an album with Kris Kemist entitled 'Most High Calling' due to be released later this year, introducing Aqua Livi's music to a new generation of reggae music lovers.

The final vocal on the riddim features Deadly Hunta as you've never heard him before! Reciting in Dub poetry style, Hunta delivers excerpts from Revelation:18, a biblical chapter describing the fall of Babylon, a prophecy which many believe to be symbolic of the events playing out on the world stage today. Deadly Hunta recently released a new album entitled "Speak My Mind", since which he has become one of the busiest artists in the Reality Shock family, spending much of his time on tour particularly in Eastern Europe. Seeing the energy he puts in to his live performances its easy to see why Deadly Hunta in such demand. He is currently working on his own label & brand 'Smoke Dawgz' due to be launched later this year.

The record ends with an instrumental dub version mixed by Kris Kemist, a powerful & meditative finale to our musical journey through ancient times.

Ancient Times is out now at iTunes and on 12”vinyl

Jamaica All Stars - “The Vineyard Town Serssions”

When people talk about Foundation artists they might not be the first names off of anyone’s tongue, but Skully Simms and Bunny Robinson are just about as Foundation as you are ever likely to get having been the first Jamaican artists to make home-grown R&B records for use in sound systems in 1953. Indeed Skully then went on to be one of the islands top percussionists performing in various bands from The Aggrovators to The Upsetters

Formed in the 1990s especially for Pierre Marc Simonin’s 'Portraits of Jamaican Music' documentary and despite the loss of members Justin Hinds and Johnny ‘Dizzy’ Moore over the past few years Skully Simms, Bunny Robinson and Sparrow Martin are back with the Jamaica All Stars to bring us a new album “The Vineyard Town Serssions” recorded in Kingston.

This album, as with 2004’s “Right Track”, takes listeners back through the history of Jamaican music with slices of Mento, R&B, Ska, Rocksready, Reggae and Dub.

Opener ‘All Rudies In Jail’ is a newly penned cut of classic sounding Rocksteady groove, with Simms and Robinson singing anti-violence lyrics that are just as relevant today as they would have been back in Rocksteady’s heyday of 1967.

‘Bam Bam’ voiced by Robinson and ‘Hooligan’ with Martin on the mic are the Mento cuts with the latter’s happy-go-lucky vibe disguising yet more pertinent lyrics. Simms closes what is effectively a first part of the album with ‘One Step @ A Time’ a bright slices of spiritual reggae with hints of calypso. The other two cuts in this unofficial first part poetically tip a hat to both deceased members of the All Stars, Hinds and Moore, with dub versions of cuts that featured both on “Right Track”, ‘On The Last Day’ (On The Last Dub) and their cover of the old Soul Vendors hit ‘Swing Easy’ (Swinging Dub).

The second part of the album is live with R&B and ska the order of the day on ‘Boogie Flew’, ‘Crying Over You’ and ‘Back To Zion’ which was also on their live 2003 album of the same name. Its then back in to the studio for ‘Sparrow's Rudy Piano’ a chirpy instrumental of the album opener to close things off.

With a compartmental feel to this album, with it containing both live and studio performances, it does give the feeling that this is more like two E.P’s that have been bolted together to create an album as opposed to one conceptual idea or project. That said the songs on both parts are lively and entertaining with these vintage performers, proving that along with the help of other Alpha Boys musicians, they can still write good music and by the sounds of the live performances know how to party.

The album at present is only available on CD at a very few selected outlets and from their live shows 

The Skints - Part & Parcel

The Skints are a reggae/dub/ska/punk band from London, United Kingdom. Since 2008 the band have toured extensively, playing hundreds of shows, supporting bands that include Gym Class Heroes, You Me at Six, Sublime with Rome, Reel Big Fish, Less Than Jake, The Slackers, Gogol Bordello, Bedouin Soundclash, and The King Blues.

The band hail from the Leyton/Walthamstow and South Woodford/Woodford areas of northeast London and formed in 2005, whilst they were attending Woodbridge High School. They spent their first year and a half changing band members whilst perfecting their sound, before settling on the current line-up in May 2007. The Skints first 'publicity' came from playing at a pub in Walthamstow, where they were heard by Radio One Executive Producer Rhys Hughes, when three of their members were only 16. Two days later, other Radio One DJ's such as Colin Murray were soon playing Skints' tracks on their shows regularly. In 2007 the band played with other east London artists such as Brinkworth, Reeps One and ClayPigeon who they played many shows with including a DIY tour in the summer of 2008.

It was also in this year that they released their self-titled debut 6-track E.P. on Do The Dog Records following it up with their debut album ‘Live.Breathe.Build.Believe’ in November 2009 on Sonic Boom Six's very own Rebel Alliance Recordings.

Now in March 2012 they released their second album ‘Part & Parcel’ on Bomber Music, having got the money for it through Pledgemusic, a scheme in which fans could financially contribute towards the recording of their new album in return for exclusive rewards such as signed CD's, limited edition t-shirts and the option for the 'pledger' to have their name printed in the album. Although they were given 90 days in which to raise the money needed to record the album, 100% of the money was reached in just 11.

Produced by Mike "Prince Fatty" Pelanconi, a British sound engineer who has worked with a diverse repertoire of artists and labels, from rock musicians like Graham Coxon (of Blur), reggae legends like Gregory Isaacs and Dub Syndicate, The Sugarhill Gang and pop singers such as Lily Allen, this album finds them on a more composed, reggae, tip. To read more about this album a hear sound bites of the haunting ska fused ‘Rat-At-At’ and chilled out ‘Sunny Sunny’ visit……..

Debut Album From Ras Sis Highness

@RootsLabIntl.com

Nico D - Coming in from the Cold

Nico D, born Nicholas Albert, Holter has had a more international upbringing than most. He was born in Paris and moved frequently from country to country with his family before settling down in Oslo, Norway.

While in high school he met DJ Daniel Lion and Admiral P from Zambia and their joint passion inspired them to start Ark Manifest Sound System.

With Lion behind the turntables and Admiral P and Nico D on the mic, Jah Ark Manifest would soon stand out as the #1 sound system in Norway.

Nico released his debut single “Ruff Times” a collaboration with Jah Mason that went all the way to #1 on the national chartlists in Jamaica in 2009 and was on the list for 25 weeks!

His debut album, “Coming In From The Cold” was released in March and you can read a full review at ……..

Macka B - Change The World

Macka B the popular, gravel voiced, veteran UK MC is back with a new self produced album “Change The World”, the follow up to 2008’s “More Knowledge”.

He was recently interviewed by Angus Taylor for Reggaeville where he spoke about his concept for the album which covers a wide variety of topics from Rastafarian ideology to the scourge of gang violence, the barbarity of slavery and a lack of compensation for it, through clever use of the up surge of personal injury lawyers to make his point and of course good old fashioned love.

In fact the whole album is well written with poignant and meaningful lyrics that effectively convey each songs message whether it be a strong cry for unity and how this strength through unity can be used to Change The World or the light heartedness of ‘Medical Marijuana’, a tale about how he needs a card to allow him you to smoke Marijuana legally for medicinal purposes like those in America. This song also rides along perfectly on a vintage riddim used on the Toots and the Maytals number ‘Hold On’. Other songs that make good use of classic Studio One riddims, that have been re-edited and remixed by George 'Peckings' Price son Chris, are ‘Good Woman’ (Queen Of The Minstrels) and aptly ‘Never Played A 45’ (Boops) that encourages DJ’s to keep faith with this format and mix it in with their CD’s and mp3’s.

The remaining songs are built on a backbone of new riddims from Ironfirst Productions that have managed to blend that feel of the classic riddims of old, with pulsing bass lines and bustling horns, yet kept them contemporary and fresh.

If you are fortunate enough to catch Maka B at one of his festival appearances this summer then I’m sure many of these new songs will go down well for as he says there is “something about the feel and the vibe” (Never Played A 45) about this album that many will enjoy.

This review was first published in Reggaeville’s Festiville 2012 magazine where you can find a host more reviews, interviews and other interesting facets of information concerning this years Festival season.

David Pablo

Signs to SpringlineJamaica

2 x 12" DDL releases

with both available on one nice price CD

www.comeficonquer.com

Black Roots - All Day All Night (Deluxe Edition)

Celebrating 25 years since its original release Bristol Archive Records are bringing us a deluxe CD edition of “All Day All Night”, the album that saw Black Roots teaming up with the Mad Professor and moving away from their original earthy, raw sound to a more polished version. Despite this move musically the band's lyrics remained predominantly focused on the social and historical injustices that help define the roots genre.

The 12 original tracks from the album are as strong as any you are likely to hear and although this more polished sound does take away some of the raw and vibrancy of Black Roots early sound the lyrics are just as

By 1987 the popularity of roots reggae music in the UK had most definitely waned with the arrival of the digital style and also to more of an extent the emergence of Hip Hop and Rap. So the fact that this album was not particularly commercially successful can be blamed for that, because this is a great roots album with the Mad Professor at the controls, embracing new technology and production techniques, to give them a more contemporary UK sound.

Having previously teamed up with Nubian Records to release the critically acclaimed “Black Roots – The Reggae Singles Anthology”, Bristol Archive Records have once more been allowed into the Black Roots/Nubian tape vaults. This time we bring out a 25th anniversary deluxe CD edition of “All Day All Night”, the album that saw them teaming up with the Mad Professor and moving away from their original sound for a more polished version. Whilst the music may have been brought up to date, the band's lyrics rarely strayed away from the same themes of social and historical justice that define the roots genre.

As well the original dozen vocal tracks, we've added several dub versions and the extended 12” mix of “Pin in the Ocean”. The music itself saw the band embracing new technology and production techniques to give themselves a more contemporary UK sound, expertly helmed by the UK's leading reggae producer Neil Fraser. The dub mixes give another dimension to the music, the Mad Professor's signature mixing style meaning these mixes wouldn't seem out of place in his own “Dub Me Crazy” series.

A quarter of a century after its first release, “All Day All Night” is worthy of reissue and hopefully will find a new audience amongst fans who were too young for its original release as well as appealing to those who want to supplement their vinyl issues and enjoy the many extra tracks included on this CD. Bristol Archive Records have paid their usual attention to detail and to complement the newly re mastered music, the booklet will include many previously unpublished photos of the band.

Back together after many years, Black Roots are working on a new album to be released in late 2012 as well as performing around the UK. The fact that several of these songs have found a firm place in their live set, emphasises the quality of the writing and the need for this long overdue reappraisal. Bristol Archive Records have once again fulfilled their mission and rescued another deserving and high quality album from obscurity for a new generation of fans.

Tracks CD:

Realize

Pin In The Ocean

Release the Food

Freedom

Poor Children

Spare The Rod

Conman

Seeing Your Face

All Day All Night

Mighty Lion

Suffer Me Not

Childless Mother

Additional tracks:

Pin In The Ocean (Extended Mix)

Reality Dub

Folitrickshun Dub

Dub Free

Face Dub

Fertility Dub

Station

The Dualers - Prince Buster Shakedown

Formed in 1999 The Dualers are probably one of the UK’s best kept secrets and this despite being also one the UK’s true musical success stories, from busking the streets of London to performing large venues such as Croydon's Fairfield Halls, Churchill Theatre in Bromley, Kingsmeadow Stadium in Kingston, the Brentwood Centre in Essex and selling out the capital's prestigious O2 Indigo theatre 4 times. They have also tasted Top 40 UK singles charts success hitting #21 with "Kiss On The Lips" in October 2004 and then a year later when “Truly Madly Deeply" peaked at # 23.

Now they have just finished a headline slot at the O2 Shepherds Bush Empire London, as part of the London Intl Ska Festival, where they have showcased songs from their new album ‘Prince Buster Shakedown’.

 Read a full review at......

Lloyd Brevett

Springline is sad to hear that Lloyd Brevett, bassist and co-founder of highly influential band The Skatalites passed away yesterday 3rd May at the age of 80.

Brevett, died at the Andrews Memorial Hospital in St Andrew Jamaica having been ailing for some time following a series of seizures and strokes since the February 26th murder of his son, Okeene who had just collected an award on his father’s behalf at the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association Awards at Emancipation Park. 

The original Skatalites only existed for around 18 months between 1963 and 1965, but were essential in popularizing Ska with hits such as "Guns of Navarone" and "Eastern Standard Time," and helped lay the groundwork for the emergence of rocksteady and reggae. In October 2001, he was conferred with Jamaica's fifth highest honour, the Order of Distinction and in October 2010, he was awarded the Silver Musgrave Medal for his contribution to music.

 Our thought and prayers go out to his family, who according to close family friend Maxine Stowe to the Jamaica Observer said “the family are very distraught at Brevett’s passing” and that his widow, Ruth, was doing “very poorly”.

Harmony, Melody & Style

Harmony, Melody and Style is the latest reggae release from Soul Jazz Records and tells the story of lovers rock from its soundsystem beginnings to its commercial explosion at the start of the 1980s and through to its underground continuance into the next decade as the founding producers absorbed and mutated American soul styles into a distinctly British reggae sensibility.

The album includes classic and rare tracks and comes with extensive text, as well as interviews and features on artists, musicians and producers who helped define Lovers Rock as well as amazing exclusive photography charting the growth of the Caribbean community in Britain.

Lovers Rrock exploded in the UK in 1975, when an ex-Caribbean population of producers, artists and audience who had grown up in London, created for the first time a new uniquely British reggae sound. At the forefront of this movement were young black women, who became both the main stars of Lovers Rock (Janet Kay, Carroll Thompson and Louisa Marks) as well as its primary audience. This explosion of musical artistry was partly a reaction against the strident political roots sound emanating from Jamaica during this period, as well as a defining of a unique Black British heritage which absorbed influences from the USA, Jamaica and the UK.

At the heart of lovers rock remained the soundsystem culture that Jamaican producers brought from the Caribbean and transposed to inner city London life. This album is available as a double CD pack with slipcase, digital download and as limited-edition two super-loud separate volumes of double-vinyl, both with heavyweight card gatefold sleeves and vinyl, and as digital download


Available from Sounds Of The Universe