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Rating :
from 5 (excellent) to 1 (poor)
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Vocals :
5
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Backing :
4/5
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Production :
4/5
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Sound quality :
4/5
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Sleeve :
3
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Born in 1947 in Montego Bay, Jamaica, Lloyd James moved to Kingston, where he began his career as an apprentice mixer, known as Prince Jammy, under the late great King Tubby. In 1977 he was enlisted to mix the dub counterpart to 'In the Light' by Horace Andy. In that same year he produced Black Uhuru's classic 'Love Crisis' and he also put out the dubs as the 'Lion Dub Style' lp. He owned his own studio at his in-laws' home in Waterhouse and started his own soundsystem. In 1985 he build the "Sleng Teng" riddim. When his Super Power sound system met the Black Scorpio set for a popular sound clash Jammy played that tune and turned the reggae world upside down, because this song was to alter the sound of reggae music : the digital era had begun. His productions lead in the integration of synthesizer driven (digital) sounds in dancehall reggae. His son John John emerged in the '90s as a highly successful producer. King Jammy continues to produce records, and recent years witnessed a number of reissues of Jammy's classic productions. The man's contribution to reggae music is impossible to overstate. Check out Beth Lesser's book 'King Jammy's' for more info about the man, his music and his influence on Jamaican music.
Thirty years after he started his career as a producer, VP Records presents the King Jammy Selector’s Choice collection on four double CD sets. The tunes presented here were produced during the producer's most prolific period, the second half of the eighties. These 159 tunes display the popular trends and issues of the day and all contain the vital element of the King Jammy’s sound. The mixture of love songs, hardcore dancehall killers and dance favourites across proven riddims results in a breathtaking listening experience and brings you in a retrospective mood. The four double CD sets are a 'who's who of reggae and dancehall'. Each double CD set comes with a track by track description written by famed reggae writer Rob Kenner and some nice vintage photos of Jammy and members of the Super Power sound crew.
As mentioned before the emphasis is on the digital sounds, with only two -- but excellent -- live sounds (courtesy of the High Times band), Half Pint's Mr. Landlord and Dennis Brown's It's Magic, both across the 'Hypocrites' riddim. Also on Vol. 1 are immortal riddims like 'Sleng Teng', 'Stalag' and 'Tempo'. 'Sleng Teng' was an original Jammy's riddim, built by the vocalist who started the digital revolution with it, Wayne Smith. 'Stalag' came out of Winston Riley's Techniques camp (as early as 1974!) while 'Tempo' emerged out of King Tubby's studio in 1985, sung by Anthony Red Rose.
Vol. 2 kicks off with no less than 10 versions of the 'Heavenless' riddim, originated at Studio One in the late 60's by the infamous Don Drummond. The riddim keeps rolling along like it's never going to stop! Sweet voiced Cocoa Tea licked the riddim twice, both in full effect. First he takes the Ray Charles classic Crying Time followed by a medley of 5 songs in which he perfectly chronicles the rise and fall of a romantic relationship. The next 10 tracks highlight the 'Cat Paw' riddim. Perhaps it's better known as the 'Politician' riddim, named after the Admiral Bailey hit tune. The 'Far East' riddim was a scorcher for Studio One and Channel One, but Jammy pushed it to the ultimate top with versions by Cocoa Tea, Jah Mikey and King Kong.
Moving over to Vol.3 we meet Leroy Gibbons inna fine mood as he relicks the 1960 Drifters' soul hit This Magic Moment which was written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman. Tiger scored big with his Bam Bam version while Admiral Bailey also enjoyed chart success with his lick of the riddim. Disc Two of Vol. 3 brings two firm riddims. First there's the 'China Town' riddim, presented in 9 fine slices here. Shabba rides the crisp riddim without mistakes... deadly tune! The disc closes with the 'Duck Dance' riddim. A Steely & Clevie riddim, with so many slightly different versions, each mix of the tune reveals something else. Shabba takes the lead with Fresh while Daddy Lizzard and Ninjaman do brisk business with their tunes.
Admiral Bailey's Punaany is one of the biggest hits of the boisterous deejay's career. Steely and Clevie gave this mento flavored riddim enough melody to mesh with almost any vocal style. Major Worries and Little John delivered humorous versions of the riddim, while Echo Minott used Lisa Stanfield's international club hit for his interpretation. Frankie Paul recorded one of his best albums for Jammy: 'Original Sara'. From that album comes I Know The Score. The riddim is pure niceness, with two versions by Sanchez and Thriller U giving his best.
Nothing but essential!
Teacher & Mr. T.
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