This collection includes many tracks new to CD, including numerous major hits that include Janet Kay’s ‘Silly Games’ Dennis Bovell has had a career during which his talents have been manifold as a singer, producer, instrumentalist and DJ. His recording career started in the early ’70s with The British Reggae band Matumbi and his recording career from the late ’70s early ’80s and include many of the finest Roots, Dub and Lovers Rock recordings to date. This 2CD collection features on this period with releases on 7″ and 12″ vinyl from 1977 to 1981. Featured are well-known Jamaican artists, Marie Pierre, Delroy Wilson, Bovell himself and Janet Kay who nearly made the UK No.1 with ‘Silly Games’ in 1979.
DISC ONE
1. A LITTLE WAY DIFFERENT – Errol Dunkley. Another of Jamaica’s top artists on a mid-tempo, smooth slice of Reggae. Errol gives a fine vocal and is joined by a backing chorus. The rhythm track comes uncluttered without any percussion and goes into a Dub sound half-way through this 7min track. Good way to start the disc. Released in UK on the Arawak label in 1977. 4. COMPELLED – The Cosmic Idren. Nothing known about this outfit and as one might expect it is a Dun sound. There is a one-word vocal and one has to say that this is nothing special. Released in UK on the Arawak label, date unknown. 7. JAH MAN DUB – Errol Campbell. Strange opening vocal before it moves into a full-on Dub sound with the so called vocal coming in from time-to-time. For Dub fans this will be a gem, if not the 3mins 37secs will be long enough. 10. DUB-N-BASS – Good Breed. This comes mid-tempo and is rather a mixed-up sound. Dub may not be everyone’s favourite genre but as it goes this is a good one. Again nothing known about the performers, could be an outfit put together for this recording. Released in UK through Tempus Records in 1977. 13. AFRICAN QUEEN – Errol Campbell. On this we have a full-on vocal and Errol does a fine job. The rhythm track comes mid-tempo and the lyrics are clear. Best track so far on the disc, one’s opinion, may not be everyone’s. 16. AFRICAN STONE – Right Choice. This is nothing special and comes as a full-on Dub sound that does come with a strange vocal/chant from time-to-time. Bongo drums are very prominent on a rhythm track that is rather monotonous. African Stone (an alias of Dennis Bovell) again come as a new outfit, this is another Tempus Records release from 1978. 18. WALK AWAY (version) – The Dennis Bovell Dub Band. This is a Dub version of the Marie Pierre recording found on the ‘Love Affair’ release put out by Cherry Red Records. It lends itself really well to this genre and the guitar work on this is infectious. The rhythm track comes mid-tempo and the listener hears some weird sounds at times throughout and overall, this recording is high-quality Dub. Released in UK on Trojan Records Horse label in 1978.
DISC TWO
1. TAKE FIVE – The Young Lions. Yes, this is a cool version of the Dave Brubeck recording from 1958. It comes mid-tempo and the rhythm track comes with trumpet as the prominent instrument. The tune lends itself to this Reggae treatment and if you liked the original release you will no doubt love this. The Young Lions were a Canadian Reggae, Hardcore band and this this was released in the UK on the Disc Very label in 1978. 4. HOME LAND DUB (12″ mix) – Dennis Bovell. Starting off slowly it moves into a fast, punchy sound that becomes very catchy. The bass guitar features on the rhythm track and this is instrumental Reggae at its best, not really a full-on Dub sound. 7. PORTRAIT OF YOU (12″ mix) – Gladwin Wright. Mid-tempo Boss Reggae performed by another artist that will probably be new to most Jamaican music fans. On this the vocal is clear and Gladwin is joined by a female chorus and at 2mins 30 secs it moves from Reggae into a Dub sound. Released in UK on the Arawak label in 1979. 9. SILLY GAMES – Janet Kay. Nothing much needs to be said about this track. In one’s opinion it should have topped the UK charts back in 1979 and Janet has always been a top Lovers Rock artist. It helped to bring Lovers Rock to the attention of the British public and once heard never forgotten. Released in UK on the Scope label. 11. HOOKED ON YOU (12″ mix) – Delroy Wilson. Another top Reggae artist that we have come across many times over his long recording career. This comes with a moving-up tempo and Delroy gives his usual top vocal performance. The rhythm track comes punchy, no percussion and towards the end it moves into a classic Dub sound. Released in UK on the Studio 80 label. 14. NASTY – Julio Finn. This is a mid-tempo instrumental that comes with a pulsating rhythm track that is hard not to find catchy. Nothing special about this, just a pleasing sound with some harmonica by Julio Finn on the backing. Nothing known about Julio apart from having his own bands Julio Finn Band, Julio Finn Blues Band. Released in UK on More Cut Records in 1980. 16. FE WE DUB (12″ mix) – Marie Pierre. This is not Marie Pierre as credited on this disc as it is a full-blown Dub sound. The rhythm track comes mid-tempo and is catchy with some percussion. The credit should go to Dennis Bovell and as Dub goes this is a pleasing sound and finishes off this collection.
CONCLUSION
This collection as with the acclaimed Doctor Bird companion release, ‘The 4th Street Orchestra’ this is an overdue anthology and if you are a fan of the Dub genre then this will be a must-have. This contains top quality Reggae and shows off the unique talents of Dennis Bovell and various other artists are at their best. As always it comes with an informative 8-page booklet and is again well-package. Retailing at £14 99p it is a good value collection and can be purchased direct from Cherry Red Records. Enjoy!