Fans of Jamaican popular music from the ’60s and early ’70s will be thrilled to kow that Dutch label Aggrobeat Records has brought back The Upsessions’ long unavailable LP Shake It!. Ten years after its initial release by Excelsior Recordings/Grover Records, it’s now available once more. Remastered and pressed on heavyweight green vinyl, it includes an additional bonus track along with an insert showcasing photos from that era.
Introducing
Let’s introduce The Upsessions, a Dutch band that many may not know, despite their performances at all the top ska and reggae festivals in Europe and Brazil. In January 2005, Giel Mulder, a reggae trombone player from the Netherlands, sought to create an early reggae band. His goal wasn’t to replicate the ’60s sound but rather to reinterpret it in his unique style. Alongside singer/songwriter/musician Boss van Trigt, a former member of Rude Rich and the High Notes, he began the search for suitable musicians to round out the lineup. Before long, The Upsessions were born. In September 2006, they secured a deal with the legendary UK ska label Moon Ska World. Their debut album, The New Heavyweight Champion, released in May 2007, was met with enthusiastic reviews, as were two vinyl 7” singles. The Upsessions then played their distinctive mix of early reggae, ska, funk, calypso and soul at Europe’s top ska and reggae festivals, including Germany’s This is Ska festival, Potsdammer Skafestival, and Spain’s Rudecat festival in Girona. Their sophomore album, Beat You Reggae, launched in 2009 under Excelsior Recordings/Grover Records, led to a 10-day headlinertour across Europe. Two years later, they unveiled their third album, the 12-track Below The Belt.
Shake It! (Deluxe Reissue)
In 2013, the band embarked on a new venture that culminated in their magnum opus, the album Shake It!, released in 2014. The initial tunes for this project were shared with Lee “Scratch” Perry during a meeting held in a German motel room. This encounter prompted Perry to contribute his unique commentary to several tracks. While his involvement is relatively minimal, his distinctive voice enhances the overall sound. The album features a tight and grooving riddim section, engaging organ riffs, lively brass arrangements, and beautifully harmonized vocals, all complemented by catchy melodies. Lyrically, several songs explore double entendres and sexual themes, reflecting the rich tradition of Jamaican popular music that traces back to calypso and mento, with tunes from artists like Lord Kitchener and Count Lasher. From start to finish, this LP showcases quality craftsmanship and highlights The Upsessions’ versatility. The album kicks off with a vibrant Calypso tune entitled The Big Bamboo Treat. The opener is followed by the superb title track Shake It! and the throughout entertaining bonus track Keep On Loving You, which features the lead vocal of well-known Dutch singer/songwriter Tim Knol. This marks a strong start for an LP that continues to delight listeners with vibrant sounds and memorable moments. Highlights include the ska-infused Hold Your Whining, the stunner Collie Weed, the charming Kitty Bush, and the exceptional boss anthem Look Who Dem A Boss Now. Additionally, the instrumentals Dirty Cash, Cool The Pepper, and Funky-Lumpine are also definitely worth a listen.