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Tapper Zukie Productions - Proud To Be Black (TJCCD198)

Storming! – I’ve already raved about Tapper’s own Cd but this one culls the best Rare Roots and Culture from his Stars Label 1976 to 1988, and it is excellent pretty much from start to finish.

Difficult to select the best as the whole feel is dis tinctive and pretty much unique.  Some of the best ‘soul’ voices of jamiaca are here Horace Andy, the great Cornell Campbell, Alton Ellis, Dennis Brown on Roots driven material. Also fantastic tracks by Knowledge (Population is Mega!) and the Mighty Diamonds.

More superb tracks from Ronnie Davis who kicks off with the superb No Weak Heart, unknown BA Wisdom’s Come Let us Sing, Vibes Tone Leaders of Black Country, Massive Dread No more to roar and the title Frankie Jones Proud to be Black.  The whole era picked up on the vibe of Rootsness, where has it gone!, the feeling may still be there but it need again to reestablish music like this.

Essential!

Tapper Zukie Productions - Proud To Be Black (TJCCD198)

Format: CD album
Released: 23/08/2004
Availability: Available to pre-order from 09/08/2004
Price: tbc

The majority of tracks on this compilation have been taken from scarce Jamaican 7 and 12 inch singles, and this is the first time for many to be issued in the UK let alone on CD. Compiled by enthusiast and reggae author Michael De Koningh, the album provides a snapshot of Tapper Zukie's production work from the early roots anthem 'No Weak Heart' by Ronnie Davis to harsh 'digital' recordings from masters like the late Dennis Brown. The span of tracks takes in complete unknown artists like the sumptuously named BA Wisdom through to roots stalwart vocal group Knowledge, with a smattering of familiar names such as Horrace Andy, Alton Ellis and Cornell Campbell.

 

Tracklisting

Ronnie Davies - No Weak Heart
Ronnie Davies - Weak Heart Version
Knowledge - Population
Horace Andy - Brutality
BA Wisdom - Come Let Us Sing
Musical Intebedator - Singing Version
Palmer Brothers - Bow Down Babylon
Ruddy Thomas - Sweet Reggae Music
Horace Andy - Love Me Baby
Musical Intermidator - Dub Me Baby
Alton Ellis - We A Feel It
Musical Intermidator - Feel It Version
Frankie Jones - Proud To Be Black
Cornell Campbell - Press Along Natty
Knowledge - Good Luck My Friends
Massive Dread - No More To Roar
Frankie Jones - Money Man Skank
Vibes Tone - Leaders Of Black Country
Mighty Diamonds - Morgan The Pirate
Cornell Campbell - World Of Tribulation
Horace Andy - If I Wasn't A Man
Mighty Diamonds - Bad Boy
Dennis Brown - Death Before Dishonour

 

 

 

 

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