In Jamaica, the 1970s mark the transition from ska and rocksteady to a multitude of musical terrain – driven by collaborations between producers, singers, and studio musicians in ever new constellations.
Roots reggae identifies with the poor and addresses aspects of black liberation and revolution; dub strips down recordings to their rhythmic core, influences from disco music are taken on, and a new style like dancehall develops.
In 2018, “Reggae music from Jamaica” was added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity because its intellectual, socio-political, sensual, and spiritual orientation contributes to the international discourse on topics such as injustice, resistance, love, and humanity.
46 minutes with music by Keith Hudson, Norma White & Brentford Disco Set, Sound Dimension, Susan Cadogan and others – produced between 1970 and 1983.
Featured cover art: Jackie Mittoo – Hot Blood
Playlist
Jackie Mittoo – Brain Mark
Jackie Mittoo learned to play the piano in 1951 at the age of three, and his music is one of the cornerstones of reggae. (1977, Third World / Re: Blood & Fire)
Keith Hudson – Depth Charge
The first consciously thematically focused dub album, Pick A Dub, places the emphasis on rhythm. (1974, Mamba / Re: VP Records)
Ramon & The Crystalites – Golden Chickens
The studio band of producer Derrick Harriott, accompanied by Ramon, the Mexican. (1970, Crystal Records / Re: Dub Store Records)
Al Barry & The Cimarons – Morning Sun
The Cimarons, originally from Jamaica, formed in London in 1967 and discovered pop music. (1970, Doctor Bird / Re: Trojan Records)
Sound Dimension – Park View
From the studio band of Clement “Coxsone” Dodd, the founder of the legendary record label Studio One. (1971, Coxsone Records / Re: Soul Jazz Records)
Augustus Pablo – East Of The River Nile
The producer, label owner and committed Rastafarian introduced the melodica into reggae music. (1978, Message / Re: Trojan Records)
Dub Specialist – Nairobi
Dub Specialist’s releases were mixed down in the Seventies by various sound engineers – under the direction of Clement “Coxsone” Dodd. (1980, Studio One / Re: Soul Jazz Records)
The Dynamic Four feat. Effie Williams – Let’s Make Love
Roots music as an expression of Rastafarianism, black consciousness and self-determination is an important aspect of reggae in the Seventies. (1972, Faze Four / Re: Soul Jazz Records)
Susan Cadogan – Feeling Is Right
A seductive piece, produced by Lee “Scratch” Perry. (1975, Upsetter / Re: Trojan Records)
Gregory Isaacs – Leaving
This production, mixed by Prince Jammy in King Tubby’s studio, heralds a new chapter in dub. (1978, Burning Sounds)
Windel Haye – Haunted House
Dancehall emerges as a distinct style of reggae at the end of the Seventies. (1979, Studio One / Re: Soul Jazz Records)
Norma White & Brentford Disco Set – I Want Your Love (Version)
Norma White and the Studio One in-house band celebrate disco. (1978, Studio One / Re: Soul Jazz Records)
The Heptones – Peace & Love
Maintaining the vibe of the Seventies while recording in London in the next decade. (1983, Vista Sounds /Re: Burning Sounds)
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