Dreader Dread : Johnny Clarke

This CD was a Blood & Fire release from 1998 and to me this is the best representation of Johnny Clarke's work through the 1970's. It's a compilation of songs from 1976-1978 and filled with the conscious roots message of the 70's. My favorite tracks on this disc are: "Every Knee Shall Bow", "Age is Growing", " and "Play Fool Fe Get Wise". You can also find dub tracks and King Tubby mixes of the work on this disc, but with the extended tracks included, this CD is the best bang for your buck. A few covers are also included on this disc. A stripped down version of "Time Will Tell" and "Top Ranking" which is a cover of Peter Tosh's "I'm the Toughest" show how Johnny can put his talents to the work of his friends. This disc is in my Top 20 for sure and it belongs in your collection.

Horace Andy Meets Naggo Morris/Wayne Jarrett -- Mini Showcase

This disc is great. When I first got it I couldn't take it out of my car CD player for at least two months. It's actually a compilation of "samplers" that emerged from the lair of Lloyd Bullwackie Barnes. the New York based Wackies label has a lot of solid beats and rythms being laid down and this is the proof. Tracks #1-8 are Wayne Jarrett and was originally the "Wayne Jarrett mini Showcase". Tracks #9-12 are Horace Andy and I'm not sure of you can find it on anyother discs. Tracks #13-16 are Naggo Morris and really a real treat from an artist that doesn't seem to have a lot of material out there. All of the tracks on this disc were originally released in 1983 and the Horace Andy and Naggo Morris was originally released as "Horace Andy meets Naggo Morris". I promise you if you buy this disc you will not be disappointed. It's just some of the great work that emerged from the Wackies label in the early 80's and a great chance to get some rare Horace Andy.

Human Rights & Justice : Daweh Congo

If you've never heard of Daweh Congo, he's quite the unique artist. If I had to compare him to someone it would be the deep grumblings of Prince Far-I or the resonant chants of Burning Spear. He's the son of reggae artist Leo Graham, but started releasing his own material in the late 90's. Human Rights & Justice is a 2000 release off of the Roots & Culture label, and for me the highlight of Daweh's collection. I had the pleasure of seeing him perform live around the same time as the release of this disc and he was outstanding - staying true to his sound. My favorite tracks on this one are #1 (Human Rights & Justice), #2 (Jah is my Shepard), and #7 (Herb Tree) . Herb Tree is actually the Zungguzungguguzungguzeng rhythm and you'll recognize the work of Flabba Holt and others on tracks using vintage Roots Radics rhythms from the early 80's. Daweh recorded this one at Leggo's Studio in Kingston. This disc is actually pretty hard to find and I'm still using a burned copy I got from a friend back in 2000. Good luck in your search. If anyone finds it for sale, please leave a comment on the blog - I'd appreciate the lead !!!