The Bamboo Club, Bristol 1977 – Through the eyes of….
Thursday, June 30th, 2011 (3 months ago | reply)
Posts Tagged ‘Roots’
The Bristol Reggae Explosion Vol 2 – The 80′s
Wednesday, June 29th, 2011Following the critical and commercial success of “The Bristol Reggae Explosion 1978 – 1983” Bristol Archive records have dug even deeper into the city’s reggae heritage for the follow-up, “Bristol Reggae Explosion Volume 2 – The 1980s”. This time we continue our quest not only with a selection of rarities, but with several tracks that have never been previously released, by popular demand Volume 2 also comes with greater dub content.
Bristol’s top roots exponents Black Roots feature once more, “Tribal War” is a prime example of their early roots style. Whilst “Pin In The Ocean” shows the later more commercial sound they adopted in collaboration with the Mad Professor, both tracks can also be found on the label’s “Black Roots The Reggae Singles Anthology”, a career spanning overview.
Bunny Marrett wrote Black Roots’ “Bristol Rock”, the opening track on Volume 1 so it’s only appropriate and with great pleasure that we include his sole vinyl outing, the very scarce “Times Are Getting Harder”, a great slice of UK roots. When it comes to scarcity there were reputedly just 200 copies pressed of “Robin Hoods Of The Ghetto” by Cool Running, we believe it deserves a much wider audience.
The Radicals, 3-D Production and Joshua Moses will be familiar to those who have Volume 1 and return with more of the same. The Joshua Moses track is previously unreleased and appears here thanks to the detective work of Mike Darby. Another unreleased track we’ve managed to uncover is Alfred McIntosh’s “Wicked Dub” a 7 minute workout that helps give this release a greater dub flavour.
The mid part of the decade is represented by Zapp Stereo’s appropriately titled “Way Out West” and Lord John Hutchinson’s “Little Eyes”. Both tracks are previously unreleased. The albums closing track is Dan Ratchett’s “Raggamuffin Girl”. Recorded in 1989 it perfectly sums up the way Reggae music started to change direction. Dan was an ever present part of the Bristol scene in the late eighties and nineties and hopefully this will be the first of many tracks we get to license for future releases.
Rather than discuss all the tracks in detail we’ve left a few surprises for the listener to discover for themselves, but you can be sure that this release builds on the strengths of Volume 1 and explores the Bristol scene in far more depth. Hopefully it shows how the live, band based scene at the start of the decade evolved to be more solo artist based a few years later. This sowed the seeds for the explosion in studio based production companies that were just around the corner, the two volumes compliment each other perfectly, roll on Volume 3!
Talisman Album Review
Wednesday, June 1st, 2011As you may know each month we pack all the news and articles that were published on United Reggae the previous month.
You or one of your project is inside the 8th issue that we just published : http://unitedreggae.com/magazine/
Leaf through or download it for free.
You can also order a paper copy.
All the best,
Camille MONCHICOURT
http://unitedreggae.com
Bunny Marrett
Thursday, May 26th, 2011I met with the great man yesterday. Bunny granted permission to use his single ‘Times are Getting Harder’ originally released in 1980 on Shoc Wave on The Bristol Reggae Explosion Vol 2 1980′s.
Nearly 70′s years of age and still making Roots music today.
Bunny wrote the tunes ‘Bristol Rock’ and ‘The System’ recorded by Black Roots and released on their first EP in 1981
Talisman
Thursday, May 19th, 2011Just confirmed for the St.Pauls Festival on 2nd July 2011
http://www.talismanreggae.com
http://www.facebook.com/talismanreggae
http://www.myspace.com/talismanreggae
Black Roots Album released September 5th 2011
Friday, May 13th, 2011Bristol Archive Records will release on September 5th 2011 ‘The Reggae Singles Anthology’
The Deluxe Edition CD will come with a DVD of the bands performance at the Studio in 1986
Also we have a Double Vinyl album with excluisve insert
TRACKS CD
- BRISTOL ROCK 4.15 (Bunny Marrett/Arranged by Black Roots) 1981
- TRIBAL WAR 4.22 (Black Roots)1981
- THE FATHER 3.30 (Black Roots)1981
- THE SYSTEM 3.58 (Bunny Marrett/Arranged by Black Roots)1981
- CHANTING FOR FREEDOM 8.45 (Black Roots)1981
- CONFUSION 3.28 (Black Roots)1981
- WHAT THEM A DO 5.57 (Black Roots)1981
- THE FRONTLINE 3.43 (Black Roots)1984
- MOVE ON 6.07 (Black Roots)1983
- JUVENILE DELINQUENT 4.23 (Black Roots)1984
- STRUGGLING 5.14 (Black Roots)1984
- SEEING YOUR FACE 4.17 (Black Roots)1986
- CONMAN 3.22 (Black Roots)1986
- PIN IN THE OCEAN 6.38 (Black Roots)1987
- SUZY WONG 4.57 (P. Ecclestone)1987
- START AFRESH 5.55 (Black Roots)1988
Tracks 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,12,13,14,15 and 16 Originally released on Nubian Records, track 8 originally released on BBC Records, track 9 originally released on Silvertown, tracks 10 and 11 originally released on Kick Records.
TRACKS VINYL
Side A
- BRISTOL ROCK 4.15 (Bunny Marrett/Arranged by Black Roots) 1981
- TRIBAL WAR 4.22 (Black Roots)1981
- THE FATHER 3.30 (Black Roots)1981
- THE SYSTEM 3.58 (Bunny Marrett/Arranged by Black Roots)1981
Side B
- CHANTING FOR FREEDOM 8.45 (Black Roots)1981
- CONFUSION 3.28 (Black Roots)1981
- WHAT THEM A DO 5.57 (Black Roots)1981
- THE FRONTLINE 3.43 (Black Roots)1984
Side C
- MOVE ON 6.07 (Black Roots)1983
- JUVENILE DELINQUENT 4.23 (Black Roots)1984
- STRUGGLING 5.14 (Black Roots)1984
- SEEING YOUR FACE 4.17 (Black Roots)1986
Side D
- CONMAN 3.22 (Black Roots)1986
- PIN IN THE OCEAN 6.38 (Black Roots)1987
- SUZY WONG 4.57 (P. Ecclestone)1987
- START AFRESH 5.55 (Black Roots)1988
Tracks A1,A2,A3,A4,B5,B6,B7,C12,D13,D14,D15 and D16 Originally released on Nubian Records, track B8 originally released on BBC Records, track C9 originally released on Silvertown, tracks C10 and C11 originally released on Kick Records.
INFO:
Black Roots are: Cordell Francis – Lead Guitar, Errol Brown – Vocals, Jabulani Ngozi – Rhythm Guitar, Delroy Ogilvie – Vocals, Trevor Seivwright – Drums, Kondwani Ngozi – Congas/Vocals, Derrick King – Bass, Carlton Roots/Mikey – Keyboards/Vocals.
Additional musicians: Rico Rodriguez - Trombone on tracks 7 and 9, Dick Cuthell – Flugel Horn tracks 7 and 9, Rudi Hymes – Saxophone tracks 7 and 9, Vin Gordon – Trombone on track 12, Michael “Bammie” Rose – Tenor Sax and Flute on track 12, Max Carrot – Trumpet on track 12.
All tracks produced by Black Roots except: track 8,10 and 11 co-produced by Denny Vidal, track 9 produced by Denny Vidal, tracks 12,13 and 14 produced by Neil Fraser (The Mad Professor).
Tracks 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 mixed by Richard Lewis (UK Scientist)
All tracks mastered by Shaun Joseph at Optimum, April 2011
Compiled and high resolution transfers by Martin Langford April 2011
All Rights Reserved
P&C Bristol Archive Records 2011
All recordings owned by Black Roots/Nubian Records and exclusively licenced to Bristol Archive Records
All tracks published by Nubian Music except tracks 1,4 and 15 Copyright Control
The Bristol Reggae Explosion – NOW ON RED VINYL
Monday, May 2nd, 2011We have a limited pressing – 500 copies only available to preorder now on beautiful RED Vinyl
Enjoy!
Talisman Album Review 10/10
Tuesday, April 26th, 2011Latest
TALISMAN: ‘Dole Age.’ The 1981 Reggae Collection.
This is an inspired choice of release from the forward-looking (or perhaps that should be backward-looking) Bristol Archive Recordings. Having previously issued two albums of retrospective compilation material showcasing the punk and reggae scenes within Bristol around the latter half of the Seventies / start of the Eighties, they now concentrate their attention on the vastly underrated reggae stalwarts TALISMAN.
Although TALISMAN were deemed worthy of support slots with bands the calibre of The Clash, Burning Spear and even The Rolling Stones, a major record deal was never forthcoming. As far as I can ascertain, the sum recorded output from the band amounts to two singles and a couple of albums released in 1984 and 1990.
However, talent like this should not remain inaccessible, and Bristol Archive Recordings have now made available those two much sought-after singles (‘Dole Age’ and ‘Free Speech’) as well as seven carefully selected tracks from the band’s classic shows at Glastonbury and Bath University to comprise the seventy-two minutes of this wonderful album.
Admittedly, reggae does sound at its best when pumping out some massive sound system on a gloriously sunny day. But we don’t get many such days up here in Glasgow (and my crappy music system and even my I-pod are currently knackered!) but I can tell you, it still sounds magnificent on the van stereo and my laptop.
There is lovely warm feeling about this brand of reggae. The sax and keyboards see to this. But the whole album also incorporates substantial helpings of dub along the way, often integrating it as a mid-song breakdown. Tracks like ‘Run Come Girl’ feature the ‘harp’ (mouth organ) in the haunting manner made more commercially acceptable by the likes of Beats International (‘Dub Be Good To Me’) about a decade and a half later.
The live tracks have never been properly released before and although the crowd sounds are muted / sparse, it somehow makes the tracks even more special in that they feel that bit more intimate – that they are being performed just for you.
Of course there are also a few tracks that seem to transpose into big jams. ‘Words Of Wisdom’ for instance spans almost fourteen and a half minutes, with some great drumming / sax combinations given the dub treatment while vocalist Lazarus Taylor skanks his way through set, delivering his deliciously reverb-drenched lyrics with clarity, conviction and authority.
I genuinely can’t believe just how atmospheric this album is – it really transports the listener back to a time of dingy basement parties and oppressive, fuggy air. If your perception of ‘old skool’ reggae is based upon say UB40’s version of ‘Red Red Wine,’ then you really have to listen to this album and sample just what it was like back in the day. (Look! I sound like your Father!)
If you were indeed around or experienced the vibe at the onset of the Eighties, then you‘ll be equally enthralled by this release, which serves as a reminder that the UK reggae scene, while it remained steadfastly in the ‘underground,’ was in fact an equal of the burgeoning but more exposed Punk movement.
It also perfectly illustrates that UK reggae had more to offer than just Aswad, Steel Pulse and Misty In Roots.
(Released through Bristol Archive Records on 9th May 2011)
** The album will be released on CD and Download basis, but there will also be run of Limited Edition Vinyl Albums which will include five different tracks – including the 12” mixes. **
(10/10)
Taken from: http://loudhorizon.wordpress.com
COLIN
LOUD HORIZON / ARTROCKER
Riot In Bristol – 3 D Production
Saturday, April 23rd, 2011
7” Vinyl – Limited Edition Single
“RIOT” and “Re-Arrange (Version)”
Released 11th July 2011
The success of “The Bristol Reggae Explosion 1979-1983”, has helped many new fans discover some of the wonderful reggae music hidden away and half forgotten in Bristol’s musical story. Many people have got in touch with us and asked if there was any chance of re-releasing some of these tunes in their original seven or twelve inch vinyl format. Having dipped our toe in the reggae singles market with our very limited release of a Joshua Moses/Sharon Bengamin split seven inch for Record Store Day we are delighted to announce our first full release is the most requested track from the album, 3-D Production “Riot”, coupled with it’s original B side, “Re-Arrange (Version)”.
3-D Production were an offshoot of The Radicals with John Carley on vocals, guitar and percussion and Black Roots member King providing the bass lines. This two man core were then supplemented by other local musicians. The single was released in 1980 on the small reggae label Third Kind and judging from it’s scarcity it seems to have sunk without trace, fortunately we didn’t forget it !! So after more than thirty years it will be re-released on Bristol Archive Records.
The title “Riot” needs no explanation and is about the St. Paul’s riot that had only just happened, a classic case of reggae reportage, opening with police sirens and the sound of smashing glass. The original picture cover is adorned with an image of the burning Lloyds Bank on Ashley Road whilst the rear features a burned out police panda car. Perhaps it’s no surprise “Riot” was banned by the BBC!
The B side “Re-Arrange (Version)” didn’t appear on the LP and has not previously been reissued. It presents a complete contrast to “Riot”, a sparse dub obviously inspired by late period Black Ark recordings with the snippets of vocal harmonies dropping in and out of the mix. A real grower that you find yourself drawn back to again and again wishing that there was a proper vocal version to accompany it.
The single will be released on Monday 11th July housed in an updated version of the original picture sleeve and with perfect attention to detail, we have even used the same colour for the labels as used on the original.
ARTIST: 3-D Production
TITLE: ‘Riot / Re-Arrange (Version)’
FORMAT: Limited Edition 7” Vinyl Single
LABEL: Bristol Archive Records
DISTRIBUTION: Exclusive to www.bristolarchiverecords.com
CAT NO: ARC185V
RELEASE DATE: 11thJuly 2011
WEBSITE: www.bristolarchiverecords.com
CONTACT: Mike Darby, E: [email protected] T: 07885 498 402
Gigs News
Saturday, April 2nd, 2011Black Roots confirm headlining album launch Bristol show at the Fleece for September 9th
Talisman are approached to headline The Harbourside Festivals Queen Square stage, last weekend in July – awaiting confirmation
Black Roots are approached to play ATP in London - pending confirmation
Fro country and from town,
By de ship-load, be the plane load
Jamaica is Englan boun.
Everybody future plan
Is fe get a big-time job
An settle in de mother lan.
Man an woman, old an young
Jus a pack dem bag an baggage
An turn history upside dung!
But fe show dem loyalty
Dem all a open up cheap-fare-
To-England agency.
Dem countryman like fire,
Fe immigrate an populate
De seat a de Empire.
Oonoo see da turnabout?
Jamaica live fe box bread
Out a English people mout’.
An start play dem different role,
Some will settle down to work
An some will settle fe de dole.
Because dey paying she
Two pounds a week fe seek a job
dat suit her dignity
At de rate how she dah look,
For all day she stay popn Aunt Fan couch
An read love-story book.
Dem face war an brave de worse,
But me wondering how dem gwine stan
Colonizin in reverse.
generation…TRIUMPHANTLY. “Won’t you help to sing…” LUV Oonoo. MYSTIC BLOWING THRU THE AIR….
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I’ll rise.
Why are you beset with gloom?
‘Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I’ll rise.
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops.
Weakened by my soulful cries.
Don’t you take it awful hard
‘Cause I laugh like I’ve got gold mines
Diggin’ in my own back yard.
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I’ll rise.
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I’ve got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?
I rise
Up from a past that’s rooted in pain
I rise
I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.