Studio One Rockers

by Khevrisa

Overview

Released by the U.K.-based Soul Jazz in 2001, Studio One Rockers is an excellent introduction to the mighty Jamaican label's undeniable strength and depth. Clement "Coxsone" Dodd's outlet as a producer and label head is paid due here, combining the well-known with the unknown so fluidly that some dedicated fans might be hard-pressed to separate the classic from the unearthed. Not only do you get the 15 fantastic songs -- which flow with the greatest of ease from roots to ska to funk to rocksteady to dub -- but you also get a hefty booklet, which contains an exhaustive interview with Dodd that recalls the days he spent spinning records at his mother's Kingston restaurant. Regrettably, there's zero recording information about the tracks, but that fault falls in line with the majority of reggae reissues. To look on the bright side, it almost adds to the mystique. Differing from most compilations of any genre, this isn't a disc that you dig up from time to time to play a favored track or two. This is something that begs to be played from front to back, since it's wildly varied and well-sequenced. But most importantly, it sounds spectacular. Sequentially, Horace Andy's sublime "Skylarking" gets sandwiched between Freddy McGregor's political "Bobby Bobylon" and "Village Soul," a mallet workout from Lennie Hibbert. Tough and dynamic dancehall duo Michigan & Smiley ("Eye of Danger") precedes Dawn Penn's classic, torrid, languid "No No No," only to be followed by the horn punches of the Skatalites' "Phoenix City." Other noteworthies include instrumentals by Sound Dimension (the disc-opening "Real Rock"), Studio One's music director and organ master Jackie Mittoo ("Hot Milk"), and guitar legend Ernest Ranglin ("Surfin'"). Truly a reggae compilation to be bought with no reservations whatsoever. ~ Andy Kellman

Product Details

Release Date:	04/01/2022
Label:	Soul / Soul Jazz
UPC:	5026328704517

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Brentford All Stars   Primary Artist
Cedric Brooks   Primary Artist
Sound Dimension   Primary Artist
Freddie McGregor   Primary Artist
Prince Jazzbo   Primary Artist
Michigan & Smiley   Primary Artist
Lennie Hibbert   Primary Artist
Ernest Ranglin   Primary Artist
Horace Andy   Primary Artist
Dawn Penn   Primary Artist
Johnny Osbourne   Primary Artist
Lone Ranger   Primary Artist
Jackie Mittoo   Primary Artist
The Skatalites   Primary Artist
Marcia Griffiths   Primary Artist

Technical Credits

Cedric Brooks   Performer
Brentford All Stars   Performer
Freddie McGregor   Composer,Performer
Prince Jazzbo   Performer
Michigan & Smiley   Performer
Anthony Fairclough   Composer
Errol Crusher Bennett   Composer
Angela Scott   Licensing
Adrian Self   Cover Design,Sleeve Design
Toots Hibbert   Composer
Lennie Hibbert   Performer
Ernest Ranglin   Composer,Performer
Horace Andy   Performer
Horace Hinds   Composer
Dawn Penn   Composer,Performer
Johnny Osbourne   Composer,Performer
Lone Ranger   Performer
Roland Alphonso   Composer
Prince   Composer
The Skatalites   Performer
Bob Andy   Composer
Clement "Coxsone" Dodd   Composer,Producer,Mastering
Pete Reilly   Mastering
Pasport Biscuit   Cover Design
Pierce Smith   Reproduction
Jackie Mittoo   Composer,Performer
C.S. Dodd   Composer,Producer,Mastering
Duncan Cowell   Mastering
Marcia Griffiths   Performer
Sound Dimension   Performer