REVIEW: Roots, Rock and Reggae - Compilation

Compilation albums are often a fortress of goodies both heard and unheard to the listening ear in possession of the music. Doctor Bird Records, a division of Cherry Red Records, specializes specifically in Jamaican beats licenced from the legendary Trojan Records. It’s now over 40 years since the original back in 1978 with now the time for its first digital release and an expanded 2 disc with detailed liner notes from Tony Rounce.

The original release of the album was planned to show off one of Jamaica’s lesser known producers Phil Mathias. Phil had spent well over 30 years as a producer to many of the artists that feature and more, but it is his work on Revue and Big Phil labels that this collection is focused on coming from the later part of the 1970’s. This new release features the original 14 track album but is also laden with further treats including some marvellous bonus tracks.

Sugar Minotts In the Residence, The In Crowds Baby My Love and Riding High plus Cornel Campbell produce some of the highlights amongst the set, groove, entice and rip up the form book. There are plenty of sunshine hits to grave the skies including Delroy Wilsons take on Consider Yourself, Jah Stitch take on Hortense Ellis’s Unexpected Places, riding on a groove of their own making is Ranking Joe with his take on Miserable Woman whilst finally King Miguel reminisces with Love Of A Woman.

The compilation as a whole is a fantastic journey into the world of mostly unknown reggae big hitters that would no doubt get you up in the middle of the dancefloor whether it be in the living, dancehall or bedroom.

The album can be purchased via the Cherry Red website