With the compilations to impress every time, Soul Jazz Records come correct once again with Dancehall Vol. 2, a follow up to the Dancehall Vol. 1 compilation released in 2008.
Vol.1 also coincided with the release of Beth Lesser’s Dancehall book – a photographic study of Jamaican music and culture in the 1980s (out on Soul Jazz Publishing and highly recommended by this reviewer). These releases show the label’s commitment to showcase a musical phenomenon that changed the world forever.
Dealing with the tough task of compiling music from a genre so hugely diverse, they have succeeded extremely well in selecting some superb cuts. The tunes range far back into the early days of dancehall music, drawing roots from the classic sound system songs of the 1960s in Kingston, Jamaica. Reinterpretations of this sound by 70s and 80s producers and artists meant that a new platform had come available for the youth artists and musicians of that time.
Roots dancehall singers like Barry Brown, Johnny Osbourne, Anthony Johnson, and Tristan Palmer nice up the collection of tunes, alongside the deejays of the time like Trinity, Early B, and Lone Ranger. 80s artists like Half Pint, Ini Kamoze, Yellowman and productions from Sly and Robbie’s Taxi label and Jammy’s play an important roll on this compilation, as it was during this period that dancehall’s digital revolution occurred.
Overall this compilation features some of the kings of the time. Not represented however are the numerous classic cuts from any female artists. For that you would have to check Dancehall Vol.1, where you’ll find Lady Ann and Sister Nancy holding their own with some of dancehall music’s best cuts, essential in anyone’s dancehall music collection.
Stand out tracks on this two-disc compilation include Tristan Palmers – Collie Man (Black Solidarity, 1979), Buju Banton – World Massa God (Penthouse, 1992), Barry Brown – Tourist Season (Joe Gibbs), Shabba Ranks – Respect (Shang Muzik) and Half Pint – One Big Ghetto (Jammys, 1984).
More info:
Soul Jazz records
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