Jammy$ from the Roots: 1977-1985 in Bloomington, MN

Reggae fans will hardly need to read a review of this compilation: all they'll need to see are the name "Jammy's" and the dates "1977-1985," and they'll recognize this two-disc set for what it is: a collection of (mostly) essential reggae recordings made in the studio of
King Jammy
, one of the music's most revered producers at the cusp of the dancehall era. There are no digital rhythms here: although the backing tracks have that smooth, propulsive feel that all but shouts "here come the computers," they're all played on live instruments by the redoubtable
High Times
and
Aggrovators
studio bands, both of whom were rivaled only by
the Roots Radics
the Soul Syndicate
for the title of Best Reggae Backing Band Ever. Interestingly, there are also almost no DJs: the vast majority of the collection's 32 tracks are by singers, who range from legendary (
Sugar Minott
,
Junior Reid
Frankie Paul
) to nearly forgotten (
Lacksley Castell
the Fantails
). The quality of the material is, predictably enough, slightly uneven, but leans heavily toward the top-notch:
"Natty Dread at the Controls"
is a great performance by the underrated DJ
U Black
's
"Higgler Move"
is a stone classic (unlike his much slighter
"Boom-Shack-a-Lack,"
also included), and
'
"Name of the Game"
is another brilliant obscurity. The
Black Uhuru
tracks are excellent, as always. Through it all,
's production style is both distinctive and perfect. ~ Rick Anderson