Roots Garden Showcase, Pt. 3

'When The Rain' Danny Red Side A kicks off with one of UK reggae's legendary combinations, Danny Red on vocals & Nick Manasseh on production. Previous collaborations between these two stalwarts gave way to such classic releases as 'Be Grateful' (1995), Danny's debut LP 'Riddimwize' (1995 Colombia records) & 'You Don't Know' (2009 Roots Garden records). Adapting lyrics taken from the 'Riddimwize' set Danny reworks the spiritually themed 'Can't Live It Up' now titled as 'When The Rain'. Manasseh transforms the vibe of the original song providing a deep and meditative rhythm track complete with syncopated vintage drum machine, pounding analogue bass and cutting guitar skanks. Danny sets to work asserting his rastaman credentials, his trademark nasal tones building in to a chant as he delivers his stern and prophetic message. Manasseh unleashes a heavyweight drum & bass lead dubwise mix on the version….this song is already gaining popular rotation on the European sound system circuit.

'RubAdub' Johnny Clarke features Jamaica's Iconic veteran singer Johnny Clarke. Famed for his classic tracks such as 'None Shall Escape The Judgement' & 'Move Out of Babylon' cut for producer Bunny Lee at King Tubby's studio throughout the 70's. We are proud to present his debut release on Roots Garden. Johnny tackles a nostalgic theme as he reminisces back to the golden era of Jamaican sound system sessions, recalling the most influential names in the business "I can remember the good old days….bring back the original sounds…bring back the dubs.. bring back King Tubby's hi-fi…". Critical of the current dancehall trends he sings "the sound them nowadays them outta ammunition…. them nah book no studio session…. them just a play pure special to win the competition...". Manasseh's rhythm track equipped with its driving synth bassline, upbeat programmed drums and live horn riffs offer a contemporary and progressive twist to Johnny's lyrics … comes complete with a deadly dubwise designed to rock any dancehall past or present!

'Give A Little' Mike Brooks Another Jamaican musical legend… Mike Brooks makes his debut appearance on Roots Garden records. With a string of hit singles such as 'Rum Drinker' and 'What A Gathering' and several notable albums recorded for the islands top producers including Lee Perry, Duke Reid and Jo Jo Hookim throughout the 70's and 80s, his distinctive falsetto range and socially conscious lyrics have endured. A mainstay on the scene to the present day Mike continues to record for many of the top international reggae producers as well as releasing quality material on his own 'Teams' label. Manasseh provides a fitting backdrop for Mike to get to work on utilising the 'Stranger' rhythm track (Roots Garden records 2013) its live drums & organic instrumentation complimented with the addition of live horn section this time round. Mike's youthful tone and universally themed lyrics draw instant comparisons with Curtis Mayfield as he sings his message of love and mercy for the poor & needy "give a little to the less fortunate….you haffi share, you haffi give for the needy ones…". Manasseh shows off his skills as a dub master on the version, the drums cascading through his echo chamber whilst captured brass and flute riffs bounce through the mix!

'Signs' Shaka Black/Dougal Caston Originally hailing from the volcanic Caribbean island of Monserrat and now residing in London Shaka Black is fast carving a name as a talented and unique roots reggae artist. Recent notable releases include 'Righteous Day' (Horus records 2016) and 'Heavenless' & 'Outta Jungle' with Vin Gordon & the Real Rock Band (Roots Garden records 2016). Shaka's trademark stream of consciousness styled lyrical delivery is the perfect pairing for this atmospheric, deep & cinematic rhythm track. Inspired by his Rasta faith Shaka takes us on a mystical journey as he weaves biblical parables in to his tale of every day struggling …"people in the juggle going to the food bank, trying to get some food to eat, a little bit of shuffling their ends can't meet, I wonder when they're gonna seek the truth….Signs..signs…it's a wonder of times". London based tenor saxophonist Dougal Caston takes centre stage for the instrumental version his understated and subtle refrains echo through Manasseh's dubbed out back drop… creating a deep and subterranean vibe!