Back catalogue: Reggae

Notes: 300pp, Black & White illustrations.

It's forty years since the Specials took the pop world by storm with their infectious mix of Ska rhythms and punk attitude. Madness and The Selector followed close on their heels. Within a matter of months the 2-Tone bands had stolen our hearts and conquered the charts with a non-stop procession of unforgettable hits: 'Gangsters', 'A message to you Rudi', 'Too Much too Young', 'The Prince', 'One Step Beyond', 'My Girl', 'Too Much Pressure'...

"Your last chance to dance before World War Three," Specials singer Terry Hall called it. An exaggeration of course, but 2-Tone served up the most perfect pop since Trojan reggae dominated the UK charts a decade earlier. And the bands kept coming - Bad Manners, The Beat, The Bodysnatchers. Even Judge Dread came back! Garry Bushell was the first rock writer to see the Specials live, the first to interview Madness and the first to watch the bands attempt to export their magic to the USA. This book is his collected dispatches from the front line during that exciting, exhilarating rise of the rude boys.

The Ska, Rock & Mod revival of the late Seventies early Eighties put life and laughs into a politIcally grim UK scene. Journalist Garry Bushell was on the front line, working for Sounds and Dance Craze magazine, and was present to witness all of the critical events.

Notes: For the first time ever, all the recordings made by Bob Marley, Bunny Wailer, and Peter Tosh have been compiled into a definitive discography which details each track - identifying all the singers and musicians, engineers, producers, studios, master tape information, matrix numbers of all the seven-inch records, plus the actual recording dates of each song. There is a great deal of background information included as well, based on more than 64 hours of interviews that the authors conducted with Bunny Wailer, during which time they played every song the Wailers ever made and got the full story of each. The book is an absolute must-have for every serious collector of Bob Marley and the Wailers, containing a treasure trove of new anecdotal information that even the most casual Wailers fan will find of great value. The book also contains stunning photographs by Kate Simon.

Notes: What was it about Bob Marley that made him so popular in a world dominated by rock'n'roll?

How is that he has not only remained the single most successful reggae artist ever, but has also become a shining beacon of radicalism and peace to generation after generation of fans across the globe?

On May 11, 1981, a little after 11.30 in the morning, Bob Marley died. The man who introduced reggae to a worldwide audience, in his own lifetime he had already become a hero figure in the classic mythological sense. From immensely humble beginnings and with talent and religious belief his only weapons, the Jamaican recording artist applied himself with unstinting perseverance to spreading his prophetic musical message.

And he had achieved it: only a year earlier, Bob Marley and The Wailers' tour of Europe had seen them perform to the largest audiences a musical act had up to that point experienced. Record sales of Marley's albums before his death were spectacular; in the years since his death they have become phenomenal, as each new generation discovers afresh the remarkable power of his music.

Chris Salewicz, who had a sequence of adventures with Bob Marley in Jamaica in 1979, offers us a comprehensive and detailed account of Bob Marley's life and the world in which he grew up and came to dominate. Never-before-heard interviews with dozens of people who knew Marley are woven through a narrative that brings to life not only the Rastafari religion and the musical scene in Jamaica, but also the spirit of the man himself.

Notes: Covers: Retracing Reggae Record Sleeves in London is a project by photographer Alex Bartsch documenting reggae album covers shot in London between 1967 and 1988. After years of research and working in close collaboration with Al 'Fingers' Newman of One Love Books, Bartsch has identified and photographed more than 50 UK reggae sleeves in their original locations, holding them up at arm's length to blend in with their surroundings, decades later. Presented in this way, the images document the passing of time, and provide a fascinating insight into the history of reggae music in the UK, a largely overlooked but immensely important part of Britain's popular culture and musical identity.

To augment the photographs, Bartsch and Newman have traced and interviewed people that were involved in the album in some way, be it the original artist, photographer, designer or somebody from the record label. Excerpts from these interviews, which provide rich cultural and historical context to the album covers, are included alongside each photograph.

Visually stunning and contextually fascinating, the book will appeal to those interested in reggae, vintage album cover art and the historical documentation of London and other parts of the UK, as well as the broader evolution of popular culture in Britain.

Notes: New 10th anniversary edition on Soul Jazz Books/Soul Jazz Records of this now classic large format deluxe book - the definitive photography book and essential guide to Jamaican Dancehall in the 1980s featuring 100s and 100s of amazing photographs - all with accompanying text, interviews and biographies.

'Dancehall' is an essential reference book for anyone interested in Reggae and captures a previously unseen era of musical culture, fashion and lifestyle in stunning, vibrant colour.

Dancehall is a culture that encompasses music, fashion, drugs, guns, art, community, technology, and more. Born in the 1950s out of the neighbourhood soundsystems of Kingston, Dancehall grew to its height in the 1980s before a massive influx of drugs and guns made the scene too dangerous for many. Today Dancehall remains at the centre of Jamaican musical and cultural life. From its roots in Kingston in the 1950s to its heyday in the 1980s, Dancehall conquered the globe spreading to the USA, UK, Canada, Japan, Europe and beyond.

In the early 1980s Jamaica was in the throws of political and gang violence - photographer Beth Lesser ventured where few other dared and this book is a never-before-seen record of the exciting, dangerous and vibrant world of Dancehall.

Living in Jamaica in the late 70s and early 80s she photographed and documented a cultural explosion as producers, singers, DJs and soundsystems who all made a living out of the slums of Kingston. With unprecedented access to the incredibly vibrant music scene during this period, Beth Lesser's photographs are a unique way into a previously hidden part of Jamaican culture.

Notes: New edition of Dancehall, Beth Lesser's seminal photography and style book capturing the rise of Jamaican Dancehall Culture in the 1980s. The book also features a new introduction by the British fashion designer and art curator Duro Olowu.

Featuring 100s and 100s of amazing photographs - all with accompanying text, interviews and biographies,'Dancehall' is an essential reference book for anyone interested in Reggae and captures a previously unseen era of musical culture, fashion and lifestyle in stunning, vibrant colour.

Aside from the music, this book is as much about Jamaican fashion and style. Beth Lesser's Dancehall photographs in this book have directly influenced fashion brands including Aime Leon Dore ('Kingston 1983' collection), recent Levi's Vintage and Farah collections.

Dancehall is a culture that encompasses music, fashion, drugs, guns, art, community, technology, and more. Born in the 1950s out of the neighbourhood soundsystems of Kingston, Dancehall grew to its height in the 1980s before a massive influx of drugs and guns made the scene too dangerous for many. Today Dancehall remains at the centre of Jamaican musical and cultural life. From its roots in Kingston in the 1950s to its heyday in the 1980s, Dancehall conquered the globe spreading to the USA, UK, Canada, Japan, Europe and beyond.

In the early 1980s Jamaica was in the throws of political and gang violence - photographer Beth Lesser ventured where few other dared and this book is a never-before-seen record of the exciting, dangerous and vibrant world of Dancehall.

Living in Jamaica in the late 70s and early 80s she photographed and documented a cultural explosion as producers, singers, DJs and soundsystems who all made a living out of the slums of Kingston. With unprecedented access to the incredibly vibrant music scene during this period, Beth Lesser's photographs are a unique way into a previously hidden part of Jamaican culture.

Notes: ***B-STOCK: Item shows signs of age***


New edition of Dancehall, Beth Lesser's seminal photography and style book capturing the rise of Jamaican Dancehall Culture in the 1980s. The book also features a new introduction by the British fashion designer and art curator Duro Olowu.

Featuring 100s and 100s of amazing photographs - all with accompanying text, interviews and biographies,'Dancehall' is an essential reference book for anyone interested in Reggae and captures a previously unseen era of musical culture, fashion and lifestyle in stunning, vibrant colour.

Aside from the music, this book is as much about Jamaican fashion and style. Beth Lesser's Dancehall photographs in this book have directly influenced fashion brands including Aime Leon Dore ('Kingston 1983' collection), recent Levi's Vintage and Farah collections.

Dancehall is a culture that encompasses music, fashion, drugs, guns, art, community, technology, and more. Born in the 1950s out of the neighbourhood soundsystems of Kingston, Dancehall grew to its height in the 1980s before a massive influx of drugs and guns made the scene too dangerous for many. Today Dancehall remains at the centre of Jamaican musical and cultural life. From its roots in Kingston in the 1950s to its heyday in the 1980s, Dancehall conquered the globe spreading to the USA, UK, Canada, Japan, Europe and beyond.

In the early 1980s Jamaica was in the throws of political and gang violence - photographer Beth Lesser ventured where few other dared and this book is a never-before-seen record of the exciting, dangerous and vibrant world of Dancehall.

Living in Jamaica in the late 70s and early 80s she photographed and documented a cultural explosion as producers, singers, DJs and soundsystems who all made a living out of the slums of Kingston. With unprecedented access to the incredibly vibrant music scene during this period, Beth Lesser's photographs are a unique way into a previously hidden part of Jamaican culture.

Notes: Dub Me Crazy (Mad Professor)

2024 Calendar

The iconic 12 part Dub Me Crazy series is available in calendar format.

Get your monthly dose of dub!

Notes: A strong passion for reggae music has inspired people like Beth Lesser & Dave Kingston, Lol Bell-Brown, Penny Reel & Nick Kimberly and Ray Hurford to publish reggae-zines such as "Reggae Quarterly", "Boom-Shacka-Lacka", "Pressure Drop" and "Small Axe". Also California based Steve Milne, who was inspired, encouraged and supported by Small Axe's Ray Hurford from London UK as he states at the beginning of this book, started publishing a reggae-zine.

His Excellent, extensive roots oriented "Full Watts" was first published in 1997. Initially it appeared three times a year, with every issue containing articles, interviews, discographies and reviews of albums, singles, book and magazines. In the first half of the new millennium "Full Watts" didn't appear that regularly anymore (there was even a 2 year absence) and then the publishing of the well respected reggae-zine stopped...

And now Steve Milne (in collaboration with Ray Hurford) comes up with the "Full Watts" book, which features content taken from various issues of the reggae-zine. The "Full Watts" reggae-zine was known for it's faultless and beautiful presentation, and thus it's obvious that this also goes for the book. Besides mostly fascinating in-depth interviews with artists such as Mikey Chung, Albert Griffiths (of Gladiators fame), Ronnie Davis (the Itals), Earl Zero, Joseph Hill (the sorely missed lead singer of Culture), Linval Thompson, The Congos, Prince Malachi, Alpheus, Yami Bolo, The Abyssinians, Jah Warrior, Ras Michael, Barrington Levy and Monty Alexander, there are also a few articles included here such as Kung-Fu Reggae, Album reviews and Version Galore, which puts the spotlight on 12 versions of the "Freedom Blues" riddim. All in all a great read!

Notes: Compilation of features and interviews, most of which first appeared in Steve Milne's reggae fanzine Full Watts during the mid to late nineties and into the early noughties,. Includes articles on Alton Ellis, Mikey Dread, Johnny Clarke, Marcia Griffiths, Clive Chin, Big Youth, Sugar Minott, Mad Professor, Ticklah, Everton Blender, Soul Syndicate guitarist Tony Chin and many more. Published in concert with Ray Hurford's Muzik Tree.

Notes: 'I Ain't Mad at Ya' by Owen Broomfield (aka Hulk) is a document of the social, cultural and political realities of growing up in the 60's/70's, as a black youth on the Aston/Handsworth border.

Owen exposes the issues faced by the black, predominately African-Caribbean, community and the daily racism they faced in school, on the streets and in the workplace. He then takes us through his seminal years of growing up, from the physical fights with white racists to the battle of wills with teachers and sports coaches. But the book really comes into its own when Owen writes about his three constant companions and passions: sport, music and his family.

Owen excelled at a number of sports and could have been a professional basketball player if fate (and a rehearsal) hadn't interfered. Instead he turned to music, which came naturally to him, and for a few fleeting years was part of an extraordinary movement in Birmingham's and indeed the UK reggae scene.

He vividly brings to life some of the musicians, characters and hustlers of Handsworth and the venues where they plied their trade, giving a voice to these lost and hidden bands, encouraging the reader to discover them. As an added bonus, the discographies at the end of each chapter are incredibly deep and will offer even the most knowledgeable reggae lover something to discover.

The book's central theme is of Owen's spiritual journey and of the love he shares for his mom Gladys, a formidable but loving presence through his life, Dad Hartnel, and brother Lewis as well as a dizzying cast of relatives.

'I Ain't Mad at Ya' offers a rare insight into Birmingham's black community and shines a light on the incredible amount of black music culture produced in the vibrant suburb of Handsworth and the role its musicians and entrepreneurs have played in shaping and influencing popular music in the UK.

Notes: Thibault Ehrengardt's Natty Dread magazine was without doubt one of the best reggae magazines ever produced. Even if you didn't read French, it was well worth the price of admission for the presentation and the amazing layout and photographs. The last edition came out in 2010, but since then Ehrengardt has published a series of books on various Jamaican subjects, and now comes the long awaited Official Biography of the dub master King Tubby, first as a French language edition and now, thankfully an English edition.

Featuring some fascinating period photographs courtesy of Tubby's widow Arleen Ruddock, and telling the man's story from his origins in Waterhouse, where he lived all his life in his mothers house famously situated at 18 Dromilly Avenue, to his tragic murder in1989, encompassing the events of his life, his interest in electronics, his ground-breaking sound system and his greatest contribution to the music world, both in Jamaica and in the rest of the world, dub.

Just who was this enigmatic, secretive figure? He was not a rastafarian, nor did he smoke marijuana, and yet his approach to music birthed some of the most incredible records ever made. Ehrengardt's impressive book provides us with the most detailed examination yet of the man.

Notes: Innovator, genius and trendsetter there are few individuals quite as unique as Lee Scratch Perry, aka The Upsetter. He has become a legend in his own lifetime and earned himself an army of admirers stretching across every continent. Musically, his CV is beyond compare in the worlds of reggae and dub, having helped create and define both since he first immersed himself in the 1950s Jamaican music world. Perry is a maverick who helped create today's musical landscape by pushing himself, and the recording studio, to the point of destruction.

Kiss Me Neck is an extensive, detailed and heavily illustrated, guide to the records produced by Perry and those that hailed from his legendary Black Ark Studio.

With over one thousand releases to his name, there is a wealth of material here - Kiss Me Neck serves both as a guide for the experienced fan and an introduction for the beginner. We anticipate great appeal amongst, and have already received orders from, the Jamaican music collecting communities, as well as Mods, Skinheads, Rude Boys and so on throughout the world. Good coverage in the relevant press is guaranteed. Jeremy Collingwood has, for the past decade, been documenting the music of Jamaica on CD and in books for many major labels and publishers. He has produced six packages of Perry's work, including the box set, I Am The Upsetter for Trojan Records, and is also one of the world's leading authorities on Bob Marley - he recently had his acclaimed book Bob Marley: His Musical Legacy published and has acted as consultant on the film Rebel Music, as well as recent BBC Radio 2 documentaries on Bob Marley and Lee Perry. There really could be no better guide to Scratch's archive.

Notes: In depth Japanese only text Record guide book looking at the Lovers Rock genre from 1970s- 1990's with hundreds of record label images plus detailed info on the bands, labels,singers and vocal groups that celebrated this genre.190 pages

Notes: Catalog of the Downtown New York City DJ's collection of 7", 45 rpm adapters

Notes: Limited edition (2,000), self-published photo-biography of VP Records founder and reggae icon Patricia Miss Pat Chin

Notes: Compilation of features and interviews, many of which first appeared in Ray Hurford's renowned reggae fanzine Small Axe during the eighties and nineties. Includes articles on Bob Andy, Willie Williams, Jah Shaka, Peter King, Wackies, Judah Eskender Tafari and Dancehall.

Notes: The fourth volume of Ray Hurfords stirling little More Axe booklets focusses on the late 70's early 80's dancehall era, with typically in depth interviews and articles featuring Sugar Minott, I Roy, Barrington Levy, Ranking Joe, Jah Life, jah Screw, Michael Prophet, Edi Fitzroy and Mikey Dread

Notes: Roots book featuring articles on Lynn Taitt, U Roy, Max Romeo, Earl 16, Dwight Pinkney, Winston Grennan, Admiral Tibbet, Clevie Browne and Hedley Jones. Writers include David Katz, Beth & Dave Kingston, Carter Van Pelt.

Notes: Written by French photographer Perrine Goyau,who has scoured European dance halls since 2005, and published by Afromundi, this heavyweight coffee table book-printed in black & white, format 23cmx32cm - is a real treat for the eye as the design and layout done by Gregory Hautbois is truly exceptional. The way it has been done gives the reader the feeling that he's holding a dubplate special in book form.

CD track listing:

1 - PLACED IN DUB - DUBKASM
2 - STATE OF MIND - ZION TRAIN
3 - NAH TEK TALK - DISCIPLES FEAT. TEDDY DAN AND DON FE
4 - RED GOLD AND AMP - VIBRONICS
5 - ROAD TO DAIBUTSU - CHAZBO
6 - STRETCH FOOT SKANK - CONSCIOUS SOUNDS
7 - I & I LIVITY - TEN STRINGS MEET UNITONE
8 - INTERNATIONAL DUBWISE REMIX - NOEL ZEBULON MEETS IRONWORKS

Notes: 2023 first edition.

36 pages
Printed in England
Staple bound
14cm x 20cm

Notes: Reggae music is a living music, and much of it's history is a mystery. It would be impossible for anyone to say that there are only X amount of versions to a rhythm, unless that rhythm was brand new. The only claim being made is that having checked over 1000 LP's and about the same amount of 7" & 12" this is the imformation that has been gathererd. The music available for checking starts in the ska era and goes up to the Ragga era 1988.

50 Rhythms sorted by Rhythm, Producer and Artist.

Notes: To celebrate their 20th Anniversary the Jamaican Recordings label have collaborated with reggae historian and writer, Noel Hawks, in producing a trilogy of books detailing the growth of the Jamaican recording industry told through the various studios where the music was made and manufactured.

This fascinating story has been assembled after exhaustive, extensive research and includes interviews with many of the key players from defining periods in the history of reggae music. 'Jamaican Recordings' is presented in three separate volumes. This is the first volume, outlining the Jamaican recording business from its earliest manifestations in the local mento and the American rhythm & blues styles through to the first identifiable Jamaican creation ska, and the establishment of the Island's most important studio Studio One, owned by Clement "Coxsone" Dodd.

Notes: Remember when dancehall riddims were king? Run the Riddim: The Untold Story of '90s Dancehall to the World is the first definitive story of the golden era. Told through seminal riddims, Marvin Sparks explores the sound origins, identity, tragedies, triumphs and lasting legacy. Read about the rise and importance of Buju Banton, Bounty Killer, Beenie Man, Lady Saw, Garnett Silk, Sizzla, Steely & Clevie, Dave Kelly, Tony CD Kelly, Danny Browne, Red Rat, Baby Cham, Sean Paul and many more.

The author - a lifelong dancehall student - weaves lived experiences and observations across 300 pages. In addition, the book contains quotes from over 30 recorded conversations with founding producers, prominent artists, well-known DJs and other industry figures who share memories and reveal personal stories beyond the beat.

Format: 314 Page Paperback Book.

Notes: "I thought it was a great cultural movement, the music, the look, they're things that have shaped who I am..." Paul Weller

"The skin-suede era was the most rigorously smart and pedantically correct in the history of working class street style." Robert Elms

Levis, Ben Sherman, Crombie. Reggae, rocksteady, soul. The look and sound of Suedeheads - instantly recognisable in the sixties and early seventies - had a long-lasting impact on British style.

Scorcha!: Skins, Suedes and Style from the Streets 1967-73 delves into the roots, rise and fall of the Suedeheads and their close companions the Skinheads. Covering topics from fashion and football to the influence of black music and culture, the book draws on first-hand accounts from the original skin-suede generation and later adopters, such as Paul Weller and Norman Jay MBE.

Featuring a foreword by Suggs and jam-packed with iconic images, this is the definitive visual history of the Suedehead way of life.

Notes: More than 800 label images plus a host of other images including classic Adrian Boot photos of the Black Ark, give a powerful visual vibe to this 280-page book. A year-by-year discography plus features on Perrys work with key reggae artists such as Bob Marley, Junior Byles, Augustus Pablo, Junior Murvin and Yabby You are at the heart of Scratch the Super Ape.

Sections on tracks recorded by others at the Black Ark and singles related to Scratch, complete the story.

Scratch the Super Ape is a catalogue raisonne of Lee Perry's Vinyl output during his - and vinyl's - golden decades of the 1960s and 1970s.

Softback book

276 pages, 210 x 297mm, weighing approx. 900g

Notes: Homage to Lee Perry's vinyl releases from 1964 to 1982.

More than 800 label images plus a host of other images including classic Adrian Boot photos of the Black Ark, give a powerful visual vibe to this 280-page book. A year-by-year discography plus features on Perry's work with key reggae artists such as Bob Marley, Junior Byles, Augustus Pablo, Junior Murvin and Yabby You are at the heart of Scratch the Super Ape.

Sections on tracks recorded by others at the Black Ark and singles related to Scratch, complete the story.

Softback book

276 pages, 210 x 297mm, weighing approx. 900g

Notes: 'Ska Disc Guide: 400 Fabulous Discs From The Jamaican Oldies Music' is a Japanese discography book this time focusing on Jamaican Ska records. As with other titles, it's all in Japanese, but features lots of great color reproductions of covers, as well as some label and catalogue number information. The text is pretty inclusive, including more recent compilations as well as early sides, and sections on ska, rocksteady, early reggae and even the ska revival, plus smaller chapters on singles and related Caribbean music.

Notes: New series of pamphlets, or "bookzines" as Ray puts it, from the Small Axe publishing house. No. 1 features Junior Byles - packed with info and graphics.

Notes: New series of pamphlets, or "bookzines" as Ray puts it, from the Small Axe publishing house. No. 2 features Jah Shaka - packed with info and graphics.

Notes: New series of pamphlets, or "bookzines" as Ray puts it, from the Small Axe publishing house. No. 3 features Culture - packed with info and graphics.

Notes: New series of pamphlets, or "bookzines" as Ray puts it, from the Small Axe publishing house. No. 4 features Reggae 68-71 - packed with info and graphics.

Notes: New series of pamphlets, or "bookzines" as Ray puts it, from the Small Axe publishing house. No. 5 features King Tubby - packed with info and graphics.

Notes: Reggae Soundsystem 45! is a new stunning deluxe 500 page flexibound book that features over 1000 full size record label 45 rpm single designs that span the history of reggae music.

The book is compiled by the renowned author and reggae expert Steve Barrow (Rough Guide to Reggae/Blood and Fire Records) and Stuart Baker (Soul Jazz Records). Text by Steve Barrow and Noel Hawks.
As well as the stunning full-size 45 designs, this book is ram-jam filled with text on many of the records, artists, producers and record companies featured in the book.

The 45rpm 7" single is at the heart of reggae music, the main tool in which reggae music has been communicated to the public by the deejays in the dancehalls of Kingston, through to its dissemination worldwide, over the last 50+years.
These unique label designs give us a hidden history of design that is raw, innovative and hip. Ever since the birth of the Jamaican music industry through to the present day, these idiosyncratic label designs have helped illustrate, signify and energise the music that they accompany.

Reggae 45 Soundsystem is released to coincide with the publication of a second large format hardback 12x12" book, Reggae Soundsystem which features original album cover art of reggae, also published by Soul Jazz Books.

Notes: Reggae Soundsystem is a new deluxe 200 page hard-back 12 x12 book featuring hundreds of stunning full size record cover designs that span the history of reggae music.

The book is compiled by the celebrated author and reggae expert Steve Barrow (Rough Guide to Reggae/Blood and Fire Records) and Stuart Baker (Soul Jazz Records).

Beginning in the 1950s, Jamaican music developed into one of the most important and influential music industries in the world. From its early Mento (Jamaican Calypso) beginnings through to the invention of Ska, Rocksteady, Roots, Dub and Dancehall, Jamaican music is also one of the richest and innovative veins in popular music.

This stunning hardback deluxe book looks at the endless visually creativity of reggae record cover designs, iconic, classic, rare and unique artwork spanning sixty years of Jamaican sounds.

Notes: The market town of Huddersfield, nestled within the Pennine Hills of West Yorkshire, has made a remarkable contribution to UK sound system culture. From Armagideon to Zion InnaVision, the Arawak club to Venn Street, Matamp to Valv-a-tron, this unlikely location has been a stronghold of the British scene, yet has remained largely overlooked. For the first time in print and featuring a wealth of previously unseen archive material, this book celebrates the people who helped establish Huddersfield as the reggae and sound system capital of northern England.

Notes: "In 1986 I embarked on the first of many trips to Jamaica. The images published in this book form part of a wider collection of images taken of sound system culture both in Jamaica and in the UK over a 17-year period. Between 1993 and 2003 I lived and worked in Jamaica, teaching photography at Edna Manley College while continuing to work on a variety of photo projects and stories both in Jamaica and the UK, including my 'Dancehall' series.

It was at a 'yard' in the capital Kingston Jamaica on a hot and humid night, April 1986 that I took my initial photos with a Leica and a handheld lamp (no flash) It was here that I truly first encountered Jamaican sound system culture and the nascent dancehall scene. I was instantly struck by the sheer exuberance and intensity of the songs, mixed with electronic dancehall beats and bass rhythms. From the mid 1980s on Thursday night's deejays and singjays battled it out for supremacy, with fast-draw patios over pre-recorded 'riddims'. The address was 1 Robert Crescent, home to Jamaican singer producer, Lincoln Barrington "Sugar" Minott. Widely considered to be the godfather of dancehall. Minott's Black Roots record label and Youth Promotions sound system was established in the Maxfield Park area of Kingston in 1979 with a recording studio operated from a bedroom in the front the house.

My photographs have been exhibited in UK, Jamaica, New York, Australia and New Zealand, and a selection of my images are held in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington DC."

Wayne Tippetts

36 pages
Printed in England
Staple bound
14cm x 20cm

Notes: A crossroads of reggae and punk; a travelogue of Jamaica, UK, and Japan from 1982 to 2023, written and photographed.

To resist is to live.

1982-2023. Jamaica, UK, Japan.

The intersection of reggae and punk.

There are photographs that take on new meaning as time passes.

The lifework of photographer Masataka Ishida, who has been following the world's rebel music.

A record of his 41-year journey in search of true freedom.

The first product from Type Slowly.

Cover photo: Ali Up (The Slits)

Characters in the book:

The Clash, Aswad, Linton Kwesi Johnson, Caron Wheeler, Lee Perry, Adrian Sherwood, Massive Attack, Goldie, M.I.A., Shabaka Hutchings and more

Format: A5 (161×210mm) / Softcover / Colour / 352 pages

Notes: · This deluxe 200 page hardback 12”x12”book
features hundreds of stunning full size record
cover designs from the legendary Studio One
Records.
· Described by Chris Blackwell as The University Of
Reggae, Studio One is by far the most important
record label in the history of Reggae music, an A-Z
of Jamaican music as iconic as Motown was to
soul, or Blue Note for Jazz.
· The book features classic artwork from Bob Marley
And The Wailers, Horace Andy, Alton Ellis, Freddie
McGregor, The Skatalites, Marcia Griffiths, Burning
Spear, The Heptones, Toots and the Maytals and
many more artists all of whom launched their
careers at Studio One.
· As well as many classic sleeves there are
numerous rare designs, including a collector’s
section featuring many alternate, silkscreen and
rarely seen designs.
· As Jamaica approaches the 50th anniversary of
independence, this stunning deluxe book is a
timely look at Reggae music’s legendary record
label and the artists and musicians that it made
famous.
· The book also features an introductory essay by
Steve Barrow (author of ‘Rough Guide To Reggae’)
and is edited by Stuart Baker (Soul Jazz Records).

Notes: The birth and growth of the Jamaican recording industry...

Records have played an integral part in the history of Jamaican music and the importance of making records, as opposed to making music, can never be overstated.

These are the stories, told through first-hand accounts wherever possible, of the men and women... manufacturers, musicians, arrangers and record producers... who made the records and who made the sound of reggae available worldwide.

"An absolutely crucial survey of the origins of the Jamaican music industry replete with chapter and verse quotes from many of the pivotal movers and shakers. A wealth of new information, expertly marshalled: this is a book whose time has come."

Steve Barrow- Co-author of 'Reggae The Rough Guide'

"Noel Hawks' history of Jamaican studios and the characters involved provides an intriguing insight into the development of ska, rock steady and reggae. His lifelong love and deep knowledge of the music prove to be invaluable assets as he takes us on a journey from the primitive 'direct-to-disc' mento recordings of the Fifties through to the sophisticated roots and dub reggae of the Seventies. As both a music fan and a reggae business insider he has had access to the main players in the Jamaican music scene, and this book offers a genuine and unique insight into Kingston's studios and the producers and musicians who worked in them."

Chris Lane- Fashion Records

"Any music reference book should balance knowledge of an expert and enthusiasm of a fan in roughly equal measure. Noel Hawks' 'Jamaican Recordings' unquestionably succeeds in doing both. The wealth of facts and information that Noel has amassed in almost fifty years of researching and collecting reggae and its musical antecedents are presented here in a way that will show any reader that Noel still gets as much pleasure out of finding new classic music, not to mention acquiring new know how about it, as he and others among us did when we started our individual collector odysseys.

'Jamaican Recordings' is a fine read and a book that anybody with more than a passing interest in Jamaican recordings will need to add to their library right away."

Tony Rounce- Author & Music Historian

Format: 188 Page Hardback Book Illustrated throughout with period photos, artefacts & record labels

Notes: Featuring in the guide nearly 100 bands and vocal groups over 300 photos and graphics. An A to Z of mainly Jamaican bands from The Abyssinans to The Wailing Souls and with a check list of must have or hear albums...