FASTCD/LP013

An eagerly awaited collection of some of the best material from Roy Francis' Phase One label (JA) with the addition of two previously unreleased DJ cuts. As far as we know, this is the first time any of these recordings have been released properly on CD. Included are the massive 'Waiting In The Park', with which The Chantells scored one of 1977's biggest non Marley reggae hits, Steve Boswell's anthemic 'I Am Getting Bad', and the wonderful 'Help Us Jah' by The Untouchables. Also on the album are other excellent tracks from The Chantells, The Heptones, Jah Berry, Dean Fraser, U Brown and Prince Mohammed. Superb artwork by Jeff Teader and comprehensive sleeve notes by David Katz complete the package.

TRACKLIST: (CD and Double Vinyl listings are identical– total duration approx. 79 mins)

Help us Jah – Untouchables
Sister Fay + Version – Chantells & Barnabas
Hey You – Chantells
I am Getting Bad + Version –- Steve Boswell
Sea of Love – Untouchables
Waiting in the Park – Chantells & Jah Berry
Takes a Miracle – Tabby
Takes a Magic Dub – Dean Fraser
Sister Jacqueline + Version – Jah Berry
What's Wrong With the Sons of Man – Unknown DJ
Deceivers – Heptones
Gena – Paul Powell + Unknown DJ
Lightning and Thunder- Prince Muhammad (George Nooks)

'For lovers of the seventies roots music this release is one not to miss. Most Phase One music has never been released outside of Jamaica, and this is one of the first decent compilations of Roy Francis' productions, and a great one it is!'
Riddim on the Wire

BACKGROUND

Fiercely independent in character, and wonderfully individual in product, the Phase One record label is among the more revered imprints to surface in Jamaica during the late 1970s. Though the company's catalogue remained relatively small, what it lacked in quantity was more than made up for in quality, as the readily identifiable sound of Phase One has brought some of the most inspired platters of the roots era. The label was the brainchild of Roy Francis, the man who now runs the perpetually buzzing Mixing Lab, one of Kingston's most respected and in-demand studios.

Many tracks feature those wonderfully echoing dubwise excursions that became the label's hallmark; two of the numbers that have been taken from resurrected original master tapes are gaining release for the very first time. From the toasting delights voiced in praise of sisters Faye and Jacqueline to the particular harmonic blending of the Chantells and the original style of Steve Boswell, this is roots reggae music at its best-the unique and everlasting sound of Phase One.