Soul Jazz Records: Studio One Disco Mix Vinyl 2LP Soul Jazz Records

Repressed! Further explorations into the Studio One library, this time pulling out some heavyweight joints from the highly collectible genre of 12” discomix singles. In Jamaican music terms, the phrase “discomix” refers to the extended mixes that became possible with the advent of the 12” single in the mid 70’s, usually putting the dub or instrumental immediately after the vocal version. I guess that isn’t much different that US disco 12″s from the same period, but you gotta understand that these 70’s JA joints are hard as hell to track down. Almost never see a reissue. This collection includes a couple well known classics like Willie Williams’ “Armageddon Time,” but everything else is pure vault material. Before I get into the cuts though, it must be said that the Soul Jazz guys are taking a really loose approach to the term “disco mix” here (a good portion aren’t even extended?); and while there’s definitely no complaints about this batch of rarities, the title can be misleading. Favorites thus far include: Dub Specialist working a funky Pablo instrumental called “Kampla,” Doreen Schafer’s answer to Alton on “Ain’t Gonna Change My Mind,” The Ethiopian cut of “Muddy Waters” over a synth-clap version of Throw Me Corn, Alton Ellis in true discomix form on his superb cover of “You Make Me So Very Happy” George Dudley’s gentle disco thump on “Gates Of Zion,” and Norma White’s cover of “I Want Your Love.” 14 tracks total, with selections from Lloyd and Devon, Judah Eskender, George Allan, The Silvertones, Jackie Mitoo, and Winston Francis.

• music label: Soul Jazz Records 2004 / 2015

reviewed by the mgmnt 08/2015