Winston Rodney aka Burning Spear is coming to play two dates in the UK this summer; the last time he played here was over twenty years ago, and having announced his retirement some years back its fair to say there's real excitement building ahead of these upcoming shows. In anticipation this seemed like the perfect time to put together this mix of some of my favourite Spear cuts, including a few version excursions, rarities and unreleased dubplate mixes.
Although I've long loved Burning Spear material it was only when I got a better understanding of Jamaican music in chronological order that I came to recognise just how original and groundbreaking his material was. My impression is that the early recordings that came out on Studio One perhaps more than anyone else at the time created a blueprint for the Rasta-driven, conscious roots reggae sound that was to come and take over the world. These cuts just seem on another spiritual level to other music that came out at that time.
What came next was higher-level yet - the 1975 Marcus Garvey album produced by Jack Ruby, is a start-to-finish roots classic. This was snapped up and remixed by UK's Island Records, which with Island's distribution power allowed for the music to reach a wider audience and cement his legendary legacy on the global stage. Not many people outside of JA have heard that original Jack Ruby non-Island recording, as the vinyl is rare and no quality reissue (CD or otherwise) has been released - it is also stringently copyright-blocked online. Hopefully one day that will be reissued with the care it deserves.
For me perhaps more than any other singer Burning Spear captures in his voice, lyrics and writing that true humble lion power: strength, humbleness, love and Rasta consciousness in perfect combination. He had the grounding spirit of an elder even at a young age.The spear burns on and on...
1969-1974 Studio One Foundations
Zion Higher
We Are Free
Ethiopians Live It Out
Get Ready
Journey
Foggy Road
Pablove Black - High Locks
Joe Frazier (He Prayed)
Righteous Flames - Solid Foundation
Swell Headed
Chronixx - World Under Siege
Pablove Black - Push Pull
1975-1978 Roots Heights
1975-1978 Roots Heights
Spear Burning
Jomo
Tradition (Original JA Wolf Version)
Little Joe - Tradition Skank
Old Marcus Garvey JA Dubplate
Jordan River JA Dubplate
Throw Down Your Arms (Spear 7inch Mix)
Respect The Prophet
Big Joe - The Prophet
1978-1995 Forward On
Jah No Dead (Rockers Acapella)
Jah No Dead (12inch Mix)
Jah Is My Driver
Driver
Driver
Columbus
Iry Niya Keith
Come (Home)
Present
African Dub
Africa
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