JAMACIA
VA - A BOX of JAMAICA (10 x CDs)
This suite of compilations, spanning 10 CDs, isn’t just a collection of albums. It’s a living archive of Jamaica’s sonic evolution, from ska’s final echoes to rocksteady’s golden hour, roots reggae’s spiritual rise, and the funk-infused experiments that defied genre boundaries.
Spanning two decades of Jamaican musical innovation, BOX OF JAMAICA is an anthology that traces the island’s sonic evolution from ska’s final echoes to the deep pulse of roots reggae, the velvet sway of rocksteady, and the unexpected funk and soul infusions that emerged from Kingston’s studios. These ten volumes, drawn from rare 45s, producer archives, and genre-defining compilations, offer not just a listening experience but a cultural excavation. Each set offers a distinct lens.
The journey begins with Original Jamaican Classics Volume 1 [1963], where early ska rhythms still dominate, but hints of soul phrasing and R&B structure begin to seep into the arrangements. By Come Rock With Me in Jamaica [1968] and From The Grass Roots Of Jamaica [1969], the shift toward rocksteady is unmistakable, basslines slow, vocals deepen, and harmony groups like The Techniques and The Paragons bring a romantic melancholy that would define the genre’s golden age.
The Kings & Queens of Rocksteady [1999] serves as a crown jewel, showcasing the genre’s most iconic voices, Phyllis Dillon, Alton Ellis, and Ken Boothe alongside lesser-known gems that highlight the emotional depth and melodic sophistication of the era. Meanwhile, Listen to The Music, Caltone's Jamaican 45's 1966-69 [2012] dives into the catalog of one of Jamaica’s most adventurous labels, revealing a cross-section of ska, rocksteady, and proto-reggae with raw vocal takes and dubwise experimentation.
The two-disc set Arise Rootsman, Jamaican Roots 1965–1983 [2003] anchors the box with spiritual urgency and political consciousness. Here, roots reggae takes center stage, Burning Spear, Culture, and lesser-known chanters deliver meditations on identity, resistance, and Rastafari, often backed by deep Nyabinghi rhythms and militant horn lines.
But the box also surprises. Jamaica Funk, Original Jamaican Funk and Soul 45's [2007] and Jamaican Rare Groove [2023] uncover a parallel universe where Jamaican artists channeled Curtis Mayfield, James Brown, and Stax Records, crafting gritty, syncopated grooves that blur the lines between island soul and American funk. Jamaican Soul Kings [2008] ties it all together, spotlighting vocalists who could croon, cry, and testify with equal conviction.
Together, these sets form a mosaic of Jamaica’s musical soul, rhythmic, rebellious, romantic, and relentlessly inventive. It’s a box of spirit. (B)
Included in this set are the following albums:
VA - Arise Rootsman, Jamaican Roots 1965-1983 CD1+CD2 [2003] A deep roots compilation spanning nearly two decades, Arise Rootsman captures spiritual, militant, and meditative reggae from Studio One, Channel One, and obscure imprints. Featuring Ras Michael, The Royals, and obscure Nyabinghi cuts, it’s a richly sequenced set that bridges ska’s twilight with roots reggae’s rise.
VA - Come Rock With Me in Jamaica [1968] Released by Treasure Isle, this LP blends rocksteady soul with cinematic instrumentals. Joya Landis, Alton Ellis, and Phyllis Dillon shine alongside Tommy McCook’s lush arrangements. A warm, romantic snapshot of Kingston’s golden hour, sequenced with emotional precision and rare vocal-instrumental interplay.
VA - From The Grass Roots Of Jamaica [1969] A field-recorded ethnographic compilation curated by Olive Lewin, with liner notes by Edward Seaga, documenting traditional Jamaican folk forms. These are oral folk traditions, often performed by unnamed villagers, elders, and ritual groups. The album was recorded and mastered at Dynamic Sounds Studios, but it’s more of a cultural document than a commercial release.
VA - Jamaica Funk, Original Jamaican Funk and Soul 45's [2007] Soul Jazz Records compiles rare 45s blending Jamaican rhythm with American funk and soul. Featuring Glen Adams, Cedric Brooks, and The Heptones, it’s a groove-heavy set that reveals Kingston’s deep connection to Black Atlantic sound. Essential for collectors of crossover gems.
VA - Jamaican Rare Groove, Rare Funky Songs From Jamaica [2023] Wagram Music’s 2LP set unearths obscure funk, soul, and reggae-pop hybrids from Jamaican 45s. Featuring Denroy Morgan, Jamaica Girls, and Tommy McCook, it’s a vibrant, genre-blurring compilation that showcases the island’s sonic versatility beyond roots and dub.
VA - Jamaican Soul Kings, Roots Era Rare Tunes [2008] Privately issued in France, this CD features rare soul-inflected reggae cuts from Ken Boothe, Stranger Cole, and Slim Smith. With bilingual liner notes and emotional depth, it’s a collector’s gem that reimagines American soul through Jamaican phrasing and rhythm.
VA - Listen to The Music, Caltone's Jamaican 45's 1966-69 [2012] Pressure Sounds compiles 21 rare singles from Ken Lack’s Caltone label. Featuring The Clarendonians, Tommy McCook, and The Kingstonians, it’s a soulful, transitional set bridging ska and rocksteady. Remastered from original tapes, it’s a vital document of Kingston’s studio culture.
VA - Original Jamaican Classics Volume 1 [1963] A foundational Studio One compilation, Original Jamaican Classics Volume 1 captures the early soul of Jamaican music. Featuring Alton Ellis, The Heptones, Jackie Mittoo, and The Melodians, it blends ska, rocksteady, and proto-reggae with heartfelt vocals and timeless melodies. Remastered from original tapes, it’s a warm, essential snapshot of Kingston’s golden age.
VA - The Kings & Queens of Rocksteady [1999] A harmony-rich compilation spotlighting vocal legends like The Techniques, The Sensations, and Phyllis Dillon. Released in Japan, it’s sequenced with care and includes rare B-sides and alternate takes. A melodic, emotionally resonant tribute to rocksteady’s golden voices.
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Track lists
VA - Arise Rootsman, Jamaican Roots 1965-1983 [2003]
CD1
01 Justin Hinds & The Dominoes - After A Storm 2:34
02 Ethiopians - Train to Glory 2:51
03 Bob Andy - Weep 2:14
04 Nora Dean - Peace Begins Within 2:54
05 Little Roy - Hard Fighter 3:10
06 Maytones - Babylon A Fall 2:58
07 Alton Ellis - Black Man's Pride 2:59
08 Wailing Souls - Harbour Shark 2:04
09 Greyhound - The Pressure is Coming On 2:14
10 Keith Hudson & The Chuckles - Satan Side 2:11
11 Rocking Horse - Hard Time 3:04
12 Roman Stewart and Dave Barker - Changing Times 2:49
13 Soul Syndicate - Riot 2:58
14 Rad Wilson and Tommy McCook - Tubby's Control 2:30
15 The Heptones - Hypocrite 3:05
16 Djago - Rebel Train 2:29
17 Busty Brown - Throw Away Your Gun 2:28
18 I Roy - Black Man Time 3:41
19 Carlton & The Shoes - Better Days 3:27
20 Ken Boothe - Black, Gold and Green 3:07
21 I Roy - Red, Gold and Green 3:07
22 Glen Brown - 2 Wedden Skank 3:06
23 Big Youth - The Killer 3:23
24 Lee Scratch Perry - Justice to The People 3:09
CD2
01 Dennis Alcapone - Rasta Dub 2:43
02 Silvertones - Rejoice Jah Jah Children 3:09
03 Silvertones - Rejoicing Skank 3:19
04 Big Youth & Keith Hudson - Can You Keep A Secret 2:01
05 Heptones - Suffering So 3:31
06 I-Roy - Tip From The Prince 2:53
07 Gregory Isaacs - Bad Da 3:12
08 Augustus Pablo - Eli's Move 2:21
09 Bobby Melody - Jah Bring I Joy 4:00
10 Lizzard - Jah Jah Bless I 2:58
11 Michael Robinson - Mother and Father 3:54
12 One Love - The Slave Trade 3:35
13 Knowledge - Sentry 4:14
14 Jimmy Riley - Give Thanks and Praise 3:45
15 Sugar Minott - Strange Things 4:16
16 Ras Michael & The Sons of Negus - Where is Your Goldmine 5:39
17 Viceroys - We Must Unite 3:57
18 Leroy Smart - Too Much Pressure 2:34
19 Anthony Johnson - Dreadlocks 3:14
20 Wayne Jarrett - Satta Dread 3:13
VA - Come Rock With Me in Jamaica [1968]
01 Joya Landis - Angels of The Morning 3:07
02 Alton Ellis - Willow Tree 2:47
03 Tommy McCook - Heat Wave 3:17
04 Phyllis Dillon - Out The Light 2:17
05 Paragons - My Best Girl 2:30
06 Tommy McCook - The World Needs Love 2:12
07 Alton Ellis - I Can't Stand It 2:24
08 Phyllis Dillon - Long Time 2:27
09 Tommy McCook - Ride Mi Donkey 2:31
10 Alton & Phyllis - Love Letters 2:43
11 Jamaicans - Woman Go Home 2:27
12 Tommy McCook - Flying Home 2:12
VA - From The Grass Roots Of Jamaica [1969]
01 Unknown - You Tell A Lie 3:02
02 Unknown - Ziambey 1:38
03 Unknown - Done Baby, Don't Cry 1:11
04 Unknown - Dig Under Mine 1:24
05 Unknown - Mary Gone A Rose Hall 2:08
06 Unknown - Fife & Drum Band 2:14
07 Unknown - Cuban Lady 1:12
08 Unknown - Jubilee 1:07
09 Unknown - Jo Jo 0:54
10 Unknown - Ku Kah Yan Yah 0:42
11 Unknown - Martilda 3:01
12 Unknown - What A Wonderful Thing 1:38
13 Unknown - Keyman 3:55
14 Unknown - Bethlehem Schoolroom 2:25
15 Unknown - Malid A Leddi 4:34
16 Unknown - Moore Town A Fe Me 1:44
17 Unknown - Bam O Sa, Take Us Back to Ethiopia 5:03
VA - Jamaica Funk, Original Jamaican Funk and Soul 45's [2007]
01 Earl Brown - Get Together 2:50
02 Derrick Harriott - Brown Baby 4:08
03 Jah Lloyd - Lama 3:38
04 Chosen Few - I Love The Way You Love 3:51
05 Cedric 'im' Brooks - Silent Force 6:22
06 Glen Adams - You Can't Hide Love 3:06
07 Herman and The Aquarians - Dunce Cap 2:04
08 Heptones - Do Good to Each Other and Everyone 2:53
09 Studio Sound - Give Me Some More 5:12
10 Winston Wright and The Upsetters - Jam#1 3:21
11 Now Generation - People Make The World Go Round 3:18
12 Jackie Paris - Make Me Smile 2:54
13 Sidney, George and Jackie - Papa Was A Rolling Stone 4:21
14 Rebels - Rhodesia 2:59
15 Big Youth - Ride On 2:53
16 Augustus Pablo - Lightning Chap 2:21
17 Augustus Pablo - Lightning Chap Version 2:18
18 Ansel and The Meditations - Tricked 3:14
VA - Jamaican Rare Groove, Rare Funky Songs From Jamaica [2023]
01 Jimmy James - Come to Me Softly 2:54
02 Norma Lee - Hurt 2:49
03 Laris Mclennon - Turn Me Loose 2:54
04 Downbeats - Thinkin' of You 1:55
05 Jiving Juniors - Sugar Dandy 2:17
06 Chico Booth and The Upsetters - The Shimmy 2:26
07 Owen Gray - Something to Remind Me 3:25
08 Stranger and Patsy - Give Me The Right 3:11
09 Vernon Vermont - Too Late 3:57
10 Pat Kelly - Try to Remember 2:17
11 Ronald Russell - Rhythm Hips 2:44
12 Adiche - Chuka-Ja (Get Ready) 6:58
13 Norma Lee - Rolling On 3:17
14 Hoagy Benson - Kangaroo 2:33
15 Sugar Simone - Take it Easy 3:05
16 Maynell Wilson - Motown Feeling 3:30
VA - Jamaican Soul Kings, Roots Era Rare Tunes [2008]
01 John Holt - Time is The Master 3:00
02 Cimarons - Didn't I Fool You 2:46
03 Stranger Cole - These Eyes (Crying Every Night) 2:33
04 Ken Boothe - Freedom Street 2:47
05 Tennors - Weather Report 2:25
06 Desmond Decker - Sing A Little Song 3:03
07 Jubilees - I Need Your Loving 2:31
08 Invaders - Cradle Days 3:08
09 Alton Ellis - What Does it Take to Win Your Love 2:51
10 Paul - You're Going to Love Somebody 3:30
11 Justin Hinds & The Dominoes - Say Me Say 2:22
12 Slim Smith - I Need Your Loving 2:17
13 Ethiopians - I Want You My Baby 3:42
14 Gladiators - Sweet Soul Music 1:55
15 Jamaicans - Ba Ba Boum Time 2:59
16 Melodians - Lonely Night 2:40
17 Paragons (feat Rosalyn Sweat) - Blackbird (Singing) 2:32
18 Sensations - Every Day is Like A Holiday 2:31
VA - Listen to The Music, Caltone's Jamaican 45's 1966-69 [2012]
01 Peter Austin & The Clarendonians With The Ernie Ranglin All Stars - I'm Sorry 3:01
02 Lloyd & The Groovers With Tommy McCook & The Supersonics - Listen to The Music 2:15
03 Tommy McCook & The Supersonics - Killer Joe 2:42
04 Devon & The Tartans - Making Love 2:57
05 Alva Lewis With Lynn Taitt - Return Home 1:48
06 Chuck Jacques With Lynn Taitt & The Comets - Dial 609 2:27
07 Uniques With Tommy McCook & The Supersonics - The Journey 2:29
08 Kingstonians - Why Wipe The Smile From Your Face 2:56
09 Clarendonians - I’ll Never Try 2:41
10 Tommy McCook & The Supersonics - Smooth Sailing 3:02
11 Kingstonians - Love is The Greatest Science 3:08
12 Clarendonians With The Aubrey Adams All Stars - Lonely Heartaches 2:14
13 Cool Cats - Hold Your Love 2:16
14 Uniques With The Caltone Studio Orchestra - Do Me Good 3:03
15 Diplomats & Tommy McCook & The Supersonics - Going Along 2:35
16 Lloyd & The Groovers With Lynn Taitt Band - My Heart and Soul 2:38
17 Chuck Jacques & The Supersonics - Now That You’ve Gone 2:15
18 Eric "Monty" Morris - Hear Them Say 2:10
19 Honey Boy Martin & The Voices With Tommy McCook & The Supersonics - Dreader Than Dread 2:36
20 King Rocky & The Willows - You Are The One 2:48
21 Emotions With Lynn Taitt Band - Gypsy 2:31
VA - Original Jamaican Classics Volume 1 [1963]
01 Sensations - Everyday is A Holiday 2:22
02 Ernest Wilson - Undying Love 3:21
03 Heptones - Give Me The Right 2:26
04 Alton Ellis - Breaking Up 3:30
05 Winston Francis - Mr. Fix It 2:13
06 Silvertones - Smile 3:17
07 Jackie Mittoo - Drum Song 3:55
08 Leroy & Rocky - I Am Falling in Love 3:04
09 Jamaicans - Things You Say You Love 2:41
10 Melodians - Come on Little Girl 2:18
11 Alton Ellis - Let Him Try 2:31
12 Abyssinians - Declaration of Rights 3:16
13 Melodians - Little Nut Tree 2:43
14 Jackie Mittoo - Man on Spot 2:40
VA - The Kings & Queens of Rocksteady [1999]
01 Paragons - The Tide is High 2:44
02 Alton Ellis - Girl I've Got A Date 2:31
03 Phyllis Dillon - Perfidia 2:23
04 Hopeton Lewis - Boom Shaka Laka 2:27
05 Techniques - Queen Majesty (Aka Minstrel and Queen) 3:32
06 Joya Landis - Moonlight Lover 2:23
07 Melodians - Come on Little Girl 2:15
08 Jamaicans - Ba Ba Boom 2:48
09 Freddie Mckay - Love is A Treasure 2:38
10 Paragons - On The Beach 2:32
11 Conquerors - I Fell in Love 2:17
12 Phyllis Dillon - Don't Stay Away 2:28
13 Ethiopians - Pirate 2:27
14 Techniques - There Comes A Time 2:20
15 Three Tops - It's Raining 3:10
16 Jamaicans - Things You Say You Love 3:07
17 U Roy - Everybody Bawling 2:19
18 Melodians - I'll Get Along Without You 2:47
19 Sensations - Every Day is Like A Holiday 2:22
20 Tommy McCook - Heat Wave (Moving) 3:15
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Music weaves itself into the fabric of our emotions, dances through the corridors of memory, and whispers to the soul of who we are. Sharing these stories deepens the connection, turning the experience into something timeless and profound.
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