Darker Than Blue: Soul from Jamdown, 1973 –1980


Fantastic compilation album released in 2001. A collection of 18 covers of American soul tunes by the famous Jamaican label's finest '60s and '70s artists.  Released in 2001 by Blood & Fire label, the collection focuses on the American soul and R&B impact/influence on Jamaican music. This compilation has always sounded stunning to me and I am never tired listen to the whole album. 
 
In the 1960s, as US soul began increasingly to reflect the social concerns and political aspirations of the black working class, the same phenomenon began to register in Jamaican music. By the end of the 1960s, Jamaica could boast the presence of several singers who equalled in emotional intensity their US cousins, among them such as Ken Boothe, Alton Ellis, John Holt and Delroy Wilson, as well as groups like the Techniques with Slim Smith, Pat Kelly and others. Similarly, instrumentalists like the Meters, Booker T & the MGs and James Brown's band also had their influence on the development of reggae. 

There are differents compilations of that kind (example: Studio One - Soul), but darker than blue sounds different. There is a particular spirit regarding the selection.  It celebrates that cultural exchange during the period 1973-1980, emphasising the fact that roots music doesn't have to be overtly Rasta inspired for the message to get across. I read online that it is the only compilation which is not tied to the output of any one particular label, it manages to come up with a selection that's broader in scope and more diverse in sound...

I discovered it about 12 years ago when I was in St Francisco, I spent 3 months skating and enjoying the city. I was already very passionated about music and was digging all the CD stores I could find. Looking for cheap and exceptional albums to complete my collection. 
Track listing: 

1) The Boris Gardiner Happening featuring Leslie Butler Ghetto Funk 3:09

2) The Chosen Few - Collie Stuff 2:52
3) Carl Bradney - Slipping Into Darkness 3:06
4) Ken Boothe - Is It Because I'm Black? 3:28
5) Freddie McGregor - Get Involved 3:34
6) Al Brown - Ain't No Love In The Heart Of The City 3:26
(Hereby a mixed version in dub which is not on the album but the original is quite similar, i just could't find any original on youtube) 

 
7) In-Crowd - Mango Walk 3:22
 
8) Ken Boothe - Ain't No Sunshine 2:15 
9) Milton Henry - Gypsy Woman 3:01
10) Junior Murvin - Give Me Your Love 2:07
11) John Holt - For The Love Of You 3:40 
12) Alton Ellis - It's A Shame 2:48
13) Jimmy London - I'm Your Puppet 3:38
14) Delroy Wilson - Get Ready (12" mix) 5:40
Here is another version as I could't find the original from the compilation on youtube, very similar though.
15) Lloyd Charmers - Darker Than Blue 2:59
16) Tinga Stewart - Why Can't We Live Together? (extended) 7:00

17) The Tamlins - Baltimore 4:01
18) Welton Irie - Hotter Reggae Music 3:50


La Musica en Verite / @Manudehemptinne









































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