Dubbing With DJs Volume 1

The D.J. phenomenon has grown to such an extent that it has become common place in todays musical vocabulary. But it’s roots go back to Jamaica and the Sound Systems, that exploded in the 1970’s that got us to where we are today.

Although DJ’s was operating in Jamaica in the 50’s & 60’s with the likes of Count Matchuki and Sir Lord Comic. It was mainly as selectors to the tracks on the Sound Systems with a few vocal embellishments to instrumental cuts that they provided and their work stayed mainly confined to the dances. The craze kicked off in 1969 when D.J. King Stitt (Winston Spark), cut some popular sides like ‘Fire Corner’ and ‘Herbsman Shuffle’ for producer Clancy Eccles, the success of which got noticed. But it was the originator as he was called U ROY (B.Ewart Beckfort,1942, Kingston, Jamaica) that kick started the DJ artform. After a time toasting for Doctor Dickies Dynamic System and Sir Coxsones Downbeat and having moved in 1969 to join King Tubby’s Home Town Hi-Fi Sound System that producer Arthur ‘Duke’ Reid, decided to take him into the studio. The resulting releases like ‘Wake the Town’ and ‘Rule the nation’ would see him top the Jamaican charts in 1970.

The producer to capitalise most on the DJ explosion was Bunny Lee. As the saying goes ‘If D.J. were your Trade.’ during the seventies you must have cut tracks with him.Using his vast catalogue of hits by such vocalists as John Holt, Delroy Wilson, Johnny Clarke, Cornell Campbell, as his back drop. Along with rhythms built at studio’s like Randy’s, Dynamic and Channel 1, he produced hit after hit. ’Striker‘ as he was nicknamed ruled the D.J. form from 1970 - 1977 until the wind would blow the changes and reggae take another turn in it’s evolving history.

It’s from this great period that we have compiled this Killer set by all the leading names in the DJ Arena. U Roy who lead the way is represented by two of his finest cuts. His protege I Roy (Roy Reid), who would take over running King Tubby’s Sound System, although initially inspired by U Roy would soon develop his own style. Like on ‘Baby Girl Dub’ featured here. DJ vocal sparing is represented by Prince Jazzbo (B.Linval Carter,1950, Jamaica) whose mike attack against the for mentioned I Roy on ‘Run & Go Hide the Dub’ is a fine example.