Heads High

Roots reggae is a deep thing. Despite virtually no mainstream support, it has managed to survive and reach out to a global audience for nearly 40 years. This Friday, the mighty Johnny Clarke steps out to bless the people with his outstanding vocal talents at Dalston’s much-loved Passing Clouds.

If you were to write a list of true school roots legends, Johnny Clarke would be somewhere near the top. Born in Whitfield Town, Jamaica in January 1955, he began his career winning the 1971 Tony Mack’s talent show, subsequently linking him up with producer Clancy Eccles. Eventually Leaving Eccles to hook up with producer Rupie Edwards, Clarke scored a clutch of hits including”Irie Feelings” the 1973 single that provided the template for the producer’s own massive success with “Ire Feelings (Skanga).”

The following year, Clarke cut a number of singles for a variety of different producers. Although he was already well-known, it was only after he joined forces with producer Bunny Lee that the singer reached his full potential. Lee,  famous for introducing the “flying cymbal” sound that swiftly became his trademark, delved into the possibilities of dub and helped inaugerate the shift from Rocksteady to the slower swing of Reggae. Together, the two men would unleash a host of unforgettable singles, opening with the massive hit “None Shall Escape the Judgement.”

Over the next two years, Johnny inundated Jamaica with hit singles including “Move Out of Babylon Rastaman,” “Rock With Me Baby“, “Enter Into His Gates With Praise“, “Too Much War”, “Joyful Festival.” and a cover of Bob Marley’s “No Woman No Cry,”.  The singer’s first two albums, 1974’s None Shall Escape the Judgement and the following year’s Moving Out, were both hits-heavy collections. There was little surprise when Clarke clinched the artist of the Year award in 1975 and 1976 (and then annually for another three years after that).

By 1976, the singer had come to the attention of the Virgin label’s Front Line subsidiary, to whom he now signed. The new relationship was cemented with the fabulous Authorized Version album, again produced by Bunny Lee and boasting another big hit, “Roots Natty Roots Natty Congo.” That album was masterful; Rockers Time Now was an absolute masterpiece. Lee’s house band, the Aggrovators, laid down a potent mix of roots, rock, reggae, whilst King Tubby added his raw heavy dub to the proceedings. The record remains one of the crucial releases of the roots era.

As the ’80s dawned, Clarke moved effortlessly into the age of dancehall with his Johnny Clarke meets Cornell Campbell in a New Style Collection. He left Jamaica for London town in 1983, hooking up with producer Neil “Mad Professor” Fraser and recording Yard Style, which included such crucial cuts as “Mount Zion” and “Nuclear Weapon.”. Over the rest of the decade, Clarke continued cutting excellent singles in partnership with longtime collaborator King Tubby (responsible for many of the singer’s B-sides), and more dancehall-flavored offerings with both Prince Jammy and Errol Thompson.

The reason I just dropped the paragraphs above is simple – the man’s contribution deserves to be recognised. Follow the links, listen to the music (if you don’t already know it) and know that if you miss this Friday’s session, you be missing something special.

Oh, did I mention that the Red Earth/Soothsayers crew will be in the house to lay down the backing tracks…..or that yours truly is spinning inna roots and culture style throughout the evening? You know what to do…info is below: