In reggae music, the names of certain recording studios have an almost talismanic significance—mention Dynamic or Rudie’s or the Black Ark to a serious reggae fan, and watch his or her eyes light up. Studio One is one of those special names, and this latest in a long line of tribute albums comes from New York’s Easy Star label. This collection was produced by the great DJ and singer Sister Carol, who brought together some of reggae’s top names to reinterpret such classic Studio One hits as the Heptones’ “Soul Power” (here performed by Roman Stewart), Winston Jarrett’s “Up Park Camp” (reworked by Angie Angel as an herb anthem called “Sativa”) and Sugar Minott’s “Give A Hand” (performed here by Minott himself). There are a few clunkers—Sluggy Ranks and Empress Trejah both have pitch problems—but the album is a solid pleasure overall.
Various artists
