Dynamic Sounds Studio has it's roots firmly set in Jamaica's
history. It was the first state of the art studio built in Kingston, Jamaica and a firm favourite
with all the top flight homespun artists. Bob Marley chose to record the bulk of his seminal
'Catch A Fire' album there and many foreign musicians trying to catch some of that reggae
magic and emulate that sound have beaten a path to it's doors. As you will see the studio
had a history already of it's own, that was carved out before it became the aptly named
Dynamic Sounds.
Originally named WIRL Studio's (West Indies Records Limited), it was set up initially to
record Jamaica's versions of the American Rhythm and Blues tunes that were proving
so popular on the island. It was started back in 1958 by Political leader Edward Seaga
an astute businessman, who had many interests around the island including clubs and
bars. As the R & B music evolved into it's own styles from Mento into Ska, one of it's main
protagonists Byron Lee and his band the Dragonaires would be at the forefront and be
seen as ambassadors to the cause. Edward Seaga would choose the band to head the
1964 Worlds Fair and take them to New York to showcase the Jamaican Ska Music.
His political ambitions leading the American friendly JLP (Jamaican Labour Party)
against the Cuban inspired PNP (People's National Party), would see him cutting
back his other interests and lead to the selling of WIRL, lock stock and barrel to Byron Lee.
On taking over the business he renamed it Dynamic Sounds and extended it to include
not only a top of the range recording studio but a pressing plant to distribute the new hot
sounds of the day directly to the streets of Jamaica. The address would also change to
15 Bell Road, it's old address No 13, seemingly too unlucky for such a fine establishment.
The studio has become part of the Jamaican culture and each twist and turn in it's musical
story has been caught and recorded here. We get on board when the music had slowed
down to the reggae skank that we now know and love. We have picked some fine cuts that
we feel best represent the times. The rhythms are pushed to the fore and the great
Sylvan Morris a much underrated studio master, always came up with some interesting
effects to enhance the version cuts. A fine time in reggae's history caught at one of
Jamaica's finest studio's. Dynamic Sounds from a Dynamic Studio.....
CD Track Listing
1. BAD SHINE EYE DUB
The mighty Shine Eye rhythm opens this album in fine style.
This is a lost dub cut to ‘Bad Company’ by Mr Johnny Clarke.
2. MONEY IN MY DUBWISE
An organ lead cut to the timeless ‘Money in my Pocket’ rhythm, made famous
by a certain Mr Dennis Brown. Again great studio effects add to the sound.
3. DUB DUNZA
Johnny Clarke’s ‘Blood Dunza’ gets stripped back to it’s dub bones.
4. AN AFRICANS DUB
The Sheila Records classic cut ‘African Roots’ gets dubbed up, the horns
sound fantastic on this lost till now dub.
5. LADY IN DUB
The ‘Lady Lady’ rhythm cut by both Cornell Campbell and Johnny Clarke finds itself
here in dub style.
6. JAH JAH WE DUB
Johnny Clarke’s ‘Jah Jah We Pray’ gets an instrumental dub workout.
7. DUB DON’T CARE FOR ME
The classic ‘You Don’t Care For Me’ rhythm cut by
Pat Kelly, Cornell Campbell and Jackie Mitto, sounds timeless.
8. TEARDROP DUB
Jackie Edward’s ‘’Before The Next Teardrop Drops’ gets enhanced
with some studio dub effects,Milk Bottles and all.....
9. DUB OF AGES
Johnny Clarke’s’’Age Is Growing’ never sounded sweeter than on this lost dub cut....
10. LOVE UP DUB UP
Another timeless Johnny Clarke cut ‘Dub Up Love Up’
Again great horn stabs move along with the driving bass..nice..
11. DUB AWAY
The ‘Walk Away’ rhythm cut by many, John Holt, Johnny Clarke,
Vic Taylor and Jackie Edwards to name but a few.
Hat bass still shudders the speakers whoever rides over it .....
12. DUBS WAITING
Another firm favourite the ‘I’m Still Waiting’ rhythm gets the
dub treatment that will keep any old listener second guessing....
13. SAD DUB*
The 'Sad News' rhythm rolls out in fine form again with
some nice studio wizardry by the mighty Sylvan Morris...
14. STILL DUB*
You can just hear Derrick Morgan’s dubbed vocal leading into a rockers
almost military shuffle, as his classic 'Be Still' gets operated on...
15. DUB NIGHTS IN GEORGIA*
Last but not least John Holt’s version of Randy Crawford's ‘Rainy Night In Georgia’
a classic lead out to a fine selection...
•CD Bonus Track
Vinyl Track Listing
Side 1
1. BAD SHINE EYE DUB
2. MONEY IN MY DUBWISE
3. DUB DUNZA
4. AN AFRICANS DUB
5. LADY IN DUB
6. JAH JAH WE DUB
Side 2
1. DUB DON’T CARE FOR ME
2. TEARDROP DUB
3. DUB OF AGES
4. LOVE UP DUB UP
5. DUB AWAY
6. DUBS WAITING
Musicians Include:
Carlton 'Santa' Davis, Carlton Barrett: Drums
Robbie Shakespeare, Aston 'Family Man' Barrett,
Lloyd Parks: Bass
Earl 'Chinna' Smith: Lead guitar
Tony Chin, Winston 'Bo Beep': Rhythm Guitar
Ansel Collins: Piano
Jackie Mitto, Bernard 'Touter' Harvey, Winston Wright: Organ
Bobby Ellis: Trumpet
Vin Gordon: Trombone
Tommy McCook: Tenor Saxophone
Lennox Brown: Alto Saxophone
Recorded at: Dynamic Sounds.
Engineered By: Sylvan Morris, Carlton Patterson
Produced by: Bunny Lee.
Design by: Gary @ Voodoo London.
Manufactured Under Licence from E. Lee.