Studio One Dj's Vol. 2

Soul Jazz's second look at the DJs and toasters who recorded for the legendary Studio One proves the reggae label's vaults are deep with crucial reggae music. Hits so big you'd think they would have been on Vol. 1 include Lone Ranger's infectious "Tribute to Bob Marley" and Brigadier Jerry's party-starting "Ram Dance Master," plus the great "Crab Walking," which features Prince Jazzbo rapping about the "sounds that you get you moving" over the "Skylarking" riddim. Here it's presented in its great extended "Discomix," which is just another example of why Soul Jazz has earned the deep reggae fan's respect. Enforcing their lofty reputation is an amazing selection of lesser-known numbers such as "Reggae Wiggle," with toaster Bobby Jackie delivering Lee Perry-styled free-association lyrics while backing band the Soul Defenders play the rock-solid Coxsone Dodd/Jackie Mittoo tune. There are plenty of other welcome surprises along with the usual superior Soul Jazz packaging, plus liner notes from reggae historian Steve Barrow. ~ David Jeffries|