Various Artists - Calling Rastafari

Calling Rastafari is an anthology of Rastafarian roots reggae recorded primarily during a three-day period in early February 1981 at Harry J Studio in Kingston, Jamaica with veteran engineer Sylvan Morris at the controls. One of reggae's toughest rhythm sections, the Roots Radics, was engaged as the session band and was augmented by the cream of Jamaican session musicians. The scene, both in the studio and in the yard, was irie as group after group came by to audition tunes or just to check out the runnings. Some of Jamaica's finest artists are captured on this excellent record, including the Gladiators, Wailing Souls, Itals and Mighty Diamonds.

For more than 30 years, Nighthawk Records was among the leading independent record labels that specialized in the finest black roots music. The label began in the spring of 1976 with the release of four groundbreaking blues reissue albums that Living Blues Magazine called "the major event of the year for lovers of post-war blues." Nighthawk eventually transitioned to become one of the first American record labels to make a commitment to the culture and music of Jamaica. They became recognized internationally for bringing some of Jamaica's finest recording and performing artists to the attention of the broader world music community and for playing a key role in establishing the popularity of reggae music in North America.

Label founder and owner Bob Schoenfield died in October 2006. With no plans in the works to further issue any of these Nighthawk titles, these may be the last stock of these fine records ever available.

 

1. Calling Rastafari - Culture

2. Small Axe - Gladiators

3. 4000 Years - The Mighty Diamonds

4. Herbs Pirate - The Itals

5. Bongo Red - Gladiators

6. Dem A Payaka - Culture

7. My Thoughts - Gladiators

8. Harbour Sharks - Wailing Souls

9. Jah Glory - The Itals

10. This Time - Culture

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