Studio One Soul 2: A Celebration of Jamaican Soul and Funk
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In celebration of the 18th anniversary of Studio One Soul 2, a special one-off pressing on colored vinyl is being released. This edition brings back one of the most sought-after collections from Soul Jazz Records, originally released and long out of print. The album continues the legacy of Studio One, diving deep into Jamaica’s enduring fascination with American Soul and Funk music. The second volume in this series features some of the most iconic reggae artists who began their careers at the legendary Studio One before achieving global fame. This collection, reissued by the renowned label, offers a rich selection of tracks that beautifully reinterpret both well-known and obscure American Soul and Funk tunes, bridging the cultural sounds of Jamaica and the United States.
Studio One Soul 2 showcases a stellar lineup of artists, including Horace Andy, The Heptones, Cornell Campbell, Ken Boothe, Jackie Mittoo, Jacob Miller, and many more. These artists bring a unique twist to classics from legends like Curtis Mayfield, Bill Withers, Marvin Gaye, and Al Green, among others. One standout track is Cornell Campbell’s rendition of Curtis Mayfield’s hit, “Ten to One,” a brilliant recut of The Mad Lads’ original Studio One single. The album also features Winston Francis’s interpretation of The Five Stairsteps’ “Don’t Change,” and Devon Russell’s “Make Me Believe in You,” which rivals the groundbreaking original by Curtis Mayfield himself. These tracks exemplify the seamless fusion of Jamaican reggae with the soulful rhythms of American music, creating a timeless sound that resonates across generations.
The influence of American Soul and Funk is evident throughout the album, not just in the instrumentation but also in the vocal stylings and rhythms. Classic DJs like Prince Jazzbo and Little Joe use these soulful rhythms to ride vocal toasts, adding another layer of depth to the music. Studio One Soul 2 offers a blend of classics, rare tracks, and previously unreleased gems, all meticulously remastered for this special edition. The vinyl edition comes as a double LP housed in a gatefold sleeve with a download code, while the CD edition is presented in a digipack with an accompanying booklet. This release is an essential addition to the collection of any reggae or soul enthusiast, further solidifying Studio One’s status as the Jamaican equivalent of Motown.
Founded by Clement “Coxsone” Dodd in 1954, Studio One has played a pivotal role in the development of Jamaican music, influencing genres such as ska, rocksteady, reggae, dub, and dancehall. The studio became a breeding ground for many of Jamaica’s most famous artists and bands, including Bob Marley, The Skatalites, and Burning Spear. The house band, often known as the Soul Brothers or Sound Dimension, provided the backbone for countless hit tracks during the 1960s and 70s. The timeless quality of the music produced at Studio One continues to inspire artists around the world, with its rhythms being versioned and re-versioned by musicians across multiple genres. The studio’s impact on the global music scene is undeniable, and the reissue of Studio One Soul 2 serves as a fitting tribute to this rich legacy.
Tracklist:
Jacob Miller – Westbound Train
Hortense Ellis – People Make The World Go Round
Horace Andy – Ain’t No Sunshine
Soul Vendors – Swing Easy
The Heptones – Choice Of Colours
Jackie Mittoo & The Brentford Disco Set – Choice Of Music Part 2
Prinze Jazzbo – Fool For Love
Cornell Campbell – Ten To One
Winston Francis – Don’t Change
Jackie Mittoo – Jumping Jehosophat
Tony Gregory – Get Out Of My Life Woman
Dub Specialist – Darker Block
Little Joe – Red Robe
Devon Russell – Make Me Beleive In You
Jerry Jones – Compared To What
Ken Boothe – Thinking
Anthony Creary – Land Call Africa
Jackie Mittoo – Fancy Pants
