
'Deeper Roots' series, and this one by Joy White is a real treat for the foundation seekers. Joy grew up around the music but truly found her voice in 1974. She linked up with producer Lloyd 'Spiderman' Campbell, who built a strong reputation working with numerous reggae artists before his passing in 2016, to record 'Dread Out Deh'. When this track first landed, it made serious noise in Jamaica and quickly crossed over to the UK market on the Attack label by 1975. What makes her vocal performance so compelling is the intensity behind it. This isn't just singing, it's a warning. She captures that tense atmosphere of Kingston in the mid-seventies, giving a stern warning about the social issues and harsh conditions gripping Kingston at the time, and you feel every word of it. The backdrop comes courtesy of Skin, Flesh & Bones, and seasoned ears will recognize this rhythm right away. Lloyd Parkes played the bass on many of these classic Skin, Flesh & Bones sessions, providing that signature rolling low end. This same uptempo riddim powered the Itals song 'Time Will Tell' and Dr. Alimantado’s 'Dread Bongo Natty'. The magic here? That piano riff locked in with the trombone which is the kind of combination that just works, riding on top of a bass line that rolls and pushes the whole thing forward. Flip the record over for a dub version that shows true class. It doesn't get lost in too many gimmicky noises or endless echoes. Instead, the engineer uses effects with a light touch, letting the rhythm gallop along steady and strong. Sophisticated work, done right, a wicked addition to any selector's box