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Chameleon Collective is an Anglo-Portuguese creative hub, formed in 2015, which takes its inspiration from the late 70s jazz influenced pop music of west coast America, paying tribute to the music and vibes of Steely Dan, The Crusaders, Herb Albert, Joni Mitchell, Sergio Mendes, George Duke and Miles Davis.

The album 1979 is our musical homage to all things LA West Coast during the late 70s. Born from a love of bands and producers from an era perhaps defined by Steely Dan and their work with Roger (The Immortal) Nichols, it is influenced by the orchestrations of Sergio Mendes and Herb Albert and the emotional intensity of Joni Mitchell.

Each of us having a long history in recording of our own, we sought out analogue-based studios where microphones still mattered and based our songs on open chord structures that enabled each musician to add their own layer of unique harmony. After the initial scratch pad sessions jamming on piano and bass to create the building blocks from which we assembled each song’s structure. Some are based around the normal verse, chorus, verse chorus format but others, such as After You, evolved to become longer, more free-form pieces.


To ensure each of us was free to react to each other’s performances as they were added, the first performance to be recorded and defined was Gary O’Toole on drums, bringing his unique blend of technique and creativity to each song’s rhythm part. Next came Jed’s piano and organ. His original Hammond, recorded in the studio of Portuguese legend Rui Veloso, colours the music of the album in warm and unique shades while the piano offers also many highlights. Scott Garland was next with his brass parts and wonderful solo’s alongside Matt Holland’s incredible trumpet – inspired by the 70’s work of Tom Scott and Michael Brecker – in a brass section that flows like liquid gold throughout the sound of the album.

We needed a very particular kind of feel and groove from the guitars – and we had the good fortune to have the talents of Tim Froud and Ronnie Johnson weaving incredible solos and rhythm grooves into each arrangement that were somehow as tight as they were loose.



But the really unique moment for us was first hearing the songs sung by fellow Chameleon Maria Leon, recorded with a special vintage microphone Neumann U67 after our early writing sessions in which she wrote and sang each song lyric almost simultaneously, before seamlessly layering up her voice in banks of backing vocals where desired.



Finally… The mixing!

After a four-year journey working away at each song until we at last reached a point where we knew it was finished as a recording, we had the grace of Andy Bradfield to mix it. Crafted in layers of sound, the final arrangements and details blended together in a magnificent yet transparent way.



Have a look at the unique artwork that Digital artist Claire Stone at Jump Design has created to accompany each song – we have written much more about the inspiration behind each song and how we went about recording it.



We hope you enjoy listening as much as we did making it!

South London-based band Soothsayers are set to release their ninth studio album 'We Are Many'. Held together by heavy basslines, solid grooves, and socially and politically charged lyrics; the album takes the listener into different sonic spaces with elements of dub, Afrobeat, improvisational jazz and electronica.

The initial steps in recording 'We Are Many' came in January 2019 when the band's founders - saxophonist Idris Rahman and trumpeter Robin Hopcraft - set out on a journey to Brazil. With executive production in the Sao Paulo studio by renowned music journalist and author David Katz, they hooked up with bass player and producer Victor Rice who they'd met sharing the bill at Freedom Sounds festival in Cologne, Germany a year earlier. Victor organised a session in Studio Traquitana, home of acclaimed Brazilian band Bixiga 70, and invited a selection of local musicians. Percussionist and singer Ligia Kamara contributed lyrics and melodies written in the studio, and drummer Bruno Buarque, guitarist Joao Erbetta and bassist Victor provided some solid, personality-driven input. Fresh and vital, what came out was a fascinating blend of Soothsayers' dub and Afrobeat mixed with distinctly Brazilian inflections.

After arriving back in the UK, Idris and Robin set about creating the remainder of the album in a different, yet complimentary way, and called on the services of Wu-Lu and Kwake at their The Room studio in South London. Things started to take shape very quickly, Wu-Lu and Kwake combining Soothsayers' music with electronic elements, while also referencing elements of the current UK jazz scene.

When lockdown hit in March 2020, there was still a lot of work to do in order to complete a full album and Robin and Idris set about working on tracks with their musicians remotely. Having time to consider the album as a whole, they found strong connections between the music recorded in Brazil and the tracks recorded in London and they set about fusing and combining these elements further into a satisfying whole.

UK based Sengalese singer Modou Toure was enlisted to guest on one track while percussionists Satin Singh and Maurizio Ravalico were engaged to help affirm a sound-world where Brazilian flavours, such as the low-end Surdo drum, were combined with sounds more readily associated with reggae and Afrobeat.

Soothsayers' three part vocal harmony is a defining factor in this album. With strong references to the vocal styles of reggae legends such as The Gladiators, Mighty Diamonds, Heptones, and Abyssinnians; it has benefited from the long-standing friendship between Robin, Idris and Julia Biel. Lyrics, melodies and harmonies were presented, discussed, explored and recorded at Idris' and Julia's home studio in Streatham in a relaxed and positive way, with concepts from social and political commentary turned into powerful songs.

Themes cover political observations of Trump and beyond alongside Brazil's president Bolsanaro (Rat Race), speaking out against increasing levels of violence from the Brazilian government towards its native and indigenous people (Love And Unity) and keeping hopeful despite the impending horrors of a no-deal Brexit (We Won't Lose Hope).

Elsewhere they discuss striving to create space for meditation and reflection against the background noise of 24/7 news and social media (Move In Silence), the daily grind (No Sacrifice) and workers' rights (Slave), while highlighting those that fall through the cracks in society and end up without a permanent address, what led to this and how close we all are from this happening (One Step Away).

'We Are Many' represents a positive and uplifting statement in the face of challenging times - the overriding force, power and positivity of the music to continue forward, pushing the boundaries of musical concepts into the future.

"Whilst heavy questions of life and death and the future of our species surround us all, music is a guide that can help us perceive the challenges in a different way - a guide that can help us towards a deep inner peace. If we listen, music can help light the way. We hope you will listen, and we hope you will experience the joy, meditative power and beauty in the connection of different musical cultures that was experienced in the creation of this album."

- Idris Rahman and Robin Hopcraft

The next single on All Nations Records is a tremendous stepper riddim of French dubmaker Higher Meditation now based in Leicester UK. Veteran UK singer Kulture D from the local underground scene rides this rough riddim smoothly, calling out the almighty one to set everyone free. His prayer is still resonating deep in mind when entering the dub version of this track with the help of a subtle melodica line.

Hot on the heels of his recent Eddie Kendricks/Q Tip outing on the 2Dogs imprint, Redmo once again comes up trumps with this 2 tracker on the newly formed Felt Tip label.
The all time Bob Marley classic 'Is This Love' get's stripped back to it's absolute bare bones then strung back together resulting in a majestic dubbed out acoustic masterpiece.
All the original parts...horns, guitar, piano and of course the vocals (both lead & backing) are brought back to life in an arrangement and version that's sure to raise pulses and eyebrows alike. On the flip we have 'Sadi Soul'.....A double bass led jazz-funk groover which we believe is based on a rather rare 70's Belgium jazzer that's worth a pretty penny or two! Redmo get's us instantly locked in with the drums underpinned by that walking bass line, vibes slip n slide effortlessly over the top resulting in mightily cheeky little dance floor gem.Keep 'em peeled.....Redmo is one to look out for!

The second instalment of the ultimate collection of tracks from legendary reggae superstar, BOB MARLEY! Marley sold more than 20 million records throughout his career, making him the first international superstar to emerge from the so-called Third World. Also available, Volume 1.

Barry Brown one of reggaes vastly overlooked talents. His militant conscious style has over time lost none of its appeal. Truly one of the sweetest roots vocalists to come out of Jamaica.

Born in 1962, Kingston, Jamaica, he cut his musical teeth working under producer Bunny Lee. Their first release was a track called ‘Girl You’re Always on my Mind’, although a minor hit, Bunny Lee saw his potential  and was rewarded with his 1979 cut ‘Step it up Youthman’ which became a hit  and has become a roots classic, leading to an album of the same name.  The late 70’s was a great period in Barry Brown’s career and its from this period that we have culled this set of tracks. Straight from the master tapes some of his finest moments and some unreleased gems that we believe should be heard. A great set from his timeless 'Trying Youthman' a tail of struggling times in the heart of Kingston Jamaica.
His rastafarian inspired chants 'Stop Them Jah Jah','Give Thanx and Praise','Natty Rootsman' and 'Lead Us Jah’ work alongside socially charged cuts as 'Politician', 'Big Big Pollution' and 'Mr Money Man'. As with all his tales and inspired lyrics they are put across in such a tuneful way that like all the best songs that carry a message can be remembered also through the strength of the song.

As with many of his artists Bunny Lee encouraged him to go into self-production, and after a time spent with producer Linval Thompson ‘Separation’, and Sugar Minott ‘Things & Time’, he did just that and produced his first release ‘Cool Pon Your Corner’ in 1980 followed in 1981 by ‘Problems Get You Down’.

 We hope this release will find a place in your collection and remind us of the talent  of Mr Barry Brown. If somewhat overlooked, but certainly now not forgotten. Let’s celebrate with the man and  go to the blues one more time....

The Signz Series Keeps on growing with the OBF Familly !

The Signz Series Keeps on growing with the OBF Familly !

The familly record : closest friends and singers ! OBF crew !

The Signz Series Keeps on growing with the OBF Familly !

2 track Single from Al Brown released by Inbidimts/Dub Store Records

CRUCIAL! *also highly limited with floppy disk artwork and spinning fantascope magic by Ellen G – C:\>ECHO not to be missed!

Two heavily dub-encrypted data packages by disrupt, retrieved from Jahtari deep storage and transferred to 7″ floppy disk for the very first time.
On side A 'Chip on Fire', a 2005 favourite, mutates through it’s dramtic arc with hypnotic bass pressure, exploding psycho-synths and CPU-straining mind bender moments until reaching an intense conclusion. 'Jojo’s Skank', the desperate battle against a merciless metronome on side B, gives a nod to the immortal ‘Monkey Island’ adventure game soundtracks by Michael Z. Land (1990 / 91). For those who know…

Rivertones - the recorded music of Caught by the River - have repressed their classic 2012 Dylan Thomas-in-dub 7" Under Dubwood by the Dubwood Allstars.

Although Under Dubwood might seem an incongruous mix - the words of Dylan Thomas, the voice of Richard Burton and the studio sounds of King Tubby - the resulting single actually makes perfect sense - a gloriously woozy psychedelic skank that places Llareggub somewhere just outside downtown Kingston, JA. Since its release five years ago, Under Dubwood has been a staple on BBC6 Music and was used as soundbed music for the BBC's coverage of Dylan Thomas' centenary in 2014. It remains hugely in demand from the Caught by the River shop and has been sold out for the last eighteen months. The identity of the Dubwood Allstars remains a mystery to all at Rivertones.

On the B-side of the Under Dubwood 7" is River Theme by the Time and Space Machine (aka acid house stalwart Richard Norris of the Grid and Beyond the Wizard's Sleeve). River Theme is a hypnotic, fuzzed-up garage groove that's equal parts Dirty Water Club and Trash.

(180 gr, Purple/pink/white marbled coloured vinyl) 'Morning Star' is a combination of the sound of The Congos and the Pura Vida Sound. It features 6 new Congos songs, 3 songs from Pura vida and a dubversion called Dub Love. The Album has the vintage LastArk Sound and was mixed the oldschool way using the mixer as an instrument.

We present to you our eleventh release on 7” format, a collaboration between Ojah and UK singer Dan Bowskill, a.k.a. Danny Vibes.

The A side contains the track “Rebels”, a modern roots vocal performance by Dan over a new steppers riddim. These lyrics first appeared on his collaboration with Russ Disciples in 2014 and is now given a completely new perspective and delivery over this riddim.
On the B side we find a dub version as usual, in this case an instrumental dub,
mixed live in analog by Ojah at his studio in London.

Barry Issac - Mau Mau / Dub 1 / Dub 2 / Dub 3 (Reggae On Top) 10"

* First appearing on A&O’s album `King and Queen’ in 1991, `Pure and Clean’ became an instant classic, with Jah Shaka cutting the track and running it on dub. Fast forward to 2013, Partial Records release it on 45 for the first time backed with one of the Shaka-championed dub cuts,
it remains the best fastest selling 7” on Partial.
* So, all good things come to those who wait. Partial have repressed it with 300 only copies available, with a tasty hand stamped outer sleeve.

The Nassau Sessions were recorded in Nassau Bahamas in March of 2013 using zero analog equipment. This debut 7" features four sedated, rum-fueled dubs by Double Pelican Man.
The sounds chosen are familiar to the Dub Reggae lexicon. Deep sub bass, guitar chords, synth bleeps and clacking percussion. All drenched in echo and reverb, each ingredient added with careful consideration to the mix. The rhythms tumble and sway confidently. Grooves are proudly extended, while the occasional overdub effect gives each track a paradoxically haunting undertone.After inhaling these tracks, your perception of time may be altered. Seconds slowing to minutes, minutes drifting towards the open sea and out into the abyss. Suitable for a euphoric afternoon smoke or a back room deal. The Nassau Sessions will be one of the most distinguished dub EP's you will hear this year.

* Dubplate style from The Disciples and Boomshackalaka Sound System from the early 90’s.
* In-demand heavy-weight instrumental in-a Jah Shaka style.
* Featuring 3 mixes for maximum speaker distress.
* Strictly limited to 300 copies only.

Barry Issac - Protected / Dub 1 / Dub 2 / Dub 3 (Reggae On Top) 10"

One of Jamaica's most highly-rated vocalists, Alton Ellis made an incredible contribution to the island's popular music. Blessed with a particularly emotive voice that brings shivers to the spine whether singing original material or cover tunes, Ellis was born and raised in Trench Town, the west Kingston ghetto area that gave rise to Bob Marley and the Wailers and countless other singers. Ellis and singing partner Eddie Parkins hit big in 1961 with the ballad 'Muriel' for Coxsone Dodd, and after Parkins moved to the USA, Ellis teamed briefly with John Holt, and then began fronting the Flames harmony group. He excelled in the rock steady style, christening the genre with 'Rock Steady' and 'I Have Got A Date,' bouncing between Studio One and Treasure Isle for a number of years. From 1971, he spent increasing period in London, but continued to record hits in Jamaica for various producers. The 1979 release Love To Share was arranged by the great Studio One keyboardist, Jackie Mittoo, who co-produced the album with Junior Lincoln, founder of the London-based Bamboo label, the disc straddles the line between lover's rock and roots reggae, remaining a lesser-known classic.

Collection of all the instrumental versions of BMD-2. An essential dub album !

• 180 GRAM AUDIOPHILE VINYL
• LIMITED EDITION OF 750 INDIVIDUALLY NUMBERED COPIES ON ORANGE COLOURED VINYL

John Holt was known as a member of The Paragons, before establishing himself as a solo artist. Like a Bolt adds up to all the singer’s output with Duke Reid’s Treasure Isle label. When this album was first released in 1973, John Holt was already a veteran in the Jamaican music scene. John wrote most of the songs himself, a different approach from the covers he recorded before. It features a lot of his best work from the early years. His classic voice is backed by a musical landscape full of melodies and rhythms. Like a Bolt is a true gem of original reggae.

Like a Bolt is available as a limited edition of 750 individually numbered copies on orange coloured vinyl.

This 40th Anniversary 7” collection has been curated by Jerry Dammers, selecting his favourite 12 singles released on the label between 1979 and 1984. Presented with their original sleeve designs in a bespoke 1960’s style carry case along with a Two Tone 7” slipmat and an art card signed by Jerry Dammers.

On this new 7" on All Nations Records, French undercover talent William Stepper teams up with veteran DJ Little R to deliver a powerful message on refugees struggling to reach safer shore. “No Place On The Boat” gets an even more meanings through the deep riddim of Simon Nyabinghi. The devastating dub mix on the flip of this single makes it a people’s favourite since its first play a couple of years back as a dubplate.

Barry Issac- Herb Street / Chazbo - Herb Melodica / Dave Crispy Horns - Herb Horns / Herb Street Dub

Rising High LP is a debut album of Bristol's own Tubby Isiah - brand new project launched by Jevon Ives (De-Tu) & his dad Jason Ives.

Liam Bailey comes out swinging with "White Light," an instant-classic, dancefloor filler. The rough and tough drum break intro catches you from the first beat before the track gives way to an infectious and uplifting reggae-dis- co number. Liam's instantly recognizable voice showers his muse with praise over deep round bass lines and a four on the floor beat. The combination of Leon Michels' crushing production and Bailey's lyrics like "You love yourself, you're so exciting, like no one else"... is sure to make this a staple in dj sets around the globe. The B side "Cold & Clear" is a proper lighters in the air, slap the wall, top ranking tune. The track struts in the door with a natural and undeniable confidence. Liam weaves a heavy metacognitive story over the one drop drums, perfect basslines, and organ stabs that will have people stepping in rhythm. The lo-fi production weaves elements from the finest early rocksteady era with touches from the late 70s / early 80s digital era and takes the entire vibe into the present with unorthodox arrangements and vocal treatments. Bailey has a tune here that will hold up next to the classics in the dancehalls from the yards of Jamaica to the discotheques in his homeland of England. Also Available From Liam Bailey: Champion / Please Love Me Again 7”

Recorded and produced in the late seventies with Lee Perry, the album which Congolese artists Seskain Molenga and Kalo Kawongolo recorded together is one of the most mysterious projects to surface from the Black Ark Studio during the late 1970s. Its also one of the most misrepresented of Perry’s productions, with myriad explanations for its existence falling far short of what actually happened.

The intention of the original band, formed in France by the producer Bernadette Duget and composed of a mixture of Congolese, Senegalese and French musicians, was to head to Jamaica to record a rock album with African undercurrents in Lee Perry's Black Ark studio. However, in Jamaica things didn't go according to plan and the project turned out to be a failure. The Congolese duo Seskain Molenga and Kalo Kawongolo continued working with Lee 'Scratch' Perry and this collaboration would eventually bear an unexpected reggae fruit. These recordings were originally released on LP in 1979 and re-released in 1991, yet the vinyl album remains highly sought-after .

Now finally re-issued with extensive liner notes by the American journalist, author and reggae aficionado David Katz sheds more concerted light on the complex tale that lies behind the work. Most notably thanks to the emergence of new eyewitness accounts such as Seskain Molenga, Wasis Diop and Lee Perry.

The debut album by Seskain Molenga and Kalo Kawongolo remains a unique slice of musical ingenuity, an intoxicating sonic storm that resulted from their temporary presence at the magical space of the Black Ark. Tribal grooves coagulate in a thick swirl beneath trademark Black Ark bass lines. The two cultures connect in electrifying ways, while the reggae beat thrives in a more ancient setting. The songs are sung with gusto in Lingala and there’s an exuberant spirit to proceedings. This record is a document to what happens when fate intervenes and fetches victory from the clutches of defeat. There is blood and there is fire.’

Until Now, All Is Well is the latest track to be shared by The Nix, a loose collection of uniquely talented musicians corralled together by Nick McCarthy (ex Franz Ferdinand) and Seb Kellig around their Sausage Studio in east London.

Based around the original composition ‘Warm Canto’ by Mal Waldron, the track features founding member of the avant-pop band Stereolab Laetitia Sadier.

Out on Moshi Moshi Records, Seb of The Nix said about the making of the track:

A night at Sausage Studios and nothing falls into place...we talk, we laugh, we mess about. But the 'record' button remains un-hit.
Time is not on our side, we need inspiration, and we know where to find it:
We saddle our bikes and ride into the mild London night. Down to Homerton, along the Canal, passing Springfield, we end up in Tottenham.

The mighty Jah Shaka tears the place apart. Low ceilings, the place is filled with smoke and bass. One love, unity, another version....the mids, the tweeters - in perfect harmony. Familiar riddims, unknown dubs. Shaka on the wire.

We get back to Sausage as the sun rises. Our senses are numb. We can't hear, don't want to see, how good it feels not to be guided by ears but by the heart. We close the curtains and plug in.

Demon Records presents three new reissues from the cool ruler of Reggae, Gregory Isaacs.

Often described as the ‘ultimate rude boy Reggae star’, Gregory Isaacs recorded some of the greatest Reggae albums of all time and became known for his iconic, laidback vocal style.

‘I Am Gregory’ was first released in 1993 on Jet Star’s Charm label and was co-produced with Gregory’s wife June. Highlights include ‘Goosie Gander’, ‘Mommy Doesn’t Understand’ and a cover of Bob Marley’s ‘I Am Still Waiting’.

Demon Records is proud to present the first vinyl reissue of ‘Work Up A Sweat’, pressed on 140g black vinyl and featuring a printed inner sleeve.

This is a Dubquake Sign Series #1

2 dirty steppers for a pure dark electro dub banging sound !