DEEP DOWN WITH DENNIS BROWN : COOL RUNNINGS AND THE CROWN PRINCE OF REGGAE

15,16,17

Count Shelley

The Four Aces was a legendary club in a disused cinema in Dalston run by Newton Dunbar where the likes of Sir Lloyd Coxsone, Dennis Bovell and his Sufferer soundsystem  and Louisa Mark - who sadly passed away two years ago today made their mark. Penny Reel called The Four Aces 'the north east London epicentre of an evolving Jamaican music scene' and from all the interviews and features it was clearly a key part of black british culture in London. Sadly it was demolished by the council to build flats. This venue is steeped in history - from the 60s to the 90s all big stars from soul and reggae to hardcore and jungle played there just check the trailer at the bottom for the never ending list - there's also some footage of Labyrinth on youtube if you like old rave videos - plenty of comedy chin wobbling.

Louisa was only 14 at the time of this recording. After winning the talent compettion at the Four Aces 10 weeks running she was taken to Gooseberry Studios by Coxsone and Bovell to record what would be the first ever Lover's Rock single. 


(Menelik Shabazz's The Story of Lover's Rock)

Legacy in the Dust, a documentary about this venue by Winstan Whitter  is an essential watch to understand the historic and cultural significance of this club. It was shown in Notting Hill for Oxjam a couples weeks ago - he also filmed the U.K skate documentary Rollin'. 

Head to the Globe and Mau Mau for some vibes on Saturday as part of Oxjam Notting Hill

Gem : 
Check out these old photos of Dalston, Hackney  Stoke Newington, Nigeria  and more from photographer Alan Denney here. 

MORE HISTORY : GONE TOO SOON: THE STORY OF KING TUBBY

Out to my man Duke for sending this my way.Sir David breaking it down with the help of some legends. Playing everything from Tubby and Pablo to Bristol's Pinch / Massive Attack,  Dillinja and Mala. Dub - the original bassline music that influenced all modern day dance music and culture. I'm currently reading Deep Down With Dennis Brown by early reggae writer Penny Reel which details the scene in London in the 70s. It's full of rare and amazing photos some of which I'll scan and upload later. Essential reading if you're into the music. Buy here.

'We invented the remix'

 Part 1 of 4 - listen here.

Gem:

 We The Raggamuffin. A short drama by Julian Henriques set in Peckham in 1992 giving an insight in the culture; music, fashion and violence at that time. My parents moved away from there when I was born so it's interesting to get an image of what it looked like then. With the gentrification of the area there isn't a better time for this to resurface (via Dazed & Confused). There's also subtitles for those of you who don't speak 'english'.