Ramrock Selectahs: Jo Wallace – Taking It From The Top

Ramrock Selectahs: Jo Wallace - Taking It From The Top

The Sweet Fantastic – Hypnotisin’ (Get Down) – EP

F*CLR Records are so happy to be finally releasing The Sweet Fantastic’s brilliant ‘Hypnotisin (Get Down)’ as F*CLR’s first fresh release of 2022 – a beautifully reinterpreted version of Raw Silk’s ‘Doit to the music’.It’s been an incredibly long and winding road for Mancunian/qualifiedarchitect/DJ/producer/remixer and extremely patient co-founder of ‘The Sweet Fantastic’, Andrew Sant who now resides in Adelaide, Australia. Undeterred by a two year delay due to an initial knock back on a sample request from Raw Silk’s record company, the onset of COVID lockdowns and studio closures, Andrew persevered and after recruiting the fabulous talents of vocalist Lesley Williams to reimagine the vocals, he revised his original 2019 track from scratch on his dining roomtable along with musical colleague, Troy J Been. They took inspiration from the original track but added their own ‘Sweet Fantastic’ spin to the ‘Do It’ vibes. The North Street West crew lent their production talents to the remix and Ashley Beedle, Darren Morris and Jo Wallace pooled their collective disco chops to add nu-house sensibilities to the already excellent original.Previous releases from Andrew have included ‘Ya feel’ (3 AM Recordings), Out of Kontrol (Tri-Circle), Inbetween Dreams (Tarantic), Escapism (Kolour) and The Beat Conductor (Open Bar) with remixes forNeo on their track ‘Trulybe’ (Tri-Circle) and DJ Meme’s ‘Chanson du Soleil’ (Playmore). His DJ career has taken him around the globe from Sankeys Soap + the Warehouse Project Warm Up Party, Manchester, The Bomb, Nottingham, Miss Moneypenny’s @ BoHo, Ibiza and as a guest presenter on Stamford University Radio, San Francisco, California. Drawing on influences from the likes of Ashley Beedle, Frankie Knuckles, Jimpster, Masters at Work and Kerri Chandler to name but a few, The Sweet Fantastic are already working on several follow ups to ‘Hypnotisin’.‘Hypnotisin (Get Down)’ by The Sweet Fantastic debuted on Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide FM in November 2021 on Ashley Beedle’s ‘Heavy Disco Spectacular’ radio show getting plenty of enquiries and now F*CLR Records can’t wait for your reactions to this evocative dancefloor filler!

RR008 Ghetto Priest - Sway EP

Following on from his huge radio world domination with all versions of ‘Hercules’, Ghetto Priest lends his considerable talents to Rat Pack Don, Dean Martin’s 'Sway', creating a selection of mixes and remixes to suit every discerning palate. There's the LP cut, taken from his 'Big People Music' album, already championed by David Rodigan on his BBC 1Xtra show.Then the North Street West crew take a slightly dark turn and inject an element of Reggae Exotica reminiscent of those fabulous Tiki lounges of the early 60's. The gently coaxing marimbas and castanets will transport you to warmer climes somewhere in a vintage travel brochure whilst Dr Rey goes West of the Sussex Coastline with his melodica dub.Throw the talc on the dance floor and get ready to sway.

RRB004 - Greg Blackman - Never Trust Another Man Again - EP

Following hot on the heels of his hugely successful 12” ‘Where did the party go’ with Mr Bird (Juno Records – Single of the Week/ Mi-Soul Radio - A listed/ Craig Charles ‘Funk & Soul’ show’ etc) on Ramrock Blue Records, Greg is back with another of his own compositions but this time, he’s solo. ‘Never trust another man’ is a brooding, expressive social commentary delivered with vocals dripping with melancholy soul. The original clean/explicit versions will be available on Ramrock Blue 7” vinyl whereas Ashley Beedle’s haunting jazz North Street Remixes featuring the trumpet accompaniment of Duncan Mackay will only be available as part of the digital EP.

RR006 - Ghetto Priest - Hercules EP

The A side of this wonderful slab of hot vinyl was recorded at ‘The House of IMIZWA’ studios, by reggae artist and Asian Dub Foundation frontman Ghetto Priest with Carlton Ogilvie on keyboards, Ital Horns on brass duties, Greg Blackman on backing vocals and Crucial Tony on guitar . Ghetto unleashes his fresh reggae take of the mighty Aaron Neville’s iconic 1973 rare groove classic ‘Hercules’. Beautifully executed with deft vocals over a rock solid riddim, the original version taken from Ghetto’s forthcoming ‘Big People Music’ LP, will be heard blasting out of low rider windows rolled down in the summer heat and radios across the globe in 2021 and beyond.Meanwhile on the B side, Ashley Beedle and Darren Morris take the North Street West ‘HOLYVOODOU’ remix on a musical detour through hidden Louisiana backwaters to visit a ‘vaudou’ priestess to collect some gris gris and onward to New Orleans to meet Doctor John at the Mardi Gras. Leaning heavily towards the Meters school of phrasing, the North Street West version is infused with layers of eloquent keyboards, righteous handclapping, chicken bones and a generous helping of Bayou Funk, making a connection to the Aaron Neville original.

RR009 - Ghetto Priest - I don't want to see you cry

Ghetto Priest returns to Ramrock Records for his final single release from his massively acclaimed ‘Big People Music’ with his cover of Ken Boothe’s ‘I don’t want to see you cry’, originally released in 1966 on Coxsone Dodd’s iconic Jamaican imprint, Studio One.The LP cut boasts a who’s who line up of reggae royalty - Ghetto Priest sounding copasetic, keyboards by Carlton ‘Bubblers’ Ogilvie, Crucial Tony on guitar, David Fulwood & Richard Doswell (Ital Horns) nail the horns and Ivan ‘Celloman’ Mussey supplies the strings + cello action and the Bishop of Dub, Adrian Sherwood is on mixing duties. Fellow Ramrock Records artist, Greg Blackman, completes the line up on backing vocals and Matt Smyth from Liotia on the engineering tip.On the North Street West remix, Ashley Beedle, Darren Morris and Jo Wallace retain the Ital Horns but take the vibe back to the golden Rocksteady years of mid-60’s with a sprinkling of 70’s Tuff Gong’ism, sweet harmonies and Darren channelling his inner Jackie Mittoo on Hammond. And lastly, as a very special bonus, the enigmatic Dr R.E.Y stepped into the studio with his melodica and laid down a beautifully haunting version for all you lovers of the Dub.

RR007 - D'Oxman ft Ramrock Allstars - Return of the Gentleman Rudeboy

In 2014, the first release on Ramrock was specially commissioned by Dean Chalkley to accompany his highly acclaimed ‘Return of The Rudeboy’ 2014 exhibition at Somerset House. With the mighty MC D’Oxman pon de mike, the Ramrock Allstars (aka Ashley Beedle, Darren Morris & Jo Wallace) lay down vocals and a riddim that pays homage to the golden age of Rock Steady.

RR005 – DB Cohen ft D’Oxman & Mark Professor – Find A Way EP – Original, North Street + Wrongtom Remixes

DB Cohen’s ‘Find A Way’ is filled with reggae goodness from beginning to end. Featuring champion MC’s D’Oxman & Mark Professor, heavyweight production and an original mix from Mark ‘Snowboy’ Cotgrove, a North Street remix from the Don, Ashley Beedle, an Echolocation Dub from Dub Maestro, Wrongtom and superb full colour artwork by Richard Epps, this 10” delivers a knockout ‘punch’ with versions to suit everyone’s musical persuasions.DB Cohen's sound can be described as a mix of Bob Dylan, Ray Davies, Madness, The Stones and Two Tone Ska. During a four year stay in Japan, Dan began writing and performing his own songs and after forming the band 'The Dogs Bollox', he played the Tokyo club circuit learning his trade. On returning to London in 2008, it was in Soho's Madame JoJo's where DB approached Snowboy at his ‘Good Foot’ night and asked Mark to listen to his demo. Within six months, Snowboy was producing Dan’s debut album, bringing a wealth of knowledge and amazing musicians to DB Cohen's analog recorded debut album 'Scratchcards & Wine'.Tracks from 'Scratchcards & Wine' were championed by Gary Crowley on his ‘Absolute’ radio show, featured on ‘BBC Introducing’, the French version of the hit TV show 'The Voice' and chosen by Bang and Olufson to feature on their recent promotional video. Dan was also added to Glastonbury Festival's ‘2014 Emerging Talent Competition’, performed for 17,000 on the main stage at the Village Green Festival and headlined London's famous 100 Club earning him rave reviews.

RR010 - Errol Lamzi - Lonely EP

Ramrock Records are delighted to unleash this exquisite slab of properly good Lovers Rock. The original version boasts the talents of UK based reggae singer, Errol Lamzi and production talents of the mighty Stingray. The lyrical content is simple – girl leaves boy, boy is broken hearted and lonely without the one he loves. Will she ever come back – we don’t get to find out but we’re all routing for him. The North Street West crew take the track and inject an infectious combined keyboard melody – Hammond organ and upright piano – along with horn stabs, creating a real old skool Rock Steady flavour just right to nice up the dance.Errol Lamzi began his musical career as a singer/songwriter in the early 80s on the UK based ‘Yootman Sound System’, situated in North West London. Following on from the sound system days, Lamzi went on to pursuing his dream with the release of his debut single entitled ‘The Rose.’ This was followed by other releases such as ‘Zoom’, ‘Hold Me’, Loveride’ (a duet cover with Honey B), ‘Somebody’s Fool’ and ‘Easy Lover’ which was released on Jet Star Reggae Hits Volume 9. After a break from music taking time with family and his career, Errol Lamzi has returned to the music scene with further releases in 2021 entitled ‘Cherrie’ and ‘Not Another One’. A recent link up with Stingray Records and Ramrock has led to his latest release entitled ‘Lonely.’Stingray, a UK based Reggae recording studio and label, has emerged as one of the leaders in the music field since it was founded in 1994 by the McLeod brothers. Based in Perivale, Stingray own a fully equipped, advanced 24-track professional recording studio. Carlton “Dillie” McLeod and his younger brother Raymond “Sting” McLeod have steadily built a reputation for producing unique “Yard Style” mixing technique outside Jamaica.

RRR001 – Future Unit – Lazy Bones EP

Ramrock Records launch their new Balearic/Jazz label Ramrock Red with London based composer and producer Remy Felix Vas aka Future Unit's 'Lazy Bones'.. It started with Bill Brewster playing it on his weekly podcast and next THE Ashley Beedle is shouting its Balearic brilliance from the twitter rooftops! The original combines an insistent 70’s Italian library music inspired hook with crunchy beats and cosmic synths. Paired with slacker lyrics, it’s your unofficial alternative summer soundtrack; baggy guitars, eclectic electronica, loose, uplifting sounds, fat, acid basslines and insistent, earworm melodies. Remixes come from three highly respected remixers, all drawn to the original through social media word of mouth. Iberian edits supremo James Rod takes the lazy hazy beats of the original, plumps and pumps them, adds in washes of reverb, bubbly synths and a general feeling of mañana! No introductions needed for Ashley Beedle who takes the playfulness of the original vocal and adds a nice thick slice of deft Rhodes work and funk drumming. The outcome? A lazy day in 70’s San-Fran, looking at the Golden Gate bridge through an acid haze! Rubberlips' remix takes the original into big soundscape territory recalling Manc legends World Of Twist. The laid back vibe of the original is taken to a sun lounger for a cocktail and a psychedelic or two with added bass from Randy Martin.

RRR002 – Shea Face ft. So Soon – Konkrete Big Apple EP

Ramrock Red Records are proud to present two Hip-Hop artists – Shea Face from Brooklyn and SoSoon from New York City. Put them together on one track called ‘Konkrete Big Apple’ and you have something special. Paying homage to All City’s ‘Just Live’ 1998 release taken from the highly acclaimed ‘Metropolis Gold’ LP, they remain faithful to the Art Farmer ‘Chanson’ refrain allowing their rhymes on ‘Konkrete Big Apple’ to put a new vocal spin on the groove bringing a vibe for today’s Hip-Hop generation. The digital package has something to suit everyone’s boom bap sensibilities. There’s the carefully re-crafted ‘golden Hip-Hop era’ Original Mix; the Ashley Beedle ‘North Street’ Remix orchestrally manoeuvres around the track dropping French horns and kettle drums like sound bombs into the equation, while seasoned Hip-Hop producer Sinitus Tempo adds another layer of jazzy darkness to his two remixes. There’s a ‘North Street’ instrumental for the DJs to play with as well. And now, a bit about the artists:Devonte St. Clair p.k.a Shea Face was born 23 years ago and raised in Brooklyn by his mother who signposted him musically - early influences included 2Pac and Fresh Prince. Although being surrounded by gang violence, Shea sidestepped the lifestyle and learnt the meaning of neighbourhood unity from cookouts and block parties where singing became an outlet for his creative expression. Drawing inspiration from Usher and B2K, he describes himself as ‘pretty much a geek for music’ while in high school, working on music productions and art projects. However, after leaving, Shea ended up in a homeless shelter making him more determined to make his music work. Performing as Glory K.I.D, DeVonte Saints before arriving at Shea Face, the strength and delivery of his lyrics reflect the personal turmoil and upheaval that he’s had to deal with.James ‘SoSoon’ Gantt is a New York City Hip-Hop artist, producer, a B.Arts scholar and educator, currently working as a teaching artist and producer at Reel Works which provides an outlet for youth to develop their artistry through film. James adopted the moniker SoSoon, an acronym for Sound Of Something Out Of Nothing, that perfectly represents the heart of Hip-Hop culture. The self-proclaimed ‘Spike Lee of Hip-Hop’ strives to mesh entertainment with education. His sound is often compared to Kendrick Lemar and J-Cole and he’s opened shows for artists including Dead Prez, M.O.P, da Hustler and Trigga Tha Gambla.

RRR006 – Waterson – Ego EP

Ramrock Red Records are delighted to introduce Waterson; a multi-faceted artist, producer, songwriter, composer and bon viveur par excellence who teams up here on the ‘Ego’ EP with legendary music producer/remixer, Ashley Beedle. With over 4 million streams of his 2015 ‘Tell Me’ dance classic, Waterson is currently enjoying massive BBC Radio1 exposure on Annie Mac + Nemone’s radio shows with his collaboration with remix giant KDA and their track ‘Scars’. ‘Ego’ is Waterson’s first single, taken from a selection of new musical outings with Ashley Beedle - he explains, “this track is about the battle between ambition and inner peace. I became interested in the idea of having to drop my own ego to move forward with my craft, dispensing with the ‘false self’ and allowing the ‘real me’ to evolve - the lyrics developed during this process”.The tempo and feel of both the ‘Vocal’ and ‘Club’ Remixes invoke the flavour of those late night, slinky, hypnotic tracks played at famed NY nightclub, the Saint or the legendary, bacchanalian parties on Fire Island in the 70’s. Let’s face it - who doesn’t love a sleazy, twilight hours, electronic bassline while pondering the Meaning of Life at 3am in the morning? The Kryptogram remixes transport you to those afternoon pool side parties where glamour and sophistication rubbed shoulders with a splash of Campari, soda and a long, cool breeze. With its simple but deadly synth hook and the plethora of remixes to choose from, ‘Ego’ will to burrow into your brain and your play box - to resist will be like trying to eat a donut without licking your lips.

RRR007 – Out of the Ordinary ft. Rosanne Erskine + Davy Henderson

Ladies and Gentlemen, Ramrock Red Records are proud to present the all-star Edinburgh collective ‘Out of The Ordinary’ with their first single 'Meadows' from the forthcoming LP ‘Stranger Things Have Happened’. After the phenomenal success of his solo album ‘Diverse Part 2’ in 2018, Joseph Malik decided to sit firmly in the producer’s chair and team up once again with the co-writers and production ‘dream’ team of arranger/producer Chris Greive, fellow producers Saleem Andrew McGroarty and David Donnelly to create ‘Meadows’, an open love letter to Edinburgh, the city they all love. It’s an anthem for well-being that embraces all races, all creeds, all colours, all genders and where Joseph shares his experience of homelessness and salvation. 'Meadows' contains the iconic hook from Jefferson Airplane's 'Today' and it was a joy to get the original song writers blessing to create a re-interpretation for their anthem of unity. Joseph knew deep down in his heart ‘Meadows’ had to be a duet but he did not want to sing on the track. So he called upon Ms Rosanne Erskine from Coco & The Bean and indie legend, favoured John Peel Sessions guest, and member of the 'Fire Engines', Davy Henderson. The resulting EP is nothing short of magnificent. The LP & ‘Café Graffiti’ versions are arranged by Chris Greive who crafted the soaring, live strings, played by violinist & Grit Orchestra founder, Greg Lawson whose improvisation has become another instrumental colour within the track. Along with trumpeter Colin Steele and 'The Proclaimers' keyboardist Steven Christie, a sound comparable to the golden era of ’66 Haight-Ashbury folk-psyche fusion was created. With the ‘North Street’ Vocal remix + Dub, Darren Morris and Jo Wallace take the progressive rock element and run with it. The fuzzed up Rhodes + Mellotron of Darren Morris’s keyboards, the mesmerising ‘electrified strings’ of Greg Lawson and the hypnotic repetition of Davy Henderson’s ‘there’s no evil’ vocal hook take you on a trip into an uncharted universe…..in addition to the 4 mixes on vinyl, the digital release also has the ‘North Street’ Dub, Gospel Mix and ‘North Street’ instrumental.Before making ‘Meadows’, Joseph spent time sleeping rough. He says:“It was April and it was getting warmer and I woke one morning in the ‘Meadows’ in Edinburgh. The sounds of the trees, leaves and birds filled my head and in that moment as the sun was coming up, the guitar hook from ‘Today’ came into my head inspiring me to bring the city together in unity”.Fellow ‘Fire Engines’ member, Russell Burn opened his studio to us even when times were tough. Every week the musicians gathered at Rusty’s studio in Easter Road to create ‘Meadows’ and the forthcoming album 'Stranger Things Have Happened'. The final recordings were taken to the new Silverback Lodge studio, just near The Meadows, for 'Out of the Ordinary' to mix the song in the location where it was written.