U Brown’s Hidden Treasures resurface on vinyl

Following the release of Holding It Down, David Hill of Soul Revivers has dug deep into the archives to assemble a special collection for Roots Records, the Acid Jazz subsidiary label. Soul Revivers In The Vaults Of Hit Sound, Vol. 1 shines a light on some of the best productions from U Brown’s catalogue, originally released on labels such as Hit Sound and Tanka.

There was already a taste of this material back in 1999, when French label Tabou1, working with One Time, issued a CD containing 19 selections from the artist and producer’s vaults. This new release marks the first time these recordings have been brought together on vinyl. It also features previously unreleased dubplate mixes of Al Campbell cuts, including his classic Give The People. None of the tracks on this LP were included on the earlier CD, making this a fresh collection rather than simply a vinyl release that duplicates tracks from the 1999 release.

Born Huford Brown, U Brown made his name as a deejay during the late 1970s. He became a familiar face on the reggae scene and was one of the early artists to record for Richard Branson’s Virgin Frontline label. His sessions took place at the legendary Channel One and King Tubby’s studios, backed by some of Jamaica’s top musicians. Alongside his work as a deejay, he established Hit Sound, his own label, where he explored soulful roots reggae while keeping an ear on the changing sounds of dancehall.

There’s plenty to discover across this collection. Under-recorded vocalist Vincent Taylor gets some well-deserved attention, while the legendary Delroy Wilson is represented by two rare 12-inch cuts. Instrumental fans can enjoy the easy-flowing Blow Your Balloon from Bobby Ellis & Deadly Headly, while Carlton Livingston brings the dancehall flavour with Hey Mr Dee Jay. U Brown also steps forward with his own contribution, Love Me Want.

What makes this collection interesting is the picture it paints of a young Jamaican producer trying to establish himself in an already crowded music business. These weren’t necessarily the records that made the headlines back then. Many slipped into obscurity, and some were barely heard outside Jamaica. Now, thanks to this carefully assembled collection, they get another chance to be heard. A welcome opportunity to explore a lesser-known part of U Brown’s history.