‘So it is that Honest Jon’s has (again) unearthed an episode of black music history in Britain: these are tough cuts — in no way easy listening, but absolutely essential’ (**** The Observer).
A funky afro-rock classic, his 1969 debut for Ahmad Jamal’s label by this future director of Amandla (the cultural ensemble of the ANC).
A facsimile reissue of the first half of the Ronnie Scott’s recordings.
Yodelling beautifully over a deadly digi do-over of Easy Take it Easy, ticking and bare-bones. Never previously released… but ace.
Two previously unreleased sides by this compelling singer: Get Up Natty was cut at Channel One in the mid-eighties, with backing by the Gifted Roots Band, featuring some sick synths and effects; No Peace is new, with Icho still in fine voice, debuting a rhythm by Danny Bassie from the Firehouse Crew, and Channel One legend Barnabas.
Drawn from the hundreds of reel-to-reels and cassettes that Jones — aka The Hurricane, The Fireball — has made of his Southern preaching, raving between speech and song, since 1960. From Dust To Digital.
A sample of fifty years’ ministry: two dozen soul stirrers, with sermonettes, guest soloists and righteous radio clips. ‘A hurricane starts off slowly… when she gets a certain speed, that’s when she’s dangerous.’