Black Zodiac – Unknown location, Jamaica 1980
Featuring: Ranking Trevor, Tallawah
“This is a rare taped in the dance 1980 session of the Black Zodiac sound recorded at an unknown location. The audio has dips in quality throughout but has been improved substantially and it reveals the great Ranking Trevor in fine style. The selection of the day is from singers like Gregory Isaacs, Linval Thompson, Sugar Minott, Barry Brown and rising star Barrington Levy and the vastly experienced Trevor really knows how to handle the versions. Along with tunes like “Hang On” and “Six Babylon” you also hear him promote his new release “Spanish River” over the heavy “Rope In” riddim.”
Black Zodiac – Compound Way, Kingston 1982
Featuring: Brigadier Jerry, Danny Jackson, Danny Dread, Jah Mel,
Selector - Jimbo.
“Compound Way is the venue for the Zodiac Hi Fi on this night and the star of the show is ‘The General’ Brigadier Jerry, fresh from a Jah Love Muzik tour of England. He’s in top form here showing off his deejaying skills urging the youth to get an education on ‘Gwan A School’ over Sly Dunbar’s ‘Unmetered Taxi’. His ‘In The Ghetto’ lyrics are also heard before handing over to singer Danny Jackson for an adapted version of ‘Sharing The Night With Zodiac’ The unheralded deejay Danny Dread is next in line. ‘The Reverend’ has been a long time fixture of the dancehall scene, always chatting his lyrics in conscious fashion. Here he hits out at the proliferation of slackness that many deejay’s rely on. When selector Jimbo moves into a Sugar Minott selection, first Danny Jackson versions ‘Gonna Take A Miracle’ over ‘Rough Ole Life’ before Briggy moves in to finish this excellent tape with a swipe at chatty mouth people and a run down of the bad boy’s guns.”
Black Zodiac Hi Fi Jack Ruby's Yard, Ochi Rios 1984
Featuring: Sugar Minott, Danny Dread, Charlie Chaplin, Jah Mikes
Operator: Sky Juice
A real nice session this one with Zodiac regulars Danny Dread & Jah Mikes joined at the control tower by 'the principle' Charlie Chaplin and the always great 'Booga' Minott.
Sugar really is on top form on this one and he mashes up the place with some of his great hits..
