Catch A-Fire: Treasure Isle Ska 1963-1965 / Various

Classic roots LP new to CD. 23 tracks new to CD. By 1963, Jamaica's dancefloors and airwaves rocked to the recently developed sound of ska- the island's first indigenous style to achieve international success. The sound continued to find favour among home-grown record buyers and dance-goers over the next three years, with few music makers enjoying greater success during this time than Arthur 'Duke' Reid. Since making his mark in the 50s as Jamaica's leading sound system operator, Reid had increased his sphere of influence on the island's music scene by releasing the works of many of the finest local talents on his Duke Reid's, Dutchess and Treasure Isle labels. This 2CD set features 48 ska and Jamaican RnB tracks from the producer's revered catalogue, highlighting both best-sellers and lesser-known sides that have remained unavailable on any format for almost 60 years. As either a stand-alone compilation or a companion to other Doctor Bird and Trojan releases showcasing the producer's early to mid-60s output, 'Catch A-Fire' is an essential addition to the collection of all self-respecting original ska fans.