Focus Music Notes. "Out of the Blues". Popular music through the decades

To mark the 50th anniversary of Jamaican independence Island Records are releasing a huge box set entitled ‘Sound System – The Story Of Jamaican Music’ on June 25th . ‘ Sound System ’ will feature 8 CDs of glorious music and a deluxe hard backed book by acclaimed writer Chris Salewicz (author of biographies of Bob Marley, Joe Strummer and ‘Rude Boy – Once Upon A Time In Jamaica’) and featuring hundreds of photos by legendary photographer Adrian Boot. Compiled by Ramus (musical factotum at Chris Blackwell-era Island, Mango and Palm Pictures) and Paul ‘Groucho’ Smykle (dub producer who’s worked with PiL, Grace Jones, David Bowie, Jah Wobble, BAD and many more), ‘Sound System’ features 120 songs randomly programmed to ape the way a Sound System DJ might select his set on any given night. It features a wonderfully eclectic mix of R&B, mento, ska, blue beat, reggae, dub and funk and celebrates the incredible musical gift this small island has given to the world. When it comes to

An acclaimed singer, songwriter, musician and producer, Stephen Marley is a five-star general in Jah Army’s ongoing offensive to uphold the integrity of reggae music. Stephen has won seven Grammy Awards for his work on various Marley family projects, including two Best Reggae Album Grammy nods for his self-produced solo efforts “Mind Control”, which debuted atop Billboard’s Reggae Album Chart, and “Mind Control Acoustic”, a record-setting tally for a Jamaican artist. The second son born to Bob and Rita Marley, younger brother to Sharon, Cedella and Ziggy and mentor to brothers Julian, Ky-mani and Damian, Stephen’s acceptance of the responsibilities inherent within his exalted familial legacy is evidenced by the consistent excellence that distinguishes his various musical endeavors. Stephen’s third self produced album “Revelation Pt 1: The Root of Life” (Ghetto Youths/Universal Republic), which will be released on May 24th, was conceived as a celebration and preservation conduit for