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With the launch party at Rootikal at East Village last week (see preview HERE), can David ‘Ram Jam’ Rodigan get even more love from his fans?

Well yeah as Mr. Rodigan is in line for a radio ‘Oscar’ as he’s up for a Sony Radio Academy Award as Music Broadcaster of the Year! Well it’s no competition for me as he’s up against ex-Blur Alex James (Classic FM) and a trio of Beeb favourites in Mark Radcliffe, Steve Lamacq and Stuart Maconie.

The drawing on the cover of the CD is of Marcus Garvey who was/is the inspiration for many a roots reggae tune of the years but this is Rodigan’s Real Authentic Reggae which means that it’s not just music from the ‘Golden’ 70s. Not only that, the 20 tracks picked may be well known to avid fans, there’s enough of rarities or tracks by artists that are not the usual ones associated with them; perhaps the best example is the non-Murder She Wrote from Chaka Demus & Pliers with a tribute to ‘When King Tubby Used To Play’ that came out just last year!

And as it’s comes out at Easter, the CD suitably starts with the festival fell of Jackie Edwards and then there’s the cool ruler Gregory Isaacs (out of Sly & Robbie’s TAXI studios from 1981) and the one and only king of the melodica, Augustus Pablo.

And it just gets better with ‘Let’s Dub It Up’ (how good is this from Leo Hall? This is proper soul) and we know the Johnny Clark was great in 1976 and equally good now from his appearance on Soothsayers Meet The Red Earth Collective’s One More Reason that’s just come out.

Relative youngsters Luciano and Chezidek are obviously steeped in reggae history from Third World to Morgan Heritage to Culture but for words of true wisdom, Macka B spells it out to the girls “who look a bit prostitutey” and Junior Kelly shouts it out as good as Anthony B or Sizzla.

Mad Professor (who also features on One More Reason) is another fan of soul in reggae (worth checking out Part 1 of his Fabric Podcast that’s now) but if you’re after that America doo-wop harmony sound, it’s Lincoln ‘Sugar’ Minott on the 12” mix on a Prince Jammy production. You’ll never want to hear ‘Good Thing Going’ again after this one and on the subject of 12”, The Melodians’ get dubby on their ‘Submission’ and Wayne Wade’s story of ‘Billy Red’ is worthy of the full seven minutes.

Apparently this is going to be a five part series focusing on David’s love of reggae so expect even more great stuff from the great man; RODIGAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Reviewed: Various - Real Authentic Reggae Vol.2 (Compiled by David Rodigan) (BBE) Cat No. BBE125CCD Release date: 31st March 2009
1. Jackie Edwards - This Is Another Festival (3:00)
2. Gregory Isaacs - Oh What A Feeling (3:46)
3. Leo Hall - Let’s Dub It Up (3:45)
4. Chaka Demus & Pliers - When King Tubby Used To Play (4:11)
5. Augustus Pablo - No Entry (3:43)
6. Fred Locks - Joy Within My Heart (3:52)
7. Brent Dowe - Deh Pon Di Wicked (3:36)
8. Luciano - Deliver Us From Evil (4:12)
9. Chezidek - Call Pan Dem (3:25)
10. Johnny Clark - Do You Love Me (3:17)
11. Cornel Campbell - My Confession (2:52)
12. The Melodians - Submission (5:23)
13. Jimmy London - What Good Am I (3:20)
14. Simplicity People featuring Tommy McCook - Schenectady’s Shock (2:38)
15. Delroy Wilson - What Is Man (3:23)
16. Wayne Wade - Billy Red (7:02)
17. Junior Kelly - Cyaan Reach (4:20)
18. Macka B - Empress Devine (3:59)
19. Sugar Minott - Never To Young (6:57)
20. The Viceroys - Heart Made Of Stone (2:59)

Links:
www.myspace.com/davidrodigan
www.rodigan.com
www.totalkiss.com
www.bbemusic.com
www.myspace.com/bbemusic Renegade Dave & Longshot Lewis - ska and reggae at Bournemouth Pier bar 10th April, 2009
www.thesoundofthesuburbs.com
fabric podcast 24: Mad Professor: Exploring the relationship between reggae and soul music whilst reminiscing about his early musical adventures and favourite ever songs. The artists William Devaughn, The Stylistics, Deniece Williams and Johnny Osbourne all feature in the show. www.fabriclondon.com/podcast
BBE Radio Show on Ministry Of Sound radio broadcasted every Sunday from 16.00-18.00 GMT. The show is an eclectic mix of new music as well as old gems from the dusty crates. As a feature on most of the shows, Jesper presents an exclusive guest mix from a DJ/ producer from around the world. www.myspace.com/djjesperchristiansen
www.ministryofsound.com/radio/radioplayer