Dancing Time

Dancing Time: Phillip Fraser Produced by: Jah Thomas The 70s and early 80s were a time of incredible productivity for reggae artists and producers. Ska and Rock Steady had given way to the new reggae beat and there was a sound system on every corner. Djs and soundsmen scoured the islands and the USA for new music to play on massive PA systems Version after version of popular beats were released to an audience that had an insatiable appetite for the latest cut and dub of the hottest riddim. Singers and toasters would go from one studio to the next to check out what the musicians and producers were working on. If they liked what they heard and had a song that fit the beat it would be laid down on tape. Session after session would go like this and the top songs of the day would be sent tp press. Many a good song was put on the shelf and forgotten as the next wave of beats came and the dancehall crowd moved on. It was in this time that Jah Thomas and Phillip Fraser came together. Thomas was enjoying a demand for his beats with hits like “Entertainment” and “Gunshot” being two of his most heavily sampled. Fraser hailed from Greenwich Farm and moved with men like Prince Allah, Rod Taylor, Micheal Prophet, and producers Danny Mais and Bertram Brown while Thomas was more likely to be found in Waltham Park hanging with Junjo Lawes, Ranking Toyan, Little John, Barrington Levy, and singer/producer Linval Thompson. This then is a collection of songs recorded in those times and except for “Dancing Time” that appears on ‘Roots Dancehall Party’ these tracks have not been released before. Jah Thomas is still producing his own music and is often called upon by modern artists to help with the vibes of a song or session. Phillip Fraser is still performing on the reggae festival circuit and is equally at home singing songs of the heart or socially conscious roots music. A man of peace and humility, a true Rasta in every sense of the word. If you see a flyer advertising a dance, and his name is on it, then do your self a favor. Check it out!