‘Rise Up’ - The Riz Records Story
Various Artists
15 Track CD, Download and Ltd Vinyl Part 1 and Part 2
For Reggae Archive Records latest lovingly compiled and annotated testament to the nascent UK roots/dub scene of the 1990s, we've gone straight for one of the best with “Rise Up – The Riz Records Story”. With an output that spanned most of the decade and a catalogue that stretched beyond the usual handful of singles to include some very strong albums, Riz was a powerhouse for the revival of UK reggae and the growth in it's popularity that continues to this day.
After much difficulty in deciding which of the many first rate tracks we'd have to leave off due to time constraints, we've achieved a fantastic selection of 15 of the best the label has to offer. If that wasn't enough, six of the tracks feature exclusive discomixes from Rootikal's David Hill whilst tracks from Willie Williams and Earl 16 are previously unreleased. How and why these excellent tracks slipped through the net is now forgotten; it definitely wasn't down to lack of quality.
One of the labels strengths was the ability to attract and record leading Jamaican artists as well as those from the UK. In addition to Willie Williams and Earl 16, we've included tracks from Johhny Osbourne, Admiral Tibet, Danny Red, Bob Skeng, Orville Smith, Mikey Mystic, Indica All Stars and of course the ever present Riz All Stars, the sort of line-up that most of the UK's independent reggae labels could only have dreamed of recording. All the tracks were taken from the original master tapes with everyone involved in the project aiming to achieve the best possible sound. We think we've achieved it and this really is a treat for those who value sound quality; these tracks have never sounded better.
In addition to the music, the package also contains extensive sleeve notes recounting the label's story with contributions from key players Nick Manasseh and Gil Cang as well as archive images, with the vinyl version coming in hand screen printed sleeves. Whether a long time fan looking to fill in some gaps or upgrade worn out singles or just a reggae fan looking for a great compilation with nothing but strong tracks you may not be familiar with, then this album is for you.
“Rise Up – The Riz Records Story” is released by Reggae Archive Records on 27th January 2013 on CD, digital download and as an extremely limited vinyl pressing, spread across two separate LPs, complete with screen printed sleeves and sleeve note insert. Between them the two records contain all 15 tracks, available from all good retailers and direct from Reggae Archive Records.
www.reggaearchiverecords.com
ARTIST: Various Artists
TITLE: ‘Rise Up’ – The Riz Records Story
RELEASE DATE: 27th January 2014
LABEL / DISTRIBUTION: Reggae Archive Records / Shellshock
FORMAT: CD, Digital Download and strictly Limited Edition LP’s Part 1 and Part 2 (Screen Printed Jackets)
CAT NO / BARCODE: RARC008CD / 5052571052921 RARC008V / 5052571051412 (Part 1) RARC009V / 5052571051511 (Part 2)
released January 27, 2014
1. Rise Up – (Osbourne, Cang, Raphael)
2. Permission – (Allen, Cang, Raphael)
3. The Garden – (Cang, Raphael)
4. Fight Fight – (Smith, Raphael)
5. Open Our Eyes – (Cang, Lamche)
6. Dance Get Overload – (Clarke, Cang, Raphael)
7. Education – (Craig, Cang, Raphael)
8. Natural Roots – (Daley, Armstrong, Raphael)
9. Financial Circumstance – (Smith, Cang, Raphael)
10. Saints – (Williams, Cang, Raphael)
11. Builder's Temple – (Smith, Cang, Raphael)
12. Absentee Dub – (Clarke, Armstrong, Raphael)
13. Always On The Run – (Daley, Cang, Raphael)
14. South Africa – (Patterson, Armstrong, Raphael)
15. Souljah – (Carey, Armstrong, Raphael)
All tracks published by EMI Publishing Ltd and BMG Publishing Ltd except track 13 copyright control
All Tracks performed and produced by Gil Cang and Nick Manasseh except track 5- by Gil Cang and Burn Lamche and track 8, 12, 14 & 15 by Jeremy 'The Equalizer' Armstrong and Nick Manasseh.
Other musicians are Track 2 - Funde drum - Demus; Track 3 & 4 : Sax- Jake Telford, Trumpet - Robin Hopcraft; Track 6 : Sax - Jerry Johnson, Trumpet - Kevin Batchelor; Track 15 : Lead Guitar - Dan Carey.
Recorded and mixed at Manasseh Studio between 1990 and 1997, Camden ('90-'91), Brixton ('91-'97) except track 5 recorded and mixed at The Attic.
Special thanks to the original Riz crew - Eddie Joseph, Mak Gilchrist, Gil Cang and Nick Manasseh,
Thanks and Respect to Jo, Lily and Mahla Raphael who bore the brunt of six years of smoky recording sessions in the house, Dub Vendor, Daddy Kool's, Regal Records, CJ Don, Errol (original Riz label designer), Hassan Hajjaj for the original canine inspiration, Gordon Vickary RIP (Townhouse mastering), Jah Shaka sound, Abbashanti sound, RDK sound, Joey Jay and all the roots sound systems who supported Riz through the 90s, and to all the artists who came down to Brixton and stepped up to the mic.
All recordings licenced to Reggae Archive Records by Gil Cang and Nick Manasseh,
Reggae Archive Records wish to thank the following people for their help with this project: Gil, Nick, David Hill, Steve Street, Martin, Sam and most importantly all the artists and musicians.
Interview and Discomix edits by David Hill for Rootikal Productions
Mastered by Steve Street
LP cut by Leon at The Music Room, London
Photo Credits: Thanks to the artwork designers with whom copyright remains on their work. 2013 photo by David Hill
Artwork on this release by
samgilesdesign@gmail.com
This album is dedicated to Riz
For further information please email:
info@reggaearchiverecords.com
www.reggaearchiverecords.com
Reggae Archive Records is a sister label of:
www.sugarshackrecords.co.uk
www.bristolarchiverecords.com
Cat nos: RARC008CD and RARC008V and RARC009V
Made in UK