Joe Gibbs'
Productions pays tribute to a producer who seems to have slipped through the cracks of reggae fanaticism. Bob Marley is the obvious cult head of late '70s reggae, but roots reggae wasn't generated from one source.
Joe Gibbs' output of sweet productions appears to be forgotten, because it was never easily consumed.
Lee "Scratch" Perry's back catalog is readily available in reissues and compilations, which has insured that a younger generation realizes his importance.
Joe Gibbs has unfairly gone unrecognized because of the scattered nature of his productions. This Soul Jazz collection brings together both
Joe Gibbs' well-known roots classics, and a handful of rarities, in order to properly demonstrate the importance of his music. Soul Jazz has made their mark by bringing records to the masses that were previously only well-known amongst collectors, and
Joe Gibbs' body of work is ideal for this treatment. Tracks from
Culture's
Two Sevens Clash is readily available and easy to get a hold of, but the complete body of
Joe Gibbs' work is not. It has been spread out through many albums and many projects. Soul Jazz assures the relevancy of the compilation by forming a complete picture of a career that has created some of the best reggae music.
Joe Gibbs'
Productions helps to bring an important roots producer to the forefront, and shine a light on his now-classic productions. ~ Matt Whalley