4th Street Orchestra – Leggo! Ah-Fe-We-Dis LP Coloured Vinyl

The 4th Street Orchestra – Leggo! Ah-Fe-We-Dis

Founded in 1971, Matumbi was among the earliest and best British reggae bands. They did, however, also record under different guises, including 4th Street Orchestra. In their acclaimed Rough Guide to Reggae, Steve Barrow and Peter Dalton rate this album (and its counterpart Ah Who She? Go Deh!) as 'the best showcases for Matumbi's talents'. This release marks the first LP reissue of this genuine UK roots monument since 1976.

Original member Dennis “Blackbeard” Bovell (of LKJ and Dub Band fame) knew the local sound system scene like the back of his hand, and most tracks on Leggo! Ah-Fi-We-Dis were initially cut as exclusive 'specials' for his own Jah Sufferer sound system and for fellow soundmen. Hardly anyone hearing these tunes at reggae parties would have guessed they didn't originate in Kingston but were recorded in London. And neither did many who bought the records when they were released a few years later. That's hardly surprising, as the material Bovell & Co churned out could easily compete with the toughest output of their Jamaican counterparts. The solid interpretation of Junior Delgado's "Tichion" and a scorching, melodica-led version of Ras Michael's "None-Ah-Jah-Children" are the most familiar tunes here. And a militant update of Max Steiner's "Theme From A Summer Place" displays good fun as well as guts. But the band's outstanding originals will give many '70s Jamaican classics a good run for their money.

Leggo! Ah-Fi-We-Dis is available as a limited edition of 750 individually numbered copies on orange coloured vinyl.

Tracklist:
A1 Back-Weh-Babylon
A2 Entebee
A3 None Ah Jah Children
A4 Skatter Skatter
A5 Tribute To Idi Amin

B1 Ah Fi We Dis
B2 Sure Shot
B3 Younger Generation
B4 Bounty Hunter (Sign Off)
B5 North Parade

Label: Music On Vinyl
Released: 1976/2023