Producer Alphanso “King Shark” Henclewood, founder and head of Montego Records, makes use of his time whenever he visits Jamaica, recording a number of songs for his independent label which is based in New Mexico.
This month, he plans to release four albums, each fielding the roots-reggae sound that first drew his attention in Kingston during the 1970s. The albums are ‘Instrumentals to The Fullest’ and ‘Roots and Culture Sound Clash’ which were released on September 4. ‘Welcome to Greenwich Town’ and ‘Green Farm All Stars’ are scheduled for release on September 19.
They contain songs from stalwart artists such as Earl Zero, Sylvan White, Johnny Osbourne and Tony Tuff, plus Marlon Brown, who represents the new generation of roots acts out of Jamaica. Legendary guitarist Earl “Chinna” Smith, Henclewood’s childhood friend, and bassist Flabba Holt of the Roots Radics Band, played major roles in the compilation albums which the producer describes as “very cultural” and “makes you think about life.”
Like Henclewood and Smith, Earl Zero and Sylvan White are synonymous with Greenwich Farm, a working-class community in Kingston that was a musical hotbed during the late 1960s and 1970s.
Henclewood says the musical and social impact Greenwich Farm has on him can be heard on his latest projects which were recorded at Smith’s studio and Tuff Gong studios in Kingston.
“Music as a little boy and singing with my friends uplifted my life. That made me who I am until this day. Sweet reggae music!” he exclaimed.
