MAD PROFESSOR, VARIOUS — MELODIES INTERNATIONAL PRESENTS ARIWA SOUNDS

In 1979, Neil Fraser (artistically known as Mad Professor) founded Ariwa Sounds, the longest-serving and one of the most influential independently owned Reggae studios and record labels in the UK. From humble beginnings set up in the front room of Neil's home in South London recording on 4-track and homemade equipment, Ariwa would go on to record and release over 300 albums including works from some of the most impactful and storied artists of their time in the genres of Reggae, Dub, and Lovers Rock Whilst our previous release in collaboration with Ariwa captured the label's early sound, a shared performance with Neil in Osaka and regular visits to his South London studio inspired us to assemble this 15-track compilation, showcasing the label's output across 45 years. Our release emphasizes some of the label's greatest vocalists: Johnny Clarke, Sandra Cross, Kofi, U Roy, Sister Nancy, Queen Omega, Aisha, Garnett Cross, Abel Miller, Horace Andy and more — presenting the Motown and Stax influences in the Lovers Rock, but also provides a glimpse into the dubbier and more experimental side of the label, showcasing Ariwa's commitment to quality but also their personality, philosophy and their humour. Love songs, break-up songs, socially engaged songs, dub experimentations — this compilation is not a "best of" Ariwa but a diverse and honest celebration of the label through the lens of Melodies International.

The compilation will be out in July in vinyl 2xLP, CD, digital formats, mastered from the original tapes by Frank Merritt (the Carvery), pressed at Optimal, artwork created by Jason Evans with design and assembly contributions from Nevil Bernard and Will Sweeney, animated teaser by Nevil Bernard and Melozine designed by Mafalda Meireles.

Tracklist

1. Come Back To Me
2. Wake Up
3. Non Violence Dub
4. Old School Music
5. Silly Wasn't I
6. Didn't I
7. Can't Let Dub Go
8. 6 Million Dub
9. Everytime I See My Baby
10. Losing Time For Love
11. Can You Feel It (1990)
12. I Lived For You
13. Live The Life You Love
14. Rocking And Popping
15. Liberated Woman
16. Everytime I See My Baby (Mad Professor Osaka Live Dub)(Bonus Digital Track)

Record details

Format: 2LP

Label: MELODIES INTERNATIONAL

Catalogue number: MELP1