In 2019, musicians Zak Starkey and Sharna “Sshh” Liguz launched the Trojan Jamaica record label, in partnership with BMG. The label’s critically-acclaimed debut offering, Red, Gold, Green & Blue, was a compilation of classic American soul, r&b, and blues tunes, as interpreted by legendary Jamaican reggae artists. That eclectic blend of stars and styles quickly landed RGGB on the pages of media outlets like Rolling Stone and MOJO.
The full collection now gets a remix treatment from UK sound designer Rob Jevons, whose credits include The Prodigy’s #1 album No Tourists. Reggae icon Freddie McGregor’s take on Robert Johnson’s ‘Come On In My Kitchen’, previously a seamlessly smooth fusion of reggae and blues, now delves into classic rock territory, as psychedelic guitar solos soar over a slow and steady processionary stomp – listen here
The album also sees Jevons rework Big Youth’s version of Bo Diddley’s ‘Gunslinger’, Black Uhuru singer Mykal Rose’s interpretations of ‘I Put A Spell On You’ (originally a screamin’ Jay Hawkins tune) and Johnny and Shuggie Otis’ ‘Bad Luck Shadow’, as well as further covers from the likes of Cyril Neville, Phylea Carley, Andrew Tosh, Ssh Liguz, Robbie Shakespeare and Kiddus I.
Label chiefs (and SSHH bandmates) Zak Starkey and Sharna “Sshh” Liguz jointly offered this elaboration about the project and its intention:
“The initial Trojan Jamaica release Red, Gold, Green & Blue is all about taking a new approach with Jamaican flavor, to classic blues songs that inspired so many people — not only musicians/artists but people from all walks of life. In particular, the suffering people that ‘society’ didn’t/don’t acknowledge. The power of music gave, and continues to give a voice, a sound, and a sense of hope to anyone who needs it. Music gives unconditional love. it doesn’t discriminate & it has no borders. Music is the universal language. It can speak to one and all.
RGGB RMXZ is once again breathing new life into those classic songs. By approaching the tracks in new and various evolving, electronical ways, it is our goal to continue the legacy of the legends, without whom, the journey to contemporary music and its landscape would be a very different view. We give thanks and praise to those who came before us and those who will carry the flame once we are gone.”
