12:15pm: We are going to write a thing about whatever is being plugged by the next press release that arrives in our mailbox.
12:20pm: And the winner is…
***FUNKY NASSAU***
THE COMPASS POINT STORY 1980–1986
NEW MICROSITE NOW LIVE http://www.strut-records.com/funkynassau/
Label: Strut www.Strut-records.com www.k7.com
NEW Release date: 17th MARCH 08
***Additional information: Face To Face interviews with Chris Blackwell***
It is a sound which defines an era and which became the very essence of Island Records. During the ‘80s, Compass Point Studios in The Bahamas, set up by Island MD Chris Blackwell, was a magnet for soul, reggae, punk and rock artists eager to inject their sound with some Nassau magic. And the magic, apart from the tropical sunshine, was the genius of Sly & Robbie, engineers Steven Stanley and Alex Sadkin, and the Compass Point All-Stars house band.
Most people would recognise the sound from hits by Grace Jones or Tom Tom Club, an unmistakeable fusion of great, often quirky song writing, dub production techniques and low end funk, extended into spacious and unhurried 12” versions. This was vibe music which has remained timeless on dancefloors ever since.
For the first time, Strut presents the story of Compass Point from 1980 to 1986 bringing together acknowledged classics by artists whose sound was indelibly shaped there including Grace Jones, Black Uhuru and Gwen Guthrie. The album also highlights selected lesser known tracks by French DJ Guy Cuevas, Slits-offshoot band Set The Tone and the queen of trash disco, Cristina.
Available for phone / email interviews
Sly Dunbar
Steven Stanley
Chris Frantz, Tom Tom Club / Talking Heads
Chaz Jankel, The Blockheads
Michel Esteban, Ze
Lynn Goldsmith (Will Powers)
David Katz