Album Notes

Grass Yard Productions Volume 1 is a strikingly original roots compilation album, presenting the founding members of Jamaican ska, rocksteady and reggae music in collaboration with young, up and coming artists. Recorded between August, 2004 and September, 2006, Grass Yard Productions Volume 1 is the first chapter in a series of recordings done on the front porch of legendary guitarist/producer Earl "Chinna" Smith’s home in Kingston, Jamaica. Created in a very relaxed, open environment, it is not uncommon for one to hear background rain, wind chimes, and the occasional dog barking throughout these twelve organic, soulful tracks. For listeners, the result is a feeling of actually sitting in the yard with the artists. The album is dedicated to the late Johnny “Dizzy” Moore, who contributed his trumpet playing on a song before his passing. Other veteran artists include Chinna, Kiddus I, Bob Andy and Ken Boothe, as well as up and coming artists Jahmali, Israel Voice and Derejah.