For many, discovering Black Roots coincided with Makasound's reissue of their first album, "On the Frontline", in 2004, followed by "In Session" in 2007. For anyone who has succumbed to the delicate roots harmonies of one of Britain's finest bands, the definitive compilation of their singles is now available: "Black Roots - The Reggae Singles Anthology".
Released by Bristol Archive Records and Nubians Records (Black Roots' own label), this box set, available as a limited-edition double vinyl, CD and digital, brings together 16 tracks recorded from the dawn of the 1980s until 1988, from their first EP to their partnership with Mad Professor.
Owners of the Makasound reissues will be on familiar ground, as only a handful of tracks differ. For them, the box set's interest will lie mainly in the 16-page booklet and the bonus DVD, which shows the Celebration concert given in 1986 at the Bristol Studio (with a horn section including Vin Gordon on trombone), and which was until now almost impossible to find.