Gone since 2007, the English label Blood & Fire is going to rise from its ashes, thanks to a partnership with VP Records.
VP Records has indeed struck a deal with Steve Barrow, one of the founders of Blood & Fire, to reissue around ten albums from the esteemed label's catalogue.
Enriched with unreleased tracks and new packaging, these reissues overseen by Steve Barrow will be accompanied by a line of B&F-branded merchandise.
"I look forward to working and continuing the fruitful relationship with VP Records, which has played an essential role in the production of reggae in Jamaica since the early 1960s", Steve Barrow said in a statement.
"Blood & Fire Fire represented reggae with carefully crafted, quality releases, and relaunched the careers of many artists and producers", Chris Chin, the boss of VP Records, said approvingly. We admire and respect the Blood & Fire brand, and are delighted to work together."
The kick-off will be the (limited) 12" reissue of Mr Know it All, by Gregory Isaacs. This single is expected for Record Store Day, on 19 April 2014, exactly 20 years after the label's first release, "If Deejay Was Your Trade: The Dreads at King Tubby’s 1974-1977".
Blood & Fire had closed its doors in the summer of 2007, shortly before its 15th birthday. In 2011, two former Blood & Fire members, Bob Harding and Dom Sotgiu, founded the label King Spinna.