released: 1979

genre: reggae / roots

from: kingston, jamaica

label: high note

a few thoughts: marcia griffiths – the queen of reggae. i picked this up at jelly records in east london a few months ago, and it has been the perfect summer listen. steppin’ was originally released in 1978, but later re-released for uk audiences in 1979. it features her undeniable classic, “steppin’ out of babylon”, a feel-good bop that captures the beauty and aura of her music. the band involved in the making of this gorgeous record include radcliffe ‘dougie’ bryan on guitar, ansel collins and earl ‘wire’ lindo on keyboards, noel ‘sly’ dunbar on drums and uzziah ‘sticky’ thompson on drums. the brass section includes clive hunt on trumpet, herman marquis is on alto sax, dean fraser on soprano and tenor saxophone, nambo on trombone, while clive hunt arranged it, and ken boothe and b.b. seaton contributed to backing vocals along with marcia herself. it’s a rhythmic, beautifully arranged and uplifting record, with powerful vocals and incredible grooves, with highlights including “sweet bitter love”, “the way i feel about you”, “why there is no love” and “hurtin’ inside”.

the album: