Which record from your recording sounded best in DR? Was this a surprise?
Mo: There were quite a few that sounded good! What really stood out was the quality of the early reggae and rocksteady records we played in the beginning of our set. Often you notice on a (good) club sound the tones of the records we play are often not balanced correctly. Especially the high ones don't come out in a good way, sounding a bit shrill. Conversely, at Dynamic Range those records sounded extra nice, warm and soulful. And the record that sounded the best was Always Together by Stephen Chang. A rocksteady song in Chinese (if I'm right). So can't tell what it is about, but the melodies of the vocals are crazy and the title suggests it's a love song, perfect for this session.
Lorenzo: Indeed, I was positively surprised how the early Reggae and Rocksteady records sounded best, raw recordings that were often recorded with a single microphone in simple studios. I have to say I didn't know exactly what to expect from the sound in Dynamic Range, except that it was focused on sound quality. When we set up the first records, I had to get used to it: as Radical HI-FI, we're more used to a bass-heavy Club sound or a Reggae-specific sound system, most of our records are made, mixed and mastered for that kind of equipment, where bass power is the priority.
Which artist or record would you like to hear in the DR?
Mo: It definitely tasted like more. This session was an extension of Valentine's Day so a lot of "love" tracks. Would also like to do full digi session with volume all open one evening. Then I would really like to hear 'We Rule The Danchall' by Chuck Turner. Obviously flip for the version!
Lorenzo: I'd love to play and hear Nyabinghi records by artists like Ras Michael and Count Ossie in the Dynamic Range Music Bar. Nyabinghi is a Rasta ceremonial style of drumming and Chanting that was brought to Jamaica by slaves almost in its pure form from West Africa. Many Nyabinghi recordings are field-recordings on location in the Jamaican mountains, especially those records I would really like to hear through such a high-end Hi-Fi system.
What's the last record you played at home?
Mo: Sensitive subject this! My set-up and all my records are in my studio and I haven't been there for 21 days. Really miss out on setting up a record. Shouldn't take any longer or I'll sacrifice a nursery room and take everything home with me.
Lorenzo: The last record I played at home is 'Milte Hi Ankhen' aka 'Bird In Hand' by Sam Carty, a bizarre 70's Reggae-style cover of an Indian 50's Bollywood love song, sung by Sam Carty in Hindi and produced and recorded by Reggae/Dub genius Lee Scratch Perry aka The Upsetter.
Live recording Radical HI-FI, 14 februari 2020
