Paris dubplate specialist and a label, established 1999. Ska, Rocksteady, Reggae, Dancehall & more !
21/02/2025
Today our good friend the veteran singer Hopeton James turns 65 ! 25 years ago he was visiting France for the first time alongside Heartical, it was a joy to perform alongside this top notch vocalist and an honour to release three of his songs on our label, including "Chain Gang", "The Stalker" and the latest one "Magic Touch" !
Part 2 is out now ! In 2024, we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Heartical Sound & label. For this unique occasion we have been digging in our archives and found something truly special : 4 unreleased cuts of the « Reggae Session » riddim ! This original rhythm track was composed by BDF (Basque Dub Foundation) head honcho Inyaki Yarritu in 1999, as an instrumental, at his home studio (London / UK).
In 2002, BDF collaborated with the spanish band Loud & Lone on the album « BDF meets Loud & Lone », which included the first vocal version on the riddim, titled « Reggae Session», co-written with Roberto Sanchez, the multitalented producer, who did vocals and recorded it at his studio.
In 2003, the veteran Jamaican singer Hopeton James spent one month in France, doing shows and recording sessions under Heartical Sound management. When he heard BDF’s riddim, Hopeton immediately fell in love with the music and requested to voice a song on it. The recording was done at Jahspora Studio in Paris, giving birth to this amazing soulful gem called « Magic Touch ».
Five years later, in 2008, the original 16-track 1/2" tape was transferred and remixed at Jamtone studios (London / UK), overdubbing most instruments and the second unreleased vocal, titled « Your Love », was recorded by the spanish sister and brother duo known as Rootsamala. The pair delivers a brilliant lovers rock track complete with their trademark sweet harmonies. To round it up, Inyaki BDF also recorded an hypnotic organ instrumental reminiscing of those classic Jackie Mittoo efforts and added a solid dub version in a classic UK Lovers Rock blues dance style, guaranteed to nice up any revival session.
All the tracks were mixed by Darren Jamtone in 2009 in London. Now, over 20 years after they were initially recorded, these four tracks are finally available for everyone from all the download and streaming platforms worldwide… Let the Reggae Session rock on ! Artwork by William Boulay.
