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Bamboo (record label)

Bamboo (record label)

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Bamboo Records was a record label based in the UK. An influential record label, known for its reggae releases, it released recordings from the late 1960s into the 1970s. Artists that had recordings released on the label include, Laurel Aitken, John Holt, Junior English, Alton Ellis, The Heptones and Sound Dimension. They produced a number of reggae hits.

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Background

Bamboo

The label was founded by Junior Lincoln in 1969. Rupert Cunningham was also a co-founder.[1][2] The majority of the label's productions were by Clement Dodd aka Coxsone Dodd. The label was connected with the Ackee, Ashanti and Banana Record labels.[3][4] They operated out of Junior Lincoln's record store which was said to be a major West Indian music dealership.[5] They were located at 88 Stroud Green Road, Finsbury Park.[6]

Roger St. Pierre was also connected to the label.[7]

In a 2017 interview, Junior Lincoln said that the label had aspects of jazz and African influences. They tried to have the record covers of their releases reflect the music that they were putting out.[8]

Ackee

The Ackee catalogue numbering started with the ACK-100 series. Later in 1973, it was changed to the ACK-500 series.[9]

History

In 1969, the label released the compilation, A Scorcha from Bamboo (Bamboo BLP 202). It featured "I Shall Be Released" by the Heptones, "Moving Away" by Ken Boothe, "Girl I'm Sorry" by Owen Grey, "More Love" by Jackie Mittoo, and "Walking in the Footsteps" by Dobby Dobson.[10]

In January 1970, Ackee artists, Boston & the Soulites had a record out, "Starvation", released on Ackee ACK 103. It received a positive review by Record Mirror in the January 10 issue. Also Jackie Mittoo's "Clean Up" which was released on Bamboo BAM 15 had a positive review.[11]

Jackie Mittoo had a single out in 1970 on Bamboo BA51. "Dancing Groove" was backed by "Peanut Butter" by Black & George.[12]

It was noted by Cash Box in the September 25, 1971 issue that there was a possibility of a film with the artists on the label. They were also set to issue six albums plus six singles by Christmas. Junior Lincoln was also in the United States at the time signing new artists to the label.[13]

Further reading

References

  1. [1]
    Record Collector, 23 October 2007 - Bamboo Records
  2. [2]
    The Gleaner, November 14, 2020 - Cezar has no regrets - Singer-songwriter says music took a back seat to family
  3. [3]
    Record Collector, 23 October 2007 - Bamboo Records
  4. [4]
    C Vinyl - LABEL GUIDE: BAMBOO
  5. [5]
    Billboard, November 13, 1971 - L-28 WEST INDIAN POPULATION SPARKS NEW UK MUSIC TREND
  6. [6]
    Record Collector, 23 October 2007 - Bamboo Records
  7. [7]
    Cash Box, September 25, 1971 - Page 38 INTERNATIONAL MUSIC SECTION, CBS ‘Greatest’ Product Confab
  8. [8]
    The Vinyl Factory, August 25, 2018 - Tracing west London’s reggae history through record sleeves by Alex Bartsch
  9. [9]
    Seventies Sevens - ACKEE
  10. [10]
    Downbeat Special, 6 Aug 2019 - A SCORCHA FROM BAMBOO
  11. [11]
    Record Mirror, January 10th, 1970 - Page 11 Big noises from Jamaica
  12. [12]
    Roots Vinyl Guide - Rare Jackie Mittoo 7 dancing gr on bamboo Records 1970 Ska Reggae mod vinyl 45rp
  13. [13]
    Cash Box, September 25, 1971 - Page 38 INTERNATIONAL MUSIC SECTION, CBS ‘Greatest’ Product Confab
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