SKENGDON’S LOST TREASURE: ECHO MINOTT’S ‘FAMILIAR FACE’ RESURFACES
VP Records’ 17 North Parade division has unearthed a gem. Echo Minott’s Familiar Face returns after nearly four decades in the vault. The album first dropped in 1986 through Kenneth “Skengdon” Black’s legendary label.
This digital release marks a crucial moment. VP Records is celebrating 40 years of Stereo Mars, the groundbreaking Jamaican soundsystem that reshaped dancehall culture. Kenneth Black’s vision created both the soundsystem and Skengdon label, cementing his status as a pivotal architect of the genre.
Familiar Face showcases the formidable Skengdon All-Stars at their peak. The rhythm section features the incomparable Steely & Clevie, alongside Dalton Brownie’s distinctive guitar work. Keyboard maestro Jackie Mittoo adds his magic touch throughout. These sessions captured lightning in a bottle.
THESE SESSIONS CAPTURED LIGHTNING IN A BOTTLE
The production polish came from Skengdon’s Miami studios, where in-house engineers Bunny Tom-Tom (aka Crucial Bunny) and Oswald Palmer worked their technical wizardry. Their expertise balanced the raw energy perfectly.
The album has been freshly remastered for digital platforms. Streaming services now host this essential slice of mid-eighties dancehall history. For devotees of the golden era, this represents a masterclass in the craft that defined a generation.
Black’s sonic legacy endures. Familiar Face proves why Skengdon remains synonymous with quality dancehall production.
FAMILIAR FACE TRACKLIST
01. Rock With Me
02. Don’t Lock Me Out Mama
03. Oldies But Goodies
04. Healthy Body
05. Familiar Face
06. Hold Up Your Hand
07. Eyes Of An Angel
08. Crossing Over
09. Eat Out My Pay
10. Pickney Fe Mind
ABOUT ECHO MINOTT
Echo Minott emerged from Kingston’s Maverley district as dancehall royalty. Born Noel Phillips in 1963, he scored his first hit at seventeen. His 1985 anthem Lazy Body became a global reggae staple.
Minott rode the revolutionary Sleng Teng riddim to stardom, worked with Sly & Robbie, and topped Jamaican charts repeatedly. He adapted fearlessly, from roots to digital riddims to jungle. His recent collaborations prove his endurance.
Minott balances dancehall’s fire with reggae’s conscience, honouring tradition while embracing evolution across four decades.
