John Kpiaye

John Kpiaye – Red Gold & Blues – LKJ

For many reggae fans familiar with the UK reggae scene the name John Kpiaye connects with the likes of LKJ and Dennis Bovell. A guitarist who played on sessions with both artists in the seventies.

Dig back a little bit further – and find the man was part of the Cats who recorded 'Swan Lake' a rock steady/reggae instrumental that saw release on BAF in the UK. A tune that was was recorded in London, and also a tune that sounded good then – and even better today!!!

Very few classical tunes got a lick over in reggae music for obvious reasons!! The Deltones 'Chopsticks' was another – but I don't know if that is called a classical tune.

'Elizabethan Reggae' from Boris Gardiner was a massive hit – but once again is it classical?

''Swan Lake' was and still is. And that's where it all started for John. You always knew when he was on a session – its always sounded right, when most of the UK productions sounded wrong!

Nuff respect also to LKJ for putting this album together. In the nineties his label put out a number of great instrumental sets. It's a shame he never got around to releasing one with Johnny Black the violinist. But this set from Mr Kpiaye is excellent.