While associated with the Lovers Rock movement of the 1970s, Al Campbell’s music constantly explored reggae’s boundaries and even his most blithely romantic tunes have borne the grit of his ultra-real early surroundings. Growing up in Calendron, Jamaica, amidst a tremendous amount of reggae talent, he earned initial attention singing in church, before joining a series of groups in the ‘60s & ‘70s, including multiple acts with future superstar Freddie McGregor. He started releasing solo albums steeped in a deep, dark, distant history of the island in 1975. While his records are mostly out of print, they are sought-after treasures for many true students of reggae. ~ Jason Thurston