(In the picture, left to right: Richard Lue, VP Records Director of Business Development, Jah Wise, Jah Bami and Addis Pablo of Suns of Dub, Patricia Chin, founder of VP Records and Ted Ganung, label manager of Dub Rockers)
On Saturday April 22, 2017, VP Records’ retail outlet in Jamaica Queens, celebrated Record Store Day, a day dedicated to independently owned record stores in the US and internationally, with a free, vinyl only sound system showcase featuring Road International and King Addies. The Sound System was provided by Pretty Posse (Yellow Bird).
The well attended event drew a lively crowd that danced, laughed and ate despite the rainy spring weather. Addis Pablo, son of reggae legend Augustus Pablo and Jah Bami, from the Suns Of Dub collective, gave the crowd an impromptu performance including a version of the Augustus Pablo classic “Java” that included an exuberant live dub improvisation. The performance, in support of their upcoming Greensleeves Records release ‘Riddimentary – Suns Of Dub selects Greensleeves’ drew a lively response.
“Record Store Day is so important to us here at VP Records,” stated VP Records founder Patricia Chin, who happily made her way through the crowd to greet guests and take photos. “We’re grateful for everyone who came out to spend their Saturday with us and purchase the wonderful vinyl releases we have for sale.”
Among the vinyl exclusives available for Record Store Day were; Jah9 with dub master Mad Professor; ‘Mad Professor Meets Jah9 – In The Midst Of The Storm,’ a limited press, colored vinyl LP. In celebration of the 40th Anniversary of Greensleeves Records, ‘White Man In Hammersmith Palais,’ a four-track vinyl EP featuring hits from Ken Boothe, Dillinger, Leroy Smart and Delroy Wilson was also released. The limited pressing includes a replica of the original concert poster.
“We had such a great time last year,” said D.J. Roy of Road International “we had to come back and play more tunes for the people.”
(In the picture, left to right: Pee Wee of Pretty Posse, Dj Roy of Road INT’L, and Tony Matterhorn)
Record Store Day, originated in 2007 and has since grown to become a cultural phenomenon with record stores and music lovers hosting celebrations internationally. Now in its third year, the VP Records Sound System Showcase is designed to celebrate and preserve the classic sound of vinyl and Jamaican sound system culture, in an era where music is predominantly consumed through personal digital players.