Soul Syndicate in the Studio—with Scientist!

On August 18, my good friend, legendary sound engineer Scientist, invited me to Studio City Sound in Los Angeles, to document a historic reunion: Legendary bassist Fully Fullwood, legendary guitarist Tony Chin, and legendary drummer Santa Davis, founding members of the Soul Syndicate, an iconic reggae band—in my opinion the top studio band in Jamaica during the 1970s—were, after a yearslong hiatus, and joined by talented veteran keyboardist Michael Hyde, going to be recording together again.

Scientist told me the band would be playing some of their classic rhythms, “riddims” the Soul Syndicate created in Jamaica, like the historic, often copycatted, ridden, and sampled-to-death, Stalag 17, as well as the psychedelic roots masterpiece Java (on which, Scientist informs me, Addis Pablo will reprise the otherworldly melodica-playing of his famous father, Augustus).

Mama Cooper not having raised any dummies, I of course accepted Scientist’s generous invitation, and accordingly, by way of this piece and its accompanying YouTube video, I’m overjoyed to share, with music lovers around the world, video footage and photos from this sizzling, irie-vibes-all-around session. Enjoy!