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Studio 17: The Lost Reggae Tapes
A treasure trove of rescued tapes revives the golden age of reggae and reveals the fascinating story behind one of Jamaica’s most legendary recording studios, Randy’s Studio 17.
Documentary 2019 86 mins Not rated
Director: Mark James
Overview
Vincent ‘Randy’ Chin’s record store and studio were located in the heart of downtown Kingston from the late 1950s. His Studio 17 became the nerve centre of Jamaica’s music revolution following the country's independence from the UK in 1962. Shot in Jamaica, London, New York and Hamburg, the film follows Clive Chin, Vincent’s son, as he retells his extraordinary story from his childhood memories of the studio, as a magical musical playground, through to his work as a pioneering music producer and the impact of the political turmoil that later engulfed Jamaica and ultimately forced ‘Randy’s’ closure.
Underscored by an evocative soundtrack, featuring original Studio 17 recordings by Bob Marley & the Wailers, Lee “Scratch” Perry and others, the film also features an unreleased track from the 70s by Dennis Brown, the late great Crown Prince of Reggae.
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