African Train - Errol Holt (7" Single)

SKU: 100446
Catalogue Number: BR7DR005
Label: Deeper Roots

A: African Train - Errol Holt

B: African Roots - Holt & Bolts

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Whenever the Deeper Roots crew in Berlin announces a release, we know they've found a real gem. This time around, they've pulled a rare side from Niney's archives featuring Errol 'Flabba' Holt from 1975. Back in the day, the original Observer 7-inch credited the A-side to 'Observing African'. It's a classic Niney alias that played on his own label name while tapping into the heavy African repatriation themes of the era. This record wasn't a massive hit back then, but them 1975 originals are highly prized among collectors and can fetch some serious prices today.
The B-side version, titled 'African Roots', is credited to Holt & The Bolts. Some suggest "The Bolts" was a pseudonym for the Soul Syndicate, who were regular fixtures in Niney's sessions. Randy's Studio 17 in Kingston is where this was cut, and you can hear that in the recording's weight and texture.
'African Train' is a solid piece of mid-seventies roots. The Observer provides a sparse, heavy framework for Flabba's voice, using a rugged foundation punctuated by a tingling piano riff. It's a treat to hear Holt in a lead vocal role instead of his usual spot as the heavy-duty bassist for the Roots Radics. Flabba spent time honing his skills with the Morwells before becoming a foundation member of the Radics. Most fans know his singing from 'My Heart In Danger', but this earlier track shows a different energy. The B-side is a pure mid-seventies version. There are no effects at all on this side, just the naked riddim track driving forward while pieces of the vocal drift in toward the end. It's a deep piece of history for the Observer fans.