Live Studio Session 1 by Wicked Dub Divison Meets North East Ska Jazz Orche, released 4 November 2022.
This version of Live Studio Session 1 comes as a 1xCD. -
"Live Studio Session #1" on CD captures the powerful encounter between Wicked Dub Division and the North East Ska Jazz Orchestra in an intimate live-in-studio setting. Raw, warm and uncompressed, this session presents heavyweight dub grooves, tight brass sections and soulful melodies performed in real time, without the distance of overdubs or heavy editing. Deep bass lines, spacious echoes and live improvisations come together to create an organic, high-energy journey through modern dub, ska and jazz-influenced reggae. The carefully balanced mix allows every instrument to breathe, giving the listener the feeling of standing directly in the studio with the band while they reshape their repertoire into extended, hypnotic versions.
Musically, "Live Studio Session #1" focuses on groove, atmosphere and interaction. The rhythm section lays down slow to mid-tempo riddims that leave plenty of room for dub effects, while the horn section of the North East Ska Jazz Orchestra adds rich harmonies, off-beat stabs and jazz-infused solos. Wicked Dub Division push the sound further into psychedelic territory with delays, reverbs and drops that constantly transform the songs while maintaining a solid, danceable backbone. The result is a cohesive set that can work equally well on a hi-fi system, in a chill-out setting or as a deep listening experience on headphones.
Wicked Dub Division Meets North East Ska Jazz Orch is a collaboration that unites two complementary forces from the Italian dub and ska scene. Wicked Dub Division are known for their heavy, roots-based dub, powerful live shows and a sound system approach that emphasizes bass pressure and meditative grooves. North East Ska Jazz Orchestra, by contrast, bring the richness of a large ensemble with multiple horns and a strong jazz background, translating the energy of ska and early reggae into sophisticated arrangements. Together, they have become a reference for European dub-meets-big-band projects, appreciated at festivals and by selectors who seek a live, instrumental edge in contemporary dub and ska.
The CD edition of "Live Studio Session #1" is aimed at collectors and lovers of physical formats who appreciate the tactile experience of owning the music. Depending on the edition, it may include printed artwork and liner notes that document the session and underline the visual identity of the project. As a physical release, it also supports the independent ecosystem in which this kind of music thrives.
Brixton, the label behind this release, is known for dedicating itself to reggae, dub, ska and related styles, often giving a platform to projects that blend roots tradition with contemporary experimentation. As an independent imprint, Brixton focuses on carefully curated releases, strong artwork and close ties to the live and sound system scenes. With "Live Studio Session #1", the label continues its commitment to high-quality recordings that foreground musicianship, authenticity and a deep respect for Jamaican musical heritage while fostering the vibrant European scene that has grown around it.