Akuphone is pleased to present the first compilation dedicated to musician John Bolloten, aka The Rootsman. As a precocious punk, he formed his first band, State Oppression, in his teens. Yet he is best known for his dub music, a genre that gave him international recognition. Largely influenced by the rhythms of North Africa and the Middle East, he built his musical identity around samples from these regional repertoires. His encounter with Bryn Jones — better known as Muslimgauze — further defined his artistic path. This selection offers an overview of his work from 1996 to 1998, a prolific period when Into The Light, 52 Days To Timbuktu, Union Of Souls (with Celtarabia) and Distant Voices (with Pachakuti) were released. A visionary production that predicted today’s growing international predilection for the musical heritage of the MENA regions. The compilation is enriched with an explanatory preface by Mabrouk Hosni Ibn Aleya and illustrated with rare archival photos— all of which are contained in a superb jacket designed by the artist Ghiya Haydar.

Tracks A1, A2, A3 extract from Into The Light (Third Eye Music, 1996)
Produced by The Rootsman

Tracks B1, B2, B3 extract from 52 Days To Timbuktu (Third Eye Music, 1998)
Produced by The Rootsman

Tracks C1, C2, C3 extract from Union Of Souls (with Celtarabia) (Third Eye Music, 1998)
Produced by The Rootsman and Celtarabia

Tracks D1, D2, D3 extract from Distant Voices (with Russ Disciples as Pachakuti) (Third Eye Music, 1998)
Produced by Pachakuti (aka The Rootsman and Russ Disciples)

Compiled by Fabrice Gery
Liner notes by Mabrouk Hosni Ibn Aleya
Artwork by Ghiya Haidar
Mastered by Mark Gergis