Harder Shade of Black - Santic Records

artist:  Various Artist

album: Harder Shade of Black

label: Pressure Sounds

Santic Record Company

Leonard Chin aka Santic was born in 1953 in Kingston, Jamaica.  In the early 1970s Chin began working as a singer but he soon realized that his disposition was more suited to music production.  So he set up his own recording label, "Santic Recording Company."  The name Santic is said to have been derived from the name of his friend drummer Carlton "Santa" Davis but then again who really knows.  Chin's productions during the the 1970's included recordings by Augustus Pablo, Paul Whiteman, Jah Woosh, Roman Stewart, Horace Andy and Gregory Isaacs.  Augustus Pablo actually recorded his first single "Pablo In Dub" with Santic Records.  Horace Andy had two substantial hits with the Santic label: "Problems" and "Children of Israel" both of which are included on this CD.  Chins recording sessions generally took place at Randy's Studio with Errol Thompson mixing and Augustus Pablo on the keyboards and arranging.  

As the 70s ended and the Rockers Era drew to a close Leonard Chin moved on to London where he became involved in Lovers Rock production which is as they say, a whole new story.  The album here "Harder Shade of Black" is a mid-70s compilation of Santic Recordings reissued by Pressure Sounds.  The recordings are strictly Rockers... and Wicked. 

Leonard Chin aka Santic