So today we look back to 2011 and the REVELATION PART I: THE ROOT OF LIFE album and recall a great tune from the album titled “Freedom Time.” Like most fans, I was pleasantly surprised to hear Ragga’s take on this tune, which was written and recorded by the Wailers.
When Bob Marley returned to Jamaica from the United States in 1966, The Wailers started their own label, ‘Wail’n Soul’m’ records. In November 1966, the Wailers booked studio time at Coxsone’s Studio One to record two singles, “Bend Down Low” and “Freedom Time.” The singles were recorded using Coxsone’s studio and employed most of his session musicians, including drummer Hugh Malcolm and pianist Jackie Mittoo. The singles, pressed to the Wail’n Soul’m’ label were most likely released in early 1967.
I recently transferred my 7″ vinyl single, which appears to be some sort of Pre-/Blank label pressing, here along with Stephen’s version:
LEGENDARY REGGAE 