Philadelphia-based Wildfire Records, under the stewardship of Jamaican music veteran Earl Messam, has maintained a prolific release schedule over the past two years. The independent label has specialized in compilation albums that strategically bridge generations, featuring both established reggae icons and emerging artists poised for breakthrough success.
This strategic vision continues with the launch of ‘All Star Album,’ a substantial 22-track compilation. Serving as a sequel to the previously released ‘Champion Album’ and ‘Ready fi di World, Vol 3’ from June, the new project showcases a diverse roster including Anaconda, the legendary Glen Ricks, and Philadelphia-native Shan Bam.
Messam, who hails from Clarendon, Jamaica, outlines a deliberately straightforward A&R philosophy. His process involves recording seasoned performers like Ricks, Anaconda, and Roland Burrell while simultaneously providing a crucial platform for Philadelphia-bred talents such as Shan Bam to gain international exposure.
‘Every project holds special significance, driven purely by a profound love for music. The considerable time invested in crafting these songs, working directly with handpicked artists and producers, is what elevates the work and makes it truly exceptional,’ Messam explained in a recent statement.
Anaconda, whose recording career began in 2000, makes a significant contribution with five tracks on the album, including notable cuts like ‘Don’t Come A mi Yard,’ ‘Woman,’ and ‘Caribbean Queen.’
Shan Bam, an artist of Jamaican descent, appears on five collaborative tracks. Among these is a distinctive cover of Beres Hammond’s classic ‘No Goodbye,’ performed alongside Glen Ricks.
The album also highlights the enduring career of Glen Ricks, who first emerged from Toronto’s burgeoning reggae scene in the late 1960s. The artist achieved commercial success in 1970 as a member of The Fabulous Flames (alongside Lovindeer) with a massively popular reggae adaptation of Neil Diamond’s ‘Holly Holy.’ Ricks contributes another original piece, ‘When Love is New,’ to this compilation.
Messam’s extensive industry experience dates back to the 1980s in Jamaica. After relocating to Philadelphia late in that decade, he continued his production work, most recently collaborating with Roland Burrell, the acclaimed artist behind hit songs ‘Stormy Night’ and ‘Johnny Dollar.’