By VP Records
Photos: VP Records\YouTube Screenshots
17 North Parade, an imprint of VP Records, and Harmony House will reissue
Beres Hammond’s Just A Man on November 28, 2024, exclusively for Record
Store Day Black Friday. This U.S.-only, limited-edition release will feature a newly
remastered colored vinyl pressing with the original “Rolls Royce” cover art—a
prized collectible for fans.
A treasured album on the Rare Groove circuit, Just A Man holds significant value
among collectors, with original copies elusive on the resale market and highly
sought after. Originally released by Joe Gibbs, Just A Man captures Hammond’s
early creative range, venturing beyond Reggae into the realms of funk, R&B, and
disco. The production is a collaboration between Hammond, Willie Lindo, and Ivor
Lindo, with each producer lending a unique touch to individual tracks. Standout
songs like “Do This World a Favour” and “Keep My Wheel Turning” remain Funk &
Soul scene favorites, celebrated as 2-step dancefloor classics that continue to draw
spins worldwide.
With a career spanning over four decades, Hammond is one of Reggae’s most
revered voices, known for enduring hits like “Rock Away” and “They Gonna Talk.”
Honored with the Order of Jamaica and an honorary doctorate from the University
of the West Indies, his impact on Reggae and lovers rock is profound. Just A
Man provides a rare look at his early explorations in sound, capturing his curiosity
and adaptability as he ventured into new genres.
Backed by a stellar lineup of musicians—including Val Douglas on bass, Mikey
Chung on guitar, Dean Fraser and Clive Hunt on horns, Harold Butler and Robbie
Lyn on keyboards, and Pam Hall on backing vocals—this remastered edition brings
clarity to the album’s rich arrangements, enhancing Hammond’s early vision.
The Just A Man reissue will be available at all Record Store Day Black Friday
participating stores across the U.S. on November 28th, 2024.
