A comprehensive account of reggae during its golden era, from the late sixties through the global breakthrough of Bob Marley in the seventies, and the genre's popularity worldwide.
Pressure Drop draws on original interviews with the scene's key players of the last 40 years, as well as many of the musicians who were influenced by the reggae from this era.
Interview subjects include Burning Spear, Augustus Pablo, Lee 'Scratch' Perry, Gregory Isaacs, Toots & The Maytals, Jimmy Cliff, U Roy and Bunny Wailer.
DON LETTS – Author/Film Director/BBC Radio 6 Music
“Nailed in great detail, Pressure Drop is a testament to bass - Jamaica’s gift to the world and the culture that came with it.”
ALEX WHEATLE MBE – Novelist
“PRESSURE DROP is a must have reggae bible that takes a deep dive into the classic reggae period of the 1970s. Forensically researched, stacked with interviews from the major players of the era, I found it compelling. From anyone who has a passing interest in the evolution of reggae to deep reggae heads like myself, there is something in this book for you.”
PAULINE BLACK OBE DL – The Selecter/Actor/Author
"John Masouri ’s “Pressure Drop” takes us on an exciting ride through the hills and gullies of Jamaican music & politics throughout the 70’s. Charting the rise of Rastafari, he not only traces the careers of well-known stars like Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff & Toots Hibbert, but never forgets to pay homage to the myriad of lesser known artists, who were all part of ska and reggae’s rich cultural tapestry in Jamaica and the UK."
RANDALL GRASS – Author/Journalist/GM of Shanachie Entertainment US
“The golden age of roots reggae in the Seventies stands as perhaps the greatest body of socially conscious, spiritually potent popular music ever. John Masouri, who has personally encountered virtually every notable artist, producer, and scene-maker from that period, tells this fabulous story with informed perspective and fascinating granular detail that only a long-time chronicler of Jamaican music would have.”
BARBARA BLAKE-HANNAH – Author/Journalist/Director of the Jamaica Film Academy
“Jamaican music is so blessed to have had John Masouri become a fan when he was 11 years old. His love since then of all genres of our music - from Millie to Marley – has given us volumes of articles, essays and five books that record the history of our music that we unlettered descendants of slaves are able to deposit in libraries, store on bookshelves and place lovingly in our children’s hands. Thanks for another book John. ONE LOVE always!”
CHRIS WELLS – Editor, Echoes Magazine
“The best writer on reggae music in the business.”
