Saxon


Saxon Sound System was started in 1976 in Lewisham, South East london by Dennis Rowe, Lloyd Saxon and Musclehead. Originally called Imperial Rockers they changed the name to saxon in 1978. By the early 80's due in no small part to their highly talented MC's and singers such as Tippa Irie, Smiley Culture, Peter King, Papa Levi, Maxi Priest, Daddy Colonel and Sandy they were the most popular Sound System in the UK. The selectors on the sound were Muscle Head, Trevor Sax, Mini Muscle, Henry Prento and Micky Boops.

 

In 1984 the sound started the UK Bubblers label in co-operation with Greensleeves and released over 30 12" singles and two albums over the next four years.

 

In 1993 they formed their own Saxon label and released over 70 12" singles.

 

With the decline in the popularity of live MC's on a sound in the early 90's Saxon stepped back from the limelight and to a certain extent have struggled to maintain their position in the top echelon of Sound Systems since this time. However they continue to operate and have a regular spot at the Notting Hill Carnival each August.

 

Sound Tapes

Saxon : Priory Youth Centre, Acton, West London 12 September 84.

MC's Daddy Colonel, Tippa Irie, Daddy Sandy, Daddy Rusty, Papa Levi. Selector Mucle Head.

This tape is notable for Papa Levi's attack on Champion from Jamdown Rockers Champion wasn't in the dance but Levi talks of Champion attacking him when he hasn't been there to defend himself before launching into this classic burial lyric.

"Champion a half horse half man, Champion a half horse half man,

him have four hoof, him don't have no hand, him love sugar lump more than any boil yam,

me run mile him run furlong, stinkin' of peer horse perspiration,

him don't grind gal him f*** pure stallion, him get nuff role in a big western,

John Wayne shoot him twice in him big broad bottom, what the hell is he doing at the microphone stand,

when a 2.45 him a fe run a Kempton..."

 

 

DiscographyURL
UK Bubblers 12"http://www.xs4all.nl/~tapirs/ukmc12.htm
UK Bubblers LP'shttp://www.xs4all.nl/~tapirs/lickalb.htm
Saxon 12"http://www.xs4all.nl/~tapirs/sax12.htm