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Monthly Archives: June 2025

27 Jun

SF049 Dreadsquad – Reggae From The Desert

Cat. No.: SF049
Title: Reggae From The Desert
Artist: Dreadsquad
Label: Superfly Studio
Release Date: 22.11.2024
Artwork: Krystian Żelazo

After a seven-year hiatus, Dreadsquad is back with a new album that immerses listeners in a unique blend of dub, jazz, ethio-jazz, and classic reggae sounds. Reggae from the Desert is a sonic journey in which Marek “Dreadsquad” Bogdański explores new musical territories, combining his roots with his fascination for African jazz. Some might say it’s been seven lean years, but Marek has managed to build a house where his new production and recording studio are successfully operating, and he has traveled halfway around the world, honouring hundreds of events and festivals with his sets.
The concept for the album was born back in 2015 at Prince Fatty’s legendary studio, where Winston “Horseman” Williams, an icon of the British reggae scene, recorded drums, and percussion for several tracks. A lifelong jazz fan, Marek found inspiration in the work of Mulatu Astatke—the father of ethio-jazz—among others, and created his own interpretation of Astatke’s track “Yekermo Sew,” which has been igniting the senses of listeners for the past few months. When you add “Ethiopian Rhythm” in the classic tizita minor (Amharic for nostalgic) musical scale, so characteristic of Ethiopian jazz and local classical music, you begin to understand the essence of this release. The album also features jazz-dub versions of well-known Dreadsquad rhythms, such as “Bun Dem” and “Caravan,” enriched with subtle melodic and instrumental flavours that create a unique sonic mosaic.
The undeniable strength of this album lies in the presence of excellent instrumentalists who are well-versed in jazz and reggae styles. They include Horseman (drums and percussion), Don Fe (flute), Craig Crofton (saxophone), Alex Hazas (saxophone, trumpet, flute), Kubix (guitar), Piotr Zabrodzki (piano), and others. Each of them has contributed a recognizable element, forming the musical house that Marek Bogdański has expertly constructed into a cohesive and habitable whole.
What sets Reggae from the Desert apart from previous Dreadsquad releases is the minimalist approach to vocals—only two words are spoken throughout the album, delivered by Marek himself. This instrumental masterpiece demonstrates that the strength of Dreadsquad’s music lies in its rhythm, atmosphere, and finely crafted details, taking the listener on a fascinating, meditative journey through the sands of the sonic wilderness.

Marek Bogdański: bass A2, A4, A5, B1, B4, B5 guitar A1, A4, A5, B2, B5, piano A3, A4, A5, B1, B2, B4, B5 melodica A3, A4, B2, B5 Hammond organ B1, B4, clavinet A4, B2, keys A1 , metalophone A1, A3, A5 percussion A1, B3, drumsynth A2, quica B1, drum programing: B2, B5
Przemyslaw Sokalczuk Hammond organ A3, guitar A3, B1 piano B3, bass B2
Winston Horseman Williams: drums A3, A5, B1, B4 percussion A3, A5, B1,
Craig Crofton: sax (A1, B3)
Piotr Zabrodzki: piano A1, A2, hammond organ A2, B5
Don Fe: flute A1, B4,
Alex Hazas sax A2, B2, flute A2, B2, trumpet B2
Robert Horvath bass A1, B3,
Jakub Skibiński drums A1
Adam Brzęczek drums A2, B3,
Mikey Shaw drums A4
Yotam Sigwalt flute B1, sax B1
Kubix guitar A2
Przemysław Typiak guitar B3
Rafał Trafalski guitar B3

Mix / Mastering : Marek Bogdański @ Superfly Studio

27 Jun

SF048 Dreadsquad – Ethiopian Rhythm

Cat. No.: SF048
Title: Ethiopian Rhythm
Artist: Dreadsquad feat. Piotr Zabrodzki, Kubix, Alex Hazas
Label: Superfly Studio
Release Date: 05.04.2024

“Ethiopian Rhythm” stands as the second single from Dreadsquad’s highly anticipated instrumental album, “Reggae from the Desert.” Crafted by Marek Bogdanski, this track showcases an original composition built upon the unique Ethiopian Tizita minor scale, offering a captivating sound that might challenge the conventions of Western ears. Blending the soulful essence of Jamaican reggae, the depth of dub, and the intricate nuances of ethiojazz, this fusion creates a musical tapestry seldom explored in today’s music landscape.

The ensemble features an array of talented musicians: Piotr Zabrodzki on piano and Hammond organ, Kubix on guitar, Alex Hazas leading the brass section, and Adam “Bzyq” Brzęczek on drums. Spearheading the Dreadsquad project, Marek Bogdanski contributes his expertise in bass, arrangement, mixing, dubbing, and mastering, ensuring a harmonious and polished sonic experience for listeners.”

26 Jun

SF047 Dreadsquad – Yekermo Sew (feat. Don Fe, Craig Crofton, Piotr Zabrodzki)

Cat. No.: SF047
Title: Yèkèrmo Sèw
Artist: Dreadsquad feat. Don Fe, Craig Crofton, Piotr Zabrodzki
Label: Superfly Studio
Release Date: 19.02.2024

Dreadsquad – Yèkèrmo Sèw
(Music: Mulatu Astatke)

Dreadsquad’s new single is the first announcement of an upcoming instrumental dub album and a reference to a beautiful page in world music history. In 2005, thanks to the soundtrack of Jim Jarmusch’s film Broken Flowers, the world discovered Ethiopian jazz. This happened mainly thanks to the characteristic melancholic melody “Yekermo Sew” performed by Mulatu Astatke, known as the “father of Ethio-jazz”.
Today, the track takes on a whole new face of reggae dub, and Dreadsquad has dispensed with electronics, inviting an international team of musicians to record.
“Yekermo Sew” in Amharic means “man of experience and wisdom.” Based on Dreadsquad’s past experience from years of conquering the musical stages of several continents, this is just another confirmation of the old wisdom that music knows no boundaries.

Don Fe – flute
Craig Crofton – saxophone
Piotr Zabrodzki – Piano
Robert Horvath – Bass
Jakub Skibinski – drums
Marek Bogdanski – metallophone, guitar, percussion, production, mixing, mastering

25 Jun

SF046 Kasia Malenda & Dreadsquad – Rzeczywistosc

Cat. No.: SF046
Title: Rzeczywistość (“Reality”)
Artist: Kasia Malenda & Dreadsquad
Label: Superfly Studio
Release Date: 17.01.2022

Dreadsquad’s single sheds new light on the phenomenon commonly known in the reggae world as “versioning’ – different versions of songs and creative recycling of rhythms tracks (riddims). “Reality” is a track originally created by Kasia Malenda with the Krakow-based producer SmokeDaCrackOFF, released on their joint EP and then on “Dub out of Poland Vol. 3”, a crucial compilation released in 2009. A few years ago, it was also recorded during one of the rehearsals of the Dreadsquad Live project. Since then, this version has been played at Dreadsquad events as a dubplate. Currently, there is no heavy, slow roots reggae being produced in Poland. I came to such a conclusion when this track piece was so well received during my set at this year’s festival in Wolimierz. That is why I decided to finally finish it and put it out as an official release – comments Dreadsquad and adds – I hope that despite the Polish lyrics it will also appeal to my fans around the world, and perhaps this unusual language may attract their attention.

What is “Reality” about? Singer Kasia Malenda recalls: I wrote this at a very difficult moment in my life and I think most of us have had similar experiences in our lives. Two very young people fall in love with each other, but reality creeps into their love over time – routine, adult problems, sacrifices, and compromises. They distance themselves from each other and suddenly it turns out that love alone is not enough for them to be happy together. Persistent clinging to the past shuts them from life lessons and the solace that time brings.

Mastered at Studio AS One in Warsaw, known for their work for the ones as Zion Train or Warsaw Village Band, Dreadsquad’s release also includes an instrumental version.

Interestingly, the author of the artwork is … artificial intelligence. The illustration is an AI-generated image, created by the Dall*e software within 10 seconds after I typed the phrase “a dark painting of a woman chasing a large shadow” – Dreadsquad reveals.

Track list

01. Kasia Malenda & Dreadsquad – Rzeczywistość
02. Dreadsquad – Rzeczywistość (Instrumental)

Music by: Marek Bogdański
Lyrics / Vocals: Kasia Malenda
Bass: Robert Horwath
Drums: Adam “Bzyku” Brzęczek
Keys: Przemysław Sokalczuk
Guitars: Przemysław Typiak, Rafał Trafalski
Percussion: Marek Bogdański
Mix / production: Marek Bogdański
Mastering: Studio As One

25 Jun

SF044 Dreadsquad & Tom Spirals – She Shook Me Up

Dreadsquad & Tom Spirals – She Shook Me Up
label: Superfly Studio
release: SF044
genre: Reggae, Ska

released: 18.05.2021
artwork: Krystian Żelazo

‘She Shook Me Up’ is a huge, uplifting digital ska release from the accomplished Polish riddim machine Dreadsquad, and rising star from Scotland, Singer and MC ,Tom Spirals. With an authentic vintage feel , crisp modern bassline and a truly love-filled message, She Shook Me Up is perfect for those summertime soundsystem vibes.

The first release from Tom Spirals and DreadSquad in combination, this track consolidates the love and live-show energy that pair the have already lit up dance floors together with, all over the globe; notably, BoomTown in England, Rainbow Serpent in Australia, Neversea in Romania & Walk’n’Skank in Scotland.

The riddim was originally crafted in 2020 for a bootleg Dreadsquad remix of Koffee’s smash hit ‘Toast’. Even without an official release, this bootleg blew up around the globe, garnering multiple plays from the likes of David Rodigan on BBC Radio 1Xtra; a clear sign to re-voice the riddim for official release.

The vocals on ‘She Shook Me Up’, provided by Tom Spirals, are a heartfelt blend of slick rub-a-dub flows and sweet soulful melodies that speak about loving someone “just exactly as she is, and precisely as she came.” This upful production, served alongside vibrant artwork by designer Krystian Zelazo, is available digitally on Bandcamp via DreadSquad or Tom Spirals and in all major online stores or streaming platforms.

25 Jun

SF043 Dreadsquad & Craig Crofton – Ode to Tommy

Artist: Dreadsquad & Craig Crofton
Title: Ode to Tommy
Format: Digital Download
Genre: Reggae, Rocksteady
Label: Superfly Studio
Cat.No: SF043
Release date: 04.05.2020
Artwork: Marek Bogdanski

25 Jun

SF042 – Dub Princess & Dreadsquad – Too Much Juggling

Artist: Dub Princess & Dreadsquad
Title: Too Much Juggling
Format: Digital Download
Genre: Reggae, Rocksteady
Label: Superfly Studio
Cat.No: SF042
Release date: 10.02.2020
Artwork: Defaced Designs