Daptone Records is proud to present the latest offering from producer extraordinaire, Victor Axelrod. Initially voiced over a midi demo at Axelrod’s Don’t Trip Studio, “One Step Ahead” is one of the last recordings made during Sugar Minott’s exceptionally influential career. The backing track, courtesy of The Inversions, was cut at Diamond Mine studio during the same session as the rocksteady update of Bob & Gene’s “I Can Be Cool”. With Axelrod at the helm the team transforms the cult classic ballad, originally recorded by Aretha Franklin, into an ethereal piece of rocksteady magic. In addition to writing a wealth of original material, Sugar Minott had a deep appreciation and a passion for not only Jamaican ska, rocksteady, and reggae (which he helped develop) but also American soul and pop music. He brought enduring versions of Michael Jackson’s “Good Thing Going,” The Persuaders “Love Gonna Pack Up” and Dionne Warwick's “A House Is Not A Home” to the reggae idiom. “One Step Ahead” fits perfectly in this tradition, effortlessly bridging the gap between American pop and Jamaican soul.
