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.
