Legendary Jamaican producer Donovan Germain and his Penthouse label productions have made an indelible mark in the history of reggae music. To commemorate 25 years since the founding of Penthouse recording studio, VP Records and Mr. Germain have collaborated on the new release Penthouse Records 25 Years — The Journey Continues. The 2 CD/DVD collection will be available on January 14, 2014.
The Penthouse Records 25 audio discs highlight essential hits, new tracks from its current roster and two unreleased tracks from the legendary Garnett Silk (“My Favorite Song” and a remix of his classic “Everything I Got”). Hosted by Mr. Germain himself, the bonus DVD is an hour and 45 minute journey through the history of the studio and label and features many the key players in Jamaican music. Interviews include original Penthouse crew members Tony Rebel, Richie Stephens, Wayne Wonder, Marcia Griffiths and Beres Hammond.
The Penthouse studio — originally located at 56 Slipe Road in Kingston, Jamaica — produced many of the genre’s biggest hits during the late 1980s and 1990s and has continued to churn out chart-topping anthems since relocating in 1998 to its current address 6 Ballater Avenue. Founder Donovan Germain produced world-class recordings alongside the island’s top engineers and studio musicians of the time — including Steven Stanley, Dave and Tony Kelly, Michael “Coolie” Cooper, Steely and Clevie, Sly and Robbie, Firehouse Crew, Steven “Lenky” Marsden and Mafia and Fluxy — and played an instrumental role in developing the careers of reggae stars Buju Banton (cranking out the most No. 1 singles for the reggae icon to date), Wayne Wonder, Cutty Ranks, Richie Stephens, Beres Hammond, Romain Virgo, Queen Ifrica and more.
In addition to these artists, the deluxe 47-song collection features today’s crop of Penthouse artists, including Dalton Harris, D Major, Exco Levi, RC and Shuga. Producer and visionary Donovan Germain’s quest for excellence is evident. He says “it’s all about the next hit song,” and for Penthouse Records the journey continues.
