Acclaimed music journalist John Masouri has spent the last 35 years interviewing some of the biggest names in the history of Reggae. John’s passion for the music and access to key figures in the evolution of the genre has provided him with a unique perspective and insight that has made him one of our favourite writers here at Reggae Roast. 

That’s why we were really excited to discover that John has a new book entitled Pressure Drop coming out 5th September with Omnibus Press. John describes it as "a story rich in adventure, controversy, resilience and imagination, and has its origins in the indomitable spirit of the Jamaican people.“

The 1970s were a transformative time for Reggae, marked by political upheaval, social unrest, and creative brilliance both in Jamaica and the UK. Masouri’s Pressure Drop captures it all, weaving a vivid tapestry of the decade’s musical evolution against a backdrop of Black Nationalism, gang warfare, and grinding poverty. As Masouri himself puts it, “The 70s was a decade in reggae history that offered an embarrassment of riches and a kaleidoscope of different forms, sounds, and innovations.”

This book takes us straight to the heart of Reggae’s golden era, giving us a front-row seat to the lives of legends like Burning Spear, Gregory Isaacs, Bunny Wailer, Jimmy Cliff, Black Uhuru, and so many more. We get firsthand accounts of pivotal moments from the likes of Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, Toots and the Maytals, and even the great Bob Marley and Peter Tosh.

Masouri's passion for the music seeps through his writing as he chronicles this pivotal era “I decided to write the story of 70s reggae in the way I did—as it unfolded—because that's how I and fans of the music first experienced it,” he explains. “We eagerly awaited each new release or tour and read about the latest developments in the music press or news reports from Jamaica.” Masouri’s writing feels like you’re flipping through the pages of history as it was happening, catching every riddim as they dropped.

Expect extensive analysis of the era’s major singles and albums, alongside stories straight from the mouths of those who lived them. You’ll journey through the rise of deejays, the birth of dub, and the powerful impact of Rastafarian culture that took Reggae from the shanty towns of Kingston to the world stage.

Masouri says “That all the artists mentioned in the book were able to achieve all they did at a time of such political turmoil, economic hardship, and growing social unrest was nothing short of miraculous. Their hard work, courage, and imagination turned the Caribbean island they proudly represented into one of the most enduring centres of musical influence the world has known.”

We couldn't agree more.

John Masouri has spent over 35 years documenting the reggae scene, with work featured in publications like Echoes Magazine, Mojo, The Guardian, and NME. He’s the go-to voice on Reggae history, with previous works including Steppin’ Razor: The Life Of Peter Tosh and the acclaimed Wailing Blues, described as “the best book ever written on Bob Marley” by Reggae historian Roger Steffens.

Pressure Drop – Reggae in the Seventies is available for preorder now here: https://found.ee/PressureDropBook 

Find out more about John on his website: https://www.johnmasouri.com/