2023, August 2023, Reggae
REGGAE | Sid Bucknor
Aug
Sid Bucknor
Rob Oil
Sid Bucknor, a man that can be dubbed as the ingenious mind responsible for the finished mixes and editing of the overall sound and the prolific creations of the reggae genre, is a name that is synonymous with reggae music of the ’60s and ’70s. If you own a vintage reggae vinyl from that time period, there is a high probability that “Norman “Sid” Bucknor” was either the sound engineer, composer, producer or even the label owner of that vinyl.
In a recent closed-door interview with Skill Cole, manager of Bob Marley in the 60’s and 70’s, it was revealed to us that Sid was a sought-after sound engineer of that time. He described Sid as a shy and meek man but was a genius behind those mixing consoles that generated almost every hit song of those times in every leading music studio – Studio 1, Channel 1, Treasure Isle, Dynamic Studios, and Harry J. Sid mastered the art of recording on a Revox two-track system, which many say is superior & overrides the quality of today’s multi-tracks. Sid never read music or played an instrument. He was gifted and had an ear for the sounds that can stir your soul.
Others we have spoken to, like the reggae singer Jason Wilson in Toronto, Canada, say that Sid was at the helm of the mixing board, creating the unique sounds that fostered the transition of ska to rocksteady to reggae music. Sid worked with almost all of the now superstars of reggae, Bob Marley, Desmond Dekker, BB Seaton, Horace Andy, Alton Ellis, Ebony Sisters, and Webber Sisters, to name a few.
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Alas, his estranged family in Toronto was unaware of his genius or vast and prolific contributions until 2010. Sid Bucknor lost his battle with pancreatic cancer and passed away in 2010. What transpired after that can only be akin to unbelievable docu-dramas of the time that leaves you breathless. Sid’s firstborn son Byron Bucknor not only learned about his father’s immeasurable contributions to reggae music but was now the heir to hundreds of Master tapes of unreleased and released songs.
In March 2009, Bucknor and Sylvan Morris (another sound engineer of the time) were honored by the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association for their contribution to Jamaican music. Bucknor never knew about this accolade, and there was no one to receive these honors on his behalf. There is a long list of unsung heroes of reggae music exploited by the powers of the music industry.
Sid Buck Records is dedicated to bringing light to the legacy of Sid Bucknor and all those that have suffered the consequences of the rogue music culture that was and still is. “Come out of darkness,” my friend’s justice will prevail.
About Sid Buck Records and the “Why”?
Sid Buck Records is dedicated to the re-release of the iconic sounds of Sid Bucknor, who passed away in 2010 in the UK. The record label is owned and operated by his firstborn son Byron Bucknor who resides in Toronto, Canada.
In 2022, probate was granted by the UK government naming Byron as the owner of all the master recordings including 1/4, 1/2, 1, and 2-inch reel-to-reel tapes and multi-tracks, sound systems and all of his father’s possessions. The family has been digitizing and has begun vinyl pressing of both previously released and unreleased songs. Releases to date and upcoming singles and LP’s are noted below.
Sid Bucknor was the most prolific sound engineer and composer of the time. He started his career at Studio 1 with his cousin Coxson Dodd and soon became a sought-after sound engineer; a self-taught man who progressed to composing, producing and having some of his own record labels namely Jam Can, Third World, Tropical Records and more.
On Discog the community of reggae music lovers have recognized Sid for over 400 plus contributions as a sound engineer, remixer, composer and more. Sid was an artist and put that first above all else and did not register his songs or file any copyright. As a result, Sid or his family have not received any of the deserving royalties for any of his work to date.
Website
WEBSITE:
SidBucknor.com
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