Sad news from DKR - Digikiller - Fox Fire camp

[Satta]

One of those great independent producers, Norman "Fox Fire" Vassell just passed away.
R.I.P.

(Taken from DKR Facebook page)

DKR is extremely sad to report the loss of a great partner, supporter and friend, Norman "Fox Fire" Vassell, who has left us at much too young an age. Norman, along with his lifelong friends Clive Matthews and Trevor Byfield, produced a small but brilliant body of work spanning four decades. In the time I knew him, Norman proved himself to be a true music lover, who quickly understood the vision and mission of DKR, and was happy to be a part of it. This was all the more significant for me because I almost always use the 'Fox Fire' crew's music as the paradigm of what DKR is about - re-introducing and making available brilliant and classic reggae music that is every bit as great as much of what we recognize as the "classic reggae canon", but never got its due as such, only due to non-qualitative concerns - lack of availability, distribution, finances, whatever it may have been. Norman was quick to understand this mode of thinking and understand that idea, which is behind the name "Deeper Knowledge Records (DKR)"...presenting a deeper knowledge of reggae music, beyond the surface, by re-presenting music made by those like Norman, Clive and Trevor. In phone conversations and in-person meetings, Norman and I always came back to this idea. So it makes me all the more sad to see him gone, because he wasn't just a business partner, but a kindred thinker, and a fellow true music lover. The self-productions these guys did just for the love, again, across four decades (!!!), really embodied the grass roots/DIY spirit of Jamaican music making which really helped reggae resonate deeply with me, early in my exploration of it. Norman was a producer, financier and guitar player on much of the guys' music, a real hands on guy. Another fact many might not know is that the classic "Stepping Up to Zion" by Boom and the Voltsong, is in fact another old friend "Boom" on vocals, backed by Clive, Trevor and Norman. Just another project for the guys who loved making tunes together. So pour a little out for Norman next time you crack one, and cheers to Clive & Trevor still being with us. Our condolences to Norman's family and friends, not least of all his partners in music, Clive Matthews and Trevor Byfield. Rest in peace Norman, we're going to be playing your tunes for the rest of our lives.