Once again, we must say R.I.P. to a hero of ours -- PHILLIP SMART. A student of the legendary KING TUBBY, Phillip came to NY bringing his mentor's incredible spirit and work ethic to the US where he immediately set to work changing the landscape of NYC reggae. In the early 80s he opened up HC&F Studios in Freeport, NY and by the end of the decade and throughout the 90s almost every classic NYC 12" was recorded there. And given his generous nature almost 8 out of 10 12"s that one would buy during that time was recorded at HC&F -- He was just that prolific and that GOOD as a producer, engineer, mixer and all around supporter and lover of the music. To say Phillip will be missed is an understatement - to hope that someone will fill his shoes is a dream -- but I hope that Phillip's devotion to the music, to keeping a space and sound that allowed creativity and the sharing of musical ideas, will go forward and find as many emulators as possible.
