Boss Capone & Patsy – Kings & Queens

I love my early reggae here at oitheblog. Early reggae nowadays is a tricky thing. Too often, attempts at recreating that golden 1968–’71 sound come out sterile or over-polished. But with Kings & Queens, Boss Capone & Patsy don’t just imitate the era.

Boss (Boudewijn van Trigt, of The Upsessions) has long been a driving force in keeping the sound of vintage Jamaican music alive in Europe. I know him personally, and his dedication isn’t an act. Every rhythm, every horn line, every tape-saturated tone on this album reflects years of immersion in early reggae. Pair that with Patsy (Renske de Boer), whose voice manages to be tough, jazzy, and soulful all at once, and you’ve got something special.

Musically, the album plays like a lost Trojan or Pama release. Warm bass lines walk confidently, horns punch with precision, and the riddims swing just right—never rushed, never dragged. The Upsessions crew, alongside sax legend Tommy Tornado, supply backing that’s as tight as it gets, but it’s Patsy who steals the spotlight.

And then there’s “Oh Boy.” For me, that track is the emotional centerpiece. It’s the song that feels. The way Patsy delivers her lines, with that mix of vulnerability and strength, hits straight to the chest. The instrumental lays down a smoky, almost late-night rocksteady mood, and her voice just soars over it. It’s one of those songs that lingers long after the record stops spinning. To be honest, it’s become one of those tracks for me—the kind you return to when you need grounding.

Kings & Queens has rightly earned acclaim: festival appearances across Europe and the U.S., represses due to high demand, and plenty of year-end list nods. But beyond the accolades, what makes it important is simple—it proves early reggae isn’t just a sound from the past.