Contemporary American artistes have made albums that salute the eras of classic soul, R&B, country and rock music. Such a concept seemed unknown to reggae until last year when JonFX began recording Vintage Collection.

Released on February 6, the nine-song album hears him revisiting the ska and rocksteady eras on songs like I Adore You, If I Could Have This Girl, and Train.

But for the horns, the South Florida-based producer/musician played all instruments on the set which he plans to pitch to markets “that loves true authentic reggae” such as the United Kingdom, Europe, and Hawaii.

Although he is best known for producing Gyptian’s big hit single Hold Yuh, and Arms Around You by the rapper Xxxtentacion, JonFX says he always had an affinity for foundation artistes like Desmond Dekker and Toots And The Maytals.

He also admires the work of producers Arthur “Duke” Reid and Clement “Coxone” Dodd, whose intense rivalry dominated the rocksteady period of the mid-1960s. Dub legend and engineer Osbourne “King Tubby” Ruddock is another of his heroes.

“I’ve learned that era was less stressful because they had acoustic sounds all around,” said JonFX.

Born John Crawford in Kingston, JonFX started his career playing keyboards and drums in the band at his parents’ church in Olympic Gardens. Later, he did session work as a keyboardist with producer Everton “Caveman” Moore.

After migrating to the United States over 20 years ago, JonFX continued to put in studio time at the New York studios of producers Keeling Beckford and Hyman “Jah Life” Wright. While at Beckford’s facility, he met Glen Adams, the influential organist for The Upsetters, the house band at Lee “Scratch” Perry’s studio in the early 1970s.

He not only credits Adams with putting the edge on his playing, but helping to appreciate the creativity of a generation that produced, arguably, the finest music to come out of Jamaica.

Vintage Collection by JonFX is available on all digital platforms.