Review: VA - Root Down 30: Compiled By Rainer Trüby (Daybreakers)

Rainer Trüby is a big name in house, soul and jazz as founder of the famous Root Down club and compiler of countless compilations - but can't miss out on a 30th anniversary with this monster!

Rainer Trüby, he of Compost Records' Glücklich VI (see review HERE) and many a compilation more, a huge record collection (particularly MPS label; stay tuned for news of a new album on that label by - Ed Motta!), founder of the Root Down club and member of both A Forest Mighty Black and the Trüby Trio, it's fair to say, Mr Trüby knows his 'Root Down' stuff!

Now, depending on your point of view, there may be an element for mates rates for the inclusion of Da Lata's cover version of the absolute classic 'Jungle Kitten' (and if you've read this far, you deserve to get yourself an earful of the Manfredo Fest original which may still be available as the Bluebird 12" of 1979) but that apart/included, what a great 10 tracks we have to celebrate 30 years of Root Down.

Folks and tracks we know, Jazzanova with 'No Use' (the Crackazat remix and featuring Clara Hill - see 'Inbetween - Remixes' review HERE) and Felipe Gordon (see HERE) with 'Let's Get, Get Together' and Trüby own project with Carrado Bucci, Trüccy (did you see what they did there! - 'Closer' was the Hectic track of choice at the time:) with Laroye's Afro Balearic mix of 'Kenyatta'.

And it's not only Laroye who knows a remix, there's a DeejayKul meets Soultechnic Rework, 

and one of the many highlights on the album, The Soul Session's cover of 'A Horse With No Name' as remixed by Trüby and Marlow plus an Osunlade remix of a Colfo collab (as Rawb Boss) and Jimpster (he of Freerange Records - see their 30 year birthday series HERE).

I think that's enough name drops for you to get the idea that this is quality and more than worth a 'Root Down' over the past 30 years.

P.S. Think I'll have to dig out the 12" white label of 'Root Down' by Peter Kruder (2000)

P.P.S. Wonder if DJs Miche and Chris Wheatley picked up anything from their recent visit to Rainer's massive 22k strong collection? 

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER. Rainer TRUBY/VARIOUS - Root Down 30 Vinyl at Juno Records.

Artist : Various Artists

Title : Root Down 30: Compiled By Rainer Trüby

Release Date : 2nd October, 2026

Catalog Number : TBC

Label : Daybreakers

Format : 2xLP / CD / Digital