Little Axe, then, are in continuous motion; after a series of studio-based, effects-laden albums – and that’s albums, not records (“I like to play tunes that connect, tell a story”) – they have returned to their roots on the forthcoming Bought For a Dollar, Sold For a Dime. For the first time in 17 years the original crew met, pressed flesh and played live.

A host of musical titans assembled in the Big Room at Real World for this rare and privileged session, with all but the London-based McDonald and his co-producer, British dub maestro Adrian Sherwood, flying in from across the USA.

Giants such as soul singer Bernard Fowler, whose compelling voice has graced sets from The Rolling Stones to Ryuchi Sakamoto. Drummer Keith LeBlanc, a percussionist with a skilful approach and similarly impressive solo CV. Bassist Doug Wimbish, erstwhile axeman for rock outfit Living Colour and session player extraordinaire. All of whom made up the seminal British band, Tackhead – whose pioneering devices are now integral aspects of rap and pop.

Real World Studios was the ideal locale for such a recording. Its state-of-the-art facilities opened its arms to other collective regulars including sultry vocalists Saranella Bell and Kevin Gibb, harmonica player Alan Glen and brass ensemble, The Crispy Horns.

Deep-throated guest vocalist Ken Booth recorded his parts – for the affecting Can’t Sleep At Night and measured, spacious Temptation – in Jamaica. Guest drummer, the Paris-based Cyril Atef, uploaded his contributions to the mixing studio – aka the Real World Work Room – where McDonald and Sherwood put their final touches to tracks both new and reworked.