The word “Reggae” was coined around 1960 in Jamaica to identify a "ragged" style of dance music, that melted New Orleans rhythm'n'blues and Caribbean music together. Later African elements were also included. The legendary Bob Marley (1944 -1981) made Reggae popular all over the world, and he is still one of the most active influences in recent popular music.

Kingston Feet is to be played in even eights (straight, no shuffle). On the recording you will hear some percussion elements, which have been left out of the score for reading matters. Anyway, you should learn the piece first without percussion. If you want to add them later, here is an explanation: There are two sounds: a "bass drum" on count three, and a "rimshot" on count one (imitating the drumset). The "bassdrum" is produced by dropping the right-hand palm on the bridge. (It takes a little practice to drop the palm and hit strings at the same time.) The rimshot is produced by tapping a finger (preferably the little one) on the top. The "muffle" or "étouffé" is produced by holding the notes with the left-hand fingers without pressing them down to the fret.