FORMER Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers drummer Wilburn 'Squiddly' Cole recently released his second album Bloodline.

The 16-track set features collaborations with a variety of acts including contemporary roots singer Sizzla, Cole's father, ska singer StrangeJah Cole and his uncle, Mighty Diamonds lead vocalist Tabby Diamond.

According to Cole, Bloodline is a 'a modern roots reggae album with a touch of dancehall and hip hop'.

"The market is hyper-saturated with Americanised reggae, Bloodline is a Jamaican album that the world need to hear," he added.

Cole said Bloodline explores cultural topics such as black survival and the Rastafarian faith.

Cole says he made his recording debut in 1980 at age 13, playing drums on Barrington Levy's hit song Black Roses. Five years later, he became a member of the Melody Makers, going on to work on the Marley siblings' three Grammy-winning albums.

He also produced Damion 'Junior Gong' Marley's hit song, Me Name Junior Gong. Along with fellow Melody Makers bandmate, bass player Christopher

Meridith, Cole co-produced Lauryn Hill's remake of the Bob Marley classic Turn Your Lights Down Low.

The song gained major success on international charts and was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals category in 2001.

Cole also played drums on some tracks for Hill's 1998 multi Grammy-winning album, The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill.