[youtube=http://youtu.be/qcHqpHdeKYQ]
Was there a more talented organ player during the skinhead reggae era than Winston Wright? Jackie Mittoo is certainly the darling of the reggae scene in regards to the ridicolous number of tunes he managed to pump out through membership in The Skatalites, Soul Vendors, Soul Brothers and Sound Dimension and his later solo releases. But Winston kind of took over in the early days of the reggae sound, with Glen Adams of Upsetters and Hippy Boys fame being his main competition. This tune right here is Winston at his finest, killing it on his Hammond A100 to any listeners delight. If you can track down a copy of The Dynamites "Fire Corner' LP you can listen to Winston do his thing over the course of a number of tracks. The man was talented.
Showing posts with label Producers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Producers. Show all posts
Sunday, 14 October 2012
Friday, 5 October 2012
First Cut: Success
[youtube=http://youtu.be/tf-APoNTgQE]
Straight up, Rupie Edwards did not get enough respect. Odd we know, in that the Pama subsidiary he ran was Success. None the less the man was immensely talented as soon as he sat in the producers seat and the first tune released on the Success imprint shows that exactly. "Look Who Buss A Style" by the Mediators has all the hallmarks of a skinhead reggae classic: killer instrumental backing and a sickly sweet vocal. A wonder then, probably down to the touch and go Pama distribution system of the time, that the Success label isn't more regarded in the current skinhead reggae collector and DJ scene. Might have a lot to do with it not being initially popular amongst the original skinheads. The fact tunes weren't released on the label til near the end of 1969, with media exploitation of the cult at its peak, might also have something to do with it. Either way this is one of the finest stars of any label from that time period, both sides absolute monsters in their own rights. It's just too bad Mr. Edwards doesn't receive the acclaim he righteously deserves.
Straight up, Rupie Edwards did not get enough respect. Odd we know, in that the Pama subsidiary he ran was Success. None the less the man was immensely talented as soon as he sat in the producers seat and the first tune released on the Success imprint shows that exactly. "Look Who Buss A Style" by the Mediators has all the hallmarks of a skinhead reggae classic: killer instrumental backing and a sickly sweet vocal. A wonder then, probably down to the touch and go Pama distribution system of the time, that the Success label isn't more regarded in the current skinhead reggae collector and DJ scene. Might have a lot to do with it not being initially popular amongst the original skinheads. The fact tunes weren't released on the label til near the end of 1969, with media exploitation of the cult at its peak, might also have something to do with it. Either way this is one of the finest stars of any label from that time period, both sides absolute monsters in their own rights. It's just too bad Mr. Edwards doesn't receive the acclaim he righteously deserves.
Saturday, 29 September 2012
First Cut: Escort
[youtube=http://youtu.be/IqVIHuzZEI0]
Jamaican music has a long history of "rudeness", songs which contain sexually suggestive if not explicit lyrics. And it's great. Pama subsidiary, Escort, decided to kick off their label with the Harry J produced "Hold The Pussy" by Kid Gungo. It certainly isn't up to the standards as such classics like 'Spread Your Bed" or "Wreck a Buddy" but it's a pretty decent cut nonetheless. The real gem here though is when you flip it over for "Whapen" by Karl Bryan under his King Cannon moniker. If you've followed this site for any length of time you're certainly acquainted with the fact we love everything Karl Bryan has done. This is him in the fine form which led to so many skinhead reggae monsters. Escort would go on to put out a number of good tunes, many produced by Harry J and featuring names like Marcia Griffiths, The Jamaicans, SS Binns and Tony Scotty. One of the Pama group of labels which just doesn't get enough credit.
Jamaican music has a long history of "rudeness", songs which contain sexually suggestive if not explicit lyrics. And it's great. Pama subsidiary, Escort, decided to kick off their label with the Harry J produced "Hold The Pussy" by Kid Gungo. It certainly isn't up to the standards as such classics like 'Spread Your Bed" or "Wreck a Buddy" but it's a pretty decent cut nonetheless. The real gem here though is when you flip it over for "Whapen" by Karl Bryan under his King Cannon moniker. If you've followed this site for any length of time you're certainly acquainted with the fact we love everything Karl Bryan has done. This is him in the fine form which led to so many skinhead reggae monsters. Escort would go on to put out a number of good tunes, many produced by Harry J and featuring names like Marcia Griffiths, The Jamaicans, SS Binns and Tony Scotty. One of the Pama group of labels which just doesn't get enough credit.
Wednesday, 5 September 2012
Bobby Aitken
[youtube=http://youtu.be/6zF085DHht8]
Bobby Aitken's rocksteady productions between 1966-1967 are not even close to being appreciated enough, and a lot of that has to do with him not receiving a lot of exposure producing tunes. He's certainly far better known as the head of the Caribbeats but, as with many involved in the Jamaican music business, it turns out he could do a little bit of everything. This is a tune by one of my favorite Jamaican vocalists, Ken Parker and it's a lovely slab of rocksteady.
Bobby Aitken's rocksteady productions between 1966-1967 are not even close to being appreciated enough, and a lot of that has to do with him not receiving a lot of exposure producing tunes. He's certainly far better known as the head of the Caribbeats but, as with many involved in the Jamaican music business, it turns out he could do a little bit of everything. This is a tune by one of my favorite Jamaican vocalists, Ken Parker and it's a lovely slab of rocksteady.
Sunday, 19 August 2012
Derrick Morgan, Jack of All Trades
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3MIY1Jg3ic?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=400&h=300]
Did you happen to know Derrick Morgan wasn’t just an incredibly talented vocalist? The man responsible for a dozen or so absolutely legendary ska, rocksteady and reggae tracks also happened to have a bit of a knack for producing as well. It certainly had to help that he had Lyn Tait and the Jets backing all his vocals as well as putting out some classic instrumentals on the way. Here we have The Black Brothers with “Give Me Loving” (a tune Derrick himself later recorded for his Moon Hop LP on Pama), a great rocksteady cut. Listen to the vocals first and then go back and pay attention to the instrumental work on it. Class all around. Perfect for a Sunday.
Did you happen to know Derrick Morgan wasn’t just an incredibly talented vocalist? The man responsible for a dozen or so absolutely legendary ska, rocksteady and reggae tracks also happened to have a bit of a knack for producing as well. It certainly had to help that he had Lyn Tait and the Jets backing all his vocals as well as putting out some classic instrumentals on the way. Here we have The Black Brothers with “Give Me Loving” (a tune Derrick himself later recorded for his Moon Hop LP on Pama), a great rocksteady cut. Listen to the vocals first and then go back and pay attention to the instrumental work on it. Class all around. Perfect for a Sunday.
Saturday, 21 July 2012
All You Need to Know About Bunny Lee
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PY0s_t2kwM?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=400&h=300]
Ever wanted to spend close to an hour learning all about Bunny “Striker” Lee? You read this blog so of course you do. Think this thing came out in the 80’s and Bunny is a smooth cat throughout. Listen to the legend tell his story in his own words.
Ever wanted to spend close to an hour learning all about Bunny “Striker” Lee? You read this blog so of course you do. Think this thing came out in the 80’s and Bunny is a smooth cat throughout. Listen to the legend tell his story in his own words.
Wednesday, 4 July 2012
FCF: Amalgamated
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLuGGj_mwmo?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=400&h=299]
This cut right here was the first ever release on the UK Amalgamated label, home to a number of crucial productions by Joe Gibbs and engineered by the likes of Niney and Lee “Scratch” Perry. Errol Dunkley, the vocalist on this impassioned plea for honesty, was only 16 when the track was released. It’d be a big deal except he started his career at 14 and by the time he got to this track he had already worked with some of the biggest producers in Jamaica at the time such as Sonia Pottinger (whom he recorded his first track for) and Prince Buster. Pretty decent way to kick off a label we’d say.
This cut right here was the first ever release on the UK Amalgamated label, home to a number of crucial productions by Joe Gibbs and engineered by the likes of Niney and Lee “Scratch” Perry. Errol Dunkley, the vocalist on this impassioned plea for honesty, was only 16 when the track was released. It’d be a big deal except he started his career at 14 and by the time he got to this track he had already worked with some of the biggest producers in Jamaica at the time such as Sonia Pottinger (whom he recorded his first track for) and Prince Buster. Pretty decent way to kick off a label we’d say.
Friday, 8 June 2012
"Musical Fever" by the Enforcers
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhfSKaLiuXY?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=400&h=300]
We’re at the weekend again now ain’t we? This tune seems quite a good start to get it kicked off. Jeff Penner, one of our good friends and a collector with no shortage of killer tunes at his disposal, introduced us to this one. Bit odd in that it’s a Coxsone Dodd production but released on the Trojan subsidiary, Blue Cat. Nonetheless, have a great one from For The Suits.
We’re at the weekend again now ain’t we? This tune seems quite a good start to get it kicked off. Jeff Penner, one of our good friends and a collector with no shortage of killer tunes at his disposal, introduced us to this one. Bit odd in that it’s a Coxsone Dodd production but released on the Trojan subsidiary, Blue Cat. Nonetheless, have a great one from For The Suits.
Wednesday, 6 June 2012
"Baby Love" by the Sensations
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfkEaCpsqs4?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=400&h=300]
Absolute rocksteady classic from The Sensations with production by way of Winston Riley (RIP). These cats had no shortage of rocksteady gems. Jimmy Riley, Cornell Campbell, Aaron Davis and Buster Riley were the line-up at this point in time. As it turns out the Riley family had no shortage of talent in it, did it? Another group that recorded with all the big names of the day, Duke Reid had a number of big tunes with the. And of course, our man, Bunny Lee put out his share of classic cuts with these lads as well. “Baby Love” is probably their biggest track but you need to track down tunes like “Those Guys”, “Whup Whop Man” and “Right on Time”.
Absolute rocksteady classic from The Sensations with production by way of Winston Riley (RIP). These cats had no shortage of rocksteady gems. Jimmy Riley, Cornell Campbell, Aaron Davis and Buster Riley were the line-up at this point in time. As it turns out the Riley family had no shortage of talent in it, did it? Another group that recorded with all the big names of the day, Duke Reid had a number of big tunes with the. And of course, our man, Bunny Lee put out his share of classic cuts with these lads as well. “Baby Love” is probably their biggest track but you need to track down tunes like “Those Guys”, “Whup Whop Man” and “Right on Time”.
Thursday, 17 May 2012
"Do It To Me Baby" by Lloyd and The Groovers
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBXJYoDwfaE?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=400&h=300]
“Isn’t it good to do the rocksteady?” might be one of our favorite lines ever. It’s real damn good to do the rocksteady when its this tune you’re moving too. Lloyd and the Groovers backed by the stellar Lynn Tait and his Band on the very first Bunny Lee production ever. If you’re an avid reader of this blog, you probably understand why that’s such a huge deal. Hell if you’re simply a fan of Jamaican music you should understand why this record is a huge deal. Caltone put out some great stuff.
“Isn’t it good to do the rocksteady?” might be one of our favorite lines ever. It’s real damn good to do the rocksteady when its this tune you’re moving too. Lloyd and the Groovers backed by the stellar Lynn Tait and his Band on the very first Bunny Lee production ever. If you’re an avid reader of this blog, you probably understand why that’s such a huge deal. Hell if you’re simply a fan of Jamaican music you should understand why this record is a huge deal. Caltone put out some great stuff.
Friday, 11 May 2012
Safe Travel
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGDYfw4a0dw?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=400&h=300]
Phil Pratt with the excellent “Safe Travel”. Apparently being a rather talented singer wasn’t enough for Phil as he also produced this track. Then went on to record and produce numerous other tracks for Ken Lack’s Caltone label. His productions were criminally underrated and scarce until just recently when the wonderful Pressure Sounds label out of England decided it was time to share some of his prime cuts with the world. The “Safe Travel” LP they put out of his rocksteady productions is an absolute essential in any rocksteady fans collection.
Phil Pratt with the excellent “Safe Travel”. Apparently being a rather talented singer wasn’t enough for Phil as he also produced this track. Then went on to record and produce numerous other tracks for Ken Lack’s Caltone label. His productions were criminally underrated and scarce until just recently when the wonderful Pressure Sounds label out of England decided it was time to share some of his prime cuts with the world. The “Safe Travel” LP they put out of his rocksteady productions is an absolute essential in any rocksteady fans collection.
Tuesday, 8 May 2012
Rupie Edwards
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tf-APoNTgQE?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=400&h=300]
Alright, we’ve got to admit too it. We’ve slept on Rupie Edwards productions for far too long. You know how it goes, you get wrapped up in Joe Gibbs and Bunny Lee and Lee Perry produced tunes. Soon you’ve completely lost sight of the fact there was a handful of other producers during the early/skinhead reggae period. But fret no more, we realize we’ve messed up. This is just one of Edwards fine productions. Producers were certainly spoilt with choice during this period as there seemed to be no shortage of absolutely incredible musicians available. Gladstone Anderson is on the keys for this tune, his piano playing being a highlight of the track. Rupie was another one of those cats who left the performing side of the business to begin producing his own tunes. Originally he recorded as a solo vocalist before moving onto a duo, The Ambassadors, which he formed with Junior Menz. Shortly after Dobby Dobson joined the group to become a trio, known as The Virtues. One particular piece of rocksteady magic we’d love to get our hands on is the Virtues track “Falling in Love”. Rupie happened to produce this track, an early sign of the talent he possessed in the studio. It was shortly after this track was produced that he started putting out some topic early reggae productions such as “Promoters Grouse”. Although not the best producer of the period, he’s certainly an underrated and oft forgotten one and we’re hoping this does a bit to remedy that situation.
Alright, we’ve got to admit too it. We’ve slept on Rupie Edwards productions for far too long. You know how it goes, you get wrapped up in Joe Gibbs and Bunny Lee and Lee Perry produced tunes. Soon you’ve completely lost sight of the fact there was a handful of other producers during the early/skinhead reggae period. But fret no more, we realize we’ve messed up. This is just one of Edwards fine productions. Producers were certainly spoilt with choice during this period as there seemed to be no shortage of absolutely incredible musicians available. Gladstone Anderson is on the keys for this tune, his piano playing being a highlight of the track. Rupie was another one of those cats who left the performing side of the business to begin producing his own tunes. Originally he recorded as a solo vocalist before moving onto a duo, The Ambassadors, which he formed with Junior Menz. Shortly after Dobby Dobson joined the group to become a trio, known as The Virtues. One particular piece of rocksteady magic we’d love to get our hands on is the Virtues track “Falling in Love”. Rupie happened to produce this track, an early sign of the talent he possessed in the studio. It was shortly after this track was produced that he started putting out some topic early reggae productions such as “Promoters Grouse”. Although not the best producer of the period, he’s certainly an underrated and oft forgotten one and we’re hoping this does a bit to remedy that situation.
Wednesday, 4 April 2012
Get This Album
We really don’t think there was a better album of vocal reggae put out during the early reggae era. Jackie Bernard’s lead vocals were just too damn nice and the harmonies sweet enough to give you cavities. Straight from the first cut “Your Love” through to their biggest tunes “Sufferer” and “Hold Down” the album really doesn’t let up. Derrick Harriott did one of a hell of a job with the trio, although their output for J.J. Johnson prior to working with Harriott would leave one to believe the talents present could have performed well under any producers guidance. And “Sufferer”, what a tune! Get this album.
Wednesday, 21 March 2012
Kingstonians on Caltone
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGwvVn2Y9BA?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=400&h=300]
To get you a little more excited for that Caltone compilation, here’s one of our favorite tracks on it. Been a top tune for us for awhile now, as is most of the Kingstonians output to be honest. Lovely Jackie Bernard lead vocal accompanied with the great harmony provided by brother Lloyd Bernard and Radcliffe Bryan. Too sweet.
To get you a little more excited for that Caltone compilation, here’s one of our favorite tracks on it. Been a top tune for us for awhile now, as is most of the Kingstonians output to be honest. Lovely Jackie Bernard lead vocal accompanied with the great harmony provided by brother Lloyd Bernard and Radcliffe Bryan. Too sweet.
Monday, 27 February 2012
"People Get Ready" by The Minstrels
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MnbrN38sJ4?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=400&h=300]
An absolutely beautiful cut of rocksteady. Lucky enough to own a copy, though not on 45 (one sold for $2600 a few months ago), but instead on a great Studio One compilation LP titled Studio One Classics (it’s an appropriate title, let me assure you). Curtis Mayfield’s undeniable influence on Jamaican music and rocksteady in particular is showcased with this gem.
An absolutely beautiful cut of rocksteady. Lucky enough to own a copy, though not on 45 (one sold for $2600 a few months ago), but instead on a great Studio One compilation LP titled Studio One Classics (it’s an appropriate title, let me assure you). Curtis Mayfield’s undeniable influence on Jamaican music and rocksteady in particular is showcased with this gem.
Sunday, 19 February 2012
Caltone Coolness
Currently going through a load of Caltone rocksteady tunes. Phil Pratt was a rather underrated producer during the rocksteady era, although we’re starting believe it may not have been possible for any producer to release any number of bad tunes given the vocal and instrumental talent present on the island at the time. How great is that sleeve?
Saturday, 18 February 2012
"Bad Name" by The Creations
One of our favorite tunes to spin, “Bad Name” by the Creations. Never fails to get people moving and it was a bargain find.
Sunday, 12 February 2012
"Taking Over Orange Street" by Glen Adams
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWIV73icUIg?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=400&h=300]
Nice little tune for Sunday evening. Glen Adams doing a bit of a DJ vocal on this Bunny Lee produced track.
Nice little tune for Sunday evening. Glen Adams doing a bit of a DJ vocal on this Bunny Lee produced track.
Friday, 10 February 2012
It's a Rocksteady Party
It’s been over a month since we’ve last had a working turntable set-up. The experience has been, to say the least, absolutely tortuous. Thankfully the issue has been resolved and we just happened to come across this fabulous LP in a local record store this afternoon. That’s the meaning of the word “destiny”, correct?
Wednesday, 8 February 2012
Bunny Lee and Count Machuki
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Alc0Jv-Jubo?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=400&h=300]
Bunny Lee production, Count Machuki DJing and it doesn’t get much better. Boss tune.
Bunny Lee production, Count Machuki DJing and it doesn’t get much better. Boss tune.
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