the Jewels

[nicebo]

Does anyone know anything about another vocal group called the Jewels? They have a song on the album Rasta Showcase called "One Lick." I do not seem to be able to find any further information about them.
Does anyone know who they are and what else they might have recorded?
Jah bless.

[wareika]

They also have "Jah I" for Niney on 12". I have to check but from memory this tune use a classic riddim. To be honest and prefer the other side (L Smart & I Roy "Jah Is My Light" over a kind of Satta riddim).

I might have another 7" from them on the Mose label 'also produced by Niney).

wareika

[Lion]

The history of Jamaican music is peppered with a wealth of unknown and under recorded artists worthy of wider exposure. Vocal groups like the Itals, Cultural Roots and the African Brothers are held in high regard among followers of roots music but hardly known outside a tight (albeit expanding) circle of admirers. The woeful absence of recognition applies all the more to the Jewels. Indeed although the name may be known to many reggae followers few would have heard more than one or two of their recordings.

Most of the information about this roots trio comes from a fascinating article penned by Penny Reel in 1985 where he charted their vinyl releases. This article has become a road map for anyone wanting to explore the musical delights created by the Jewells. In a career spanning the late seventies and early eighties, these guys recorded a handful of tunes that have achieved near mythical status among reggae fans.

Under Niney the Observer's guidance they emerged with a brace of hard edged reality tunes like Jah-I. Some never saw release in Jamaica and only limited release through specialist outlets in London. However on the strength of these releases, the Jewells soon acquired a reputation as a group with a serious message, perfectly suited to the tough and militant rhythms Niney was coaxing from his studio musicians at the time.

On the controversial Black is the Highest Culture, Glassford Manning reflects on the origins of humankind and argues the prevalence of cannibalism among the Whiteman until the Blackman instructed otherwise. These lyrics are not for the faint hearted and it seems likely that lead singer Manning was influenced by his namesakes (and probably kinsmen) Carlton (Carlton and the Shoes) and Bernard (the Abyssinians) Manning.

The Jewells parted company with Niney after four tunes to record exclusively for Trevor 'Leggo' Douglas. While continuing to recordserious message music such as Love and Livity, Poor People are Crying and the chilling Slave Trade, another more gentle side emerged with tunes like I Believe in Love, Dream Lover Babe and Staring at Me Girl. These songs reflected music more in step with the early dancehall runnings of the time.

Nothing has been heard from the Jewells or Glassford Manning since. The release of a various artists Niney the Observer set on Heartbeat in the early 90s created further interest in the group and Prophecy Call emerged as a revive single in 1997. But aside from only an occasional original tune appearing briefly to be bought by collectors at inflated prices, these gems largely remain hidden.

The Jewels Jah I
Observer
7"
The Observer Wild I Jah
Observer
7"
Porti Jewel
One Little Lick / Version
Observer
12"
The Jewels
I Believe in Love
Cash & Carry
7"
The Jewels
Dream Lover Babe / Version
Cash & Carry
7"
The Jewels
Singing Sweet Harmony / Version
Starlight
12"
Glassford Manning
Prophecy Call / Version
Observer
7"
The Jewels
Black is the Highest Culture / Version
Observer
12"
The Jewels
Slave Trade / Version
Starlight
12"
Porti Jewel
Staring At Me Girl
Leggo Sounds
7"
The Jewels
Go Where Your Mama Sent You
Leggo Sounds
12"
The Jewels
Love and Livity / Version
Cash & Carry
7"

Big Thanks to Firecorner Posse Downunder.

Lion

[nicebo]

…and Big Thanks to you, Lion, for enlightening me as well as anyone else who might hear the Jewels and yearn for more. I will now be on a mission with eager anticipation to track down these tunes.

All the more reason this forum and it's participants should continue to carry on as it is difficult enough to find information as well as sources for such great music, that will live on indefinitely, and should be enjoyed by young and old alike.

Jah guide.
-nicebo

[dreadrecords]

ites deh
i have in mp3 from singles.
Jewels-Rare Radio Sessions
playlist
01 - Jah I
02 - One Lick
03 - I Believe In Love + Dreamlove
04 - Sing Sweet Harmony
05 - Prophecy + Black Culture
06 - Slave Tade
07 - Look At Me Girl + Carry On Mama Sent You
08 - Love And Livity
very very good indeed
respect everytime
dreadrecords

[Lion]

www.roots-archives.com/artist/2563
cd's with the Jewels only 2 songs.

Lion

[nicebo]

…are the Valentines another of those little-known, but extraordinary vocal groups that should be included in this class? Any info on those guys? I could find even less by and about them then some of the others.
Jah Guide.
-nicebo

[rasteo]

down to trade for this one i have alot

[bwoyrough]

i have Love+livity+Version
+ Black is the highest culture by the jewells.

[Rootsman]

Hi

I believe the track "One Lick" is also known as "Mr Bigman"

This track is credited to Porti who, I beleive was the Jewels lead singer.

This track is available on several compilaton including the excellent "Observarion Station"

I believe I am right with this info but if I got me facts wrong, could someone please correct me.

Thanks

Dave