Freddie McGregor - 'The Early Years' (Rhino)

[Mr. Smart]

I bought this CD a few weeks ago, but it is very sketchy regarding details about the tracks. The full title is 'Freddie McGregor & The Clarendonians - The Early Years', but I'm not convinced Freddie actually recorded anything with The Clarendonians (or did he?). I know Peter Austin & Ernest Wilson are credited with bringing him to the attention of Studio One, but I was under the impression he only started recording when the group had split in 1966 with Wilson (under the name Freddie & Fitzie).
Does anyone else have this CD or any info re. tracks & recording dates?

It definatley contains some numbers recorded by Wilson & McGregor (Truth Hurts, Just Once in My Life, Why Did You Do It), but not sure about t he origins of the rest. Some even have a rootsier feel - definately not recorded in the '60's.

Any info. would be greatly appreciated folks!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Early-Years-Fre ... 79&sr=1-15

[kenpoman]

I spoke to Freddie himself about this album he said it was a pirate album.

[Mr. Smart]

Yeah, that doesn't surprise me to be honest. It looks like it has been put together very cheaply. I think Rhino have been guilty in the past of putting together dodgy collections.

Funnily enough, a relative of Freddie's put me on to him last weekend for a possible interview for my radio show. Unfortunately, he seemed a trifle irritable and bad tempered, even though he was expecting me to call. The interview was abandoned with Freddie calling me a very rude name in Jamaican patios and slamming down the phone!

Good job I didn't mention this album. It might have pushed him over the edge.

[chapmanra]

Maybe you mentioned you to him that you bought pirated Rhino release? I could see why he might be angry, I stay away from that stuff, it only supports them and keeps them in business!