1974-1980 reviews on current reggae releases...

[stepping razor]

BLACK MUSIC: MAY 1975:

SINGLES REVIEW:
by Carl Gayle:-

SWEET LITTLE BUNTY: I (Who Have Nothing) / Oh Me Oh My (Ackee 540).
UK production from Mike Dorane and a lady whose booming contralto sounds almost masculine. If you think you need a reggae version of the Ben E. King standard this is competent enough.

TINGA STEWART: Play De Music / Version (Trojan 7934).
Tinga won the 1974 JA Song Festival with this tune sounding stylistically like Pluto Shervington , a Federal recording artist like himself, and produced by another, Ernie Smith. It`s agood catchy song that was not as popular in Jamaica as you`d expect a Festival winner to be, yet looks like a British hit.

JIMMY RILEY: Ram Goat Liver / Ram Goat Dub (DIP 5067).
Martin Riley, late of the Uniques, is the singer. Better material is expected from him though the real fault here lies with the fact that the record was pressed from another disc. It is a good humorous song which gave the original singer Pluto Shervington a big JA hit last year. The dub, featuring Lee Perry`s kids (no pun intended) is great though.

GENE AND T.T.: Miss Grace / Version (DIP 5067).
A pleasent but ordinary cover of the hit, lacking in craft, technique and execution.

PIONEERS: Sweet Number One / Tree Oak Tree (Trojan 7939).
Reactivated but unlikely to cause a stir. Pionerrs in their dying days and uninspired ways as usual.


Carl Gayle:-
BLACK MUSIC MAG MAY 1975

peace

[stepping razor]

BLACK MUSIC MAY 1975:

UK REGGAE CHARTS MAY 1975:

REGGAE SINGLES:
1. No Jestering - Carl Malcolm (Horse 74).
2. Step Forward Youth - Prince Jazzbo (Count Shelly ).
3. Got To Have You Baby - LOrd Tanamo (Trojan 7950).
4. South African Reggae - Cedric Brooks (Tropical 046).
5. Bad Da - Gregory Isaacs (Attack 8095).
6. Bongo Natty - Owen Gray (Horse 66).
7. House Of Dreadlocks - Big Youth (Attack 8096).
8. My Girl - True Experience (Ethnic 40).
9. Move Out Of Babylon - Johnny Clarke (Harry J 6706).
10. Letter To Myself - Errol Dunkley (Fat Man 003).
11. My Happiness Depends On You - The Velvet Shadows (BB 013).
12. Sad Sweet Dreamer - Dennis Walks (Moodies 8235).
13. Bit By Bit - D. Wellington (Sir Jesus 01).
14. Jestering - Shorty And The President (Nationwide 001).
15. Let Locks Grow - Barrington Spence (Horse 70).
16. Dreader Locks - Lee And Junior (DIP 5060).
17. You Are Mine - The Unforgettable Soul Inflation ( Ethnic 12).
18. Bang Your Belly - Derrick Morgan (Tropical 043).
19. Without You In My Life - Ronnie Davis (Eagle 005).
20. Key Card - The Upsetters (DIP 5073).
21. You Baby - John Holt (Trojan 7953).
22. King Tubbys Meets The Rockers Uptown - Augutus Pablo (Island 6226).
23. Duke Of Earl - Cornell Campbell (Horse 68).
24. Love Me With All Your Heart - The Gaylads (Third World 05).
25. So Glad You`re Mine - Bill And Pete (Queen Bee 03).
26. We Want Peace - Clint Richards (Jungle 8234).
27. Sunshine - Pat Kelly (Black Wax 1).
28. Sit Right Down And Cry - Errol Dunkley (Count Shelly 03).
29. Best Dressed Chicken - Ali Mantato (Sun And Star 003).
30. Something Strange - Norma T. Washington (Eagle 001).

REGGAE ALBUMS:
1. Natty Dread - Bob Marley And The Wailers (Island 9281).
2. This Is Augustus Pablo - Augustus Pablo (Tropical 101).
3. Kung Fu Meets The Dragon - The Mighty Upsetters (DIP 6002).
4. In Person - Gregory Isaacs (Trojan 102).
5. Enter The Dragon - Keith Hudson (Magnet 007).
6. This Is Reggae Music - Various Artists (Trojan 104).
7. Monday Morning Feeling - Tito Simon (Trojan 108).
8. Here I Am Baby - Al Brown (Trojan 99).
9. Peace And Love - Dadawah (Trojan 103).
10. Lonely Man - Freddie McKay (Dragon 5005).
11. Taste Of Honey - Honey Boy (Cactus 105).
12. Girl In The Morning - Lloyd Parks (Trojan 109).
13. Club Reggae - Various Artists (Trojan 97).
14. O.K. Fred - John Holt (Prince Buster 12/180).
15. Everything I Own - Ken Boothe (Trojan 95).
16. Ire Feeling - Rupie Edwards (Cactus 106).
17. Sit And Cry - Errol Dunkley (Third World 101).
18. Sweet Bitter Love - Marcia Griffiths (Trojan 94).
19. In The Dark - The Maytals (Dragon 5004).
20. Rock The Boat - The Inner Circle (Trojan 93).

BLACK MUSIC MAG MAY 1975:

peace

[stepping razor]

BLACK MUSIC: JANUARY 1975:
[cover=2121,2481][cover=6603,2481]
Ken Boothe `Everything I Own` (Trojan TRLS 95)

Everything I Own / Evil Girl / Crying Over You / Sad And Lonely / My Heart Is Like An Open Book / Impossible Dream / Godfather / My Kid / Sandy / Lay Some Loving /
You Will Reach Your Goal / Time Passage:-

* * *

The greater your expectations, the greater the potential disappointment. The single "Everything I Own" is a very fine Jamaican record. But Ken has often made better records and we who have followed his music expect that he will continue to do so.
The disappointment is that there is nothing here that is even on a par with "Everything I Own", never mind surpassing it. "Crying Over You", the next single, could be another hit, with a similar pedantic beat to "Everything I Own". But it`s not as strong a song and its arrangement is a little too simple for comfort. For the first time I feel uncomfortable listening to Ken Boothe and I know why. With this album Ken, led by producer, arranger and record company, has taken an embarrassing stroll into the land of easy-listening music and the only friend he`ll find there is a crooning heartbroken John Holt. Ken is now in real danger of losing his essential roots audience and of making the fatal mistake of ignoring that audience, only to find at some future date that he no longer hits the pop market either. The last album "Let`s Get It On" was reggae music for West Indians but also had the potential to appeal to the same audience that put "Everything I Own" into the pop charts. It was a better album. Ken sings as well as he`s ever done here but the songs and their arrangement don`t bear him up.
Carl Gayle:-
BLACK MUSIC MAG JANUARY 1975:

peace

[stepping razor]

BLACK MUSIC JANUARY 1975:
[cover=1150,1321]
Various Artists `Club Reggae` (Trojan TRLS 97)

When Will I See You Again - Marcia Griffiths / Homely Girl - Jackie Robinson /
Sweet Harmony - Lloyd Charmers / Darling You Send Me - Ken Boothe /
Kung Fu Fighting - The Maroons / Solitary Man - Skin Flesh And Bones /
Play De Music - Tinga Stewart / Best Time Of My Life - Pat Kelly /
Rock Your Baby - The Maroons / Let`s Get It On - Lloyd Charmers /
Irie Festival - Turnell McCormack / Bammie Fe Fish - Skin Flesh And Bones /
Come Lay Some Loving On Me - Jenny Taylor / Do It - Soul Messengers / Some Guys Have All The Luck - Derrick Harriott / This Monday Morning Feeling - Tito Simon /
Enter In His Gates With Praise - Johnny Clarke / I`m Gone - Derek And Hortense/Changing Partners - Barbara Jones / Reggae Woman - Pat Rhoden:-

* * * * *

The music here covers a wide range in reggae music and brings together some of Jamaica`s finest performers. What`s more, all the tracks were very very recent hits in Jamaica and/or Britain. Marcia Griffiths, Lloyd Charmers, Ken Boothe and Pat Kelly sing beautiful sentimental songs meant to move you emotionally. Jackie Robinson , Skin Flesh And Bones, Jenny Taylor (a surprisingly vibrant singer with a big soul voice), Derrick Harriott, Derek And Hortense and Barbara Jones all sing the rhythmical, uptempo sentimental songs that will move you physically as well as emotionally.
They are the better tracks for that reason. The other tracks are either all-out dance numbers like "Kung Fu Fighting", "Do It" (both by the Cimarons in disguise), "Bammie Fe Fish" and "Reggae Woman", or they are Festival songs ("Play De Music" and "Irie Festival"). The exceptions are Johnny Clarke`s brilliant message "Enter In His Gates With Praise". Lloyd Charmers` beautiful piano based version of "Let`s Get It On" and Tito Simon`s "This Monday Morning Feeling". Pick your own favourites, but my nomination for the best track goes to Tito Simon`s "This Monday Morning Felling". It`s just great. So is the LP.
Carl Gayle:-
BLACK MUSIC MAG JANUARY 1975

peace

[stepping razor]

BLACK MUSIC JANUARY 1975:
[cover=1975,2331]
Various Artists `Rupie`s Gems` (Cactus CTLP 104)

Endlessly - Dobbie Dobson / Reggae Drum Sound - Rupie Edwards All Stars /
Down Below - Errol Dunkley / Darling Ooh Your Love Is Amazing - Errol Dunkley /
That Loving Feel - The Heptones / Dance With Me - Rupie Edwards /
Pray Mama Pray Papa - The Ethiopians / Drum & Bass Mama - Rupie Edwards All Stars /
Buy You A Ring - The Ethiopians / Ring Of A Bass - Rupie Edwards All Stars /
Julie Don`t You Know - Johnny Clarke / Everyday Wondering - Johnny Clarke:-

* * *

Hard-core reggae club music at its moody best, even though it doesn`t represent what`s happening now. All the tracks were produced by Rupie Edwards whose irresistible "Ire Feeling" is presently a huge success. Half the tracks are several years old, but the difference between them and "Ire Feeling" is not simply one of time, but of a difference of imagination in production. All the singers are at their best especially Dobbie Dobson and the prolific Errol Dunkley. And the very rhythmical music has style and impact, relying on some fine drum and bass playing and some simple but effective guitar riffs. At least five of these tracks ("Endlessly", "Darling Ooh", "That Loving Feel", "Pray Mama" and "Buy You A Ring") have appeared oon other reggae labels in this country previously. I wonder what sort of deal the first labels had with Edwards?
Carl Gayle:-
BLACK MUSIC MAG JANUARY 1975

peace

[stepping razor]

BLACK MUSIC JANUARY 1975:
[cover=4725,3924]
Various Artists `Ashanti Showcase` (Ashanti SHAN 106)

Endlessly - Dobbie Dobson / Ship Ahoy - Love Children / Come On Girl - Prince Miller /
Sugar Dandy - Happy Junior / Song My Mother Used To Sing - Dennis Brown /
Travellin` On - Generation Gap / Abeng - Juncunoo/I MIss You Pt. 1 - The Heptones /
Yesterday Once More - Beverley Woung / It`s Too Late - Dennis Brown /
Gettin` Things Together - Bonnie Blue Frankson / Journey Within - Generation Gap /
Let Me Hold Your Hand - The Heptones / I Miss You Pt. 2 - The Heptones:-

* * * *

Three of the tracks here, "Endlessly" (1972), "I Miss You" (1973) and "Come On Girl" (1974) have each been among the very best in their respective years as far as sentimental Jamaican music goes. Of these, the Heptones` version of "I Miss You" reached a height in production and performance that will not be surpassed for some time. Ashanti`s compilations always manage to bridge the gap between sophisticated and hard core "roots" reggae without making it obvious. Their material, even when it`s hard core, is still performed with inimitable style and polish, as the Generation Gap`s beautifully arranged instrumental "Journey Within" demonstrates. It is an excellent and effective blend of jazz, synthesiser sounds and reggae rhythm, produced by Geoffrey Chung and might be one of the minor unnoticed classics in JA music of this or any other year. Dennis Brown`s version of "It`s Too Late" is surely one of his best ever recordings. And then there is the fabulous "Gettin` Things Together". A great dance record with a succinctly put "message". A beautiful album.
Carl Gayle:-
BLACK MUSIC MAG JANUARY 1975

peace

[stepping razor]

BLACK MUSIC JANUARY 1975
[cover=6534,4595]
The Pioneers `I`m Gonna Knock On Your Door` (Trojan TRLS 98)

I`m Gonna Knock On Your Door / Give And Take / A Little Bit Of Soap / Step By Step /
Jamaica Jerk Off / Scientist / Keep Your Mouth Shut / Hit Me With Music / Hot Blooded Man / Rub Ip Up / Upsided Down / Grandma Grandpa:-

* * *

Once upon a time we all loved the Pioneers` music, but that time passed finally with "Let Your Yeah Be Yeah". A line from one of the songs here goes: "True love`s a game of give and take", but Jamaicans, reggae people, want their music how they want it. And if you don`t give it to them they don`t love you no more. That is the true story of the Pioneers, underlined by the fact that Jackie, the lead singer, has left to pursue a solo career. For the most part the music here, predictably, is an attempt to please the audience who bought "Let Your Yeah Be Yeah" and at the same time keep the roots reggae audience satisfied. And as we all know it never works. Some of the tracks are very good, notably "Grandma Grandpa", "Hit Me With Music" and "Step By Step" (all B sides incidentally) but one or two are embarrassing: "Jamaica Jerk Off" and "Rub It Up". Individually they are all talented guys--Sydney the producer, George the writer, and Jackie the singer. But collectively they lost sight of their goal and have been missing the target ever since "Long Shot Kick The Bucket" except for a few singles here and there. If the Pioneers decided to make an album of music they really believe in it would be great.
Carl Gayle:-
BLACK MUSIC MAG JANUARY 1975

peace

[stepping razor]

BLACK MUSIC JANUARY 1975

SINGLES REVIEW:
by Carl Gayle:-

PRINCE JAZZBO: Youth In Service / Version (Cactus 42).
Jazzbo is an uninspired, unoriginal, deejay, although this is slightly better than his last record.

FERMENA EDWARDS: Get Up And Do Something New / I Need Somebody`s Shoulder To Cry On (RG 04).
Some fine musicians turn out a wonderful rhythm and Fermena sings well. Ronnie Williams, composer/producer behind Ginger Williams, is the guy in control.

THE JUNGLE BROTHERS: Got To Leave This Land / 6345789 (Caribbean 01).
Type of reggae that sounds good over a loud sound system but won`t sell many. The song is mediocre and it`s a depressing subject.

MIKE ROBINSON: Somebody Call Me / Considering (Paradise 07).
Good song, good performance, but it`s still somehow out of focus, and it`s hard to think who buys this sort of reggae.

A. JOHNSON: Darling I Love You / Love Bug (RG 03).
Vocalist has a simple, naive charm and the arrangement is okay. The song has a slight music hall flavour.

WINSTON CURTIS: Please Don`t Go / Your Love (RG 001).
First time we heard this song was in 1968 by a Jamaican group. This version lacks imagination but it has its moments.

JACKIE ROBINSON: My Love For You / Smokey Mountains (Harryu J 6695).
The least-immediate single Jackie has ever made and perhaps the least memorable. The vocals are good enough but the musicianship isn`t as earthy or imaginative as Jackie had on his last record.

WAIN NELSON: Christmas Time / Santa Claus (DIP 5050).
Vocals capture something of the "Christmas spirit": not a bad song of its type. Nice female backing vocals and an outstanding bass player.

ERIC DONALDSON: A Weh We A Go Do / Part Two (Dragon 1027).
Boasts a similar riff to Donaldson`s excellent "Blue Boot" but lacks its hook. Fine production though, and a good record.

DANNY RAY: Morning Side Of The Mountain / Riding Side Of The Mountain (Trojan 7938).
Good singer, good song and the production by Dandy Livingstone (the composer) is imaginative. A good party record for the sentimentalists and one of Danny`s best records.

CYNTHIA RICHARDS: Keep It In The Family / Version (Cactus 45).
Good soul-styled vocals from Cynthia--even if it is similar to "If You`re Ready". Sounds great in the reggae clubs with its uptempo beat and melodic chorus.

Carl Gayle:-
BLACK MUSIC MAG JANUARY 1975

peace

[stepping razor]

BLACK MUSIC JANUARY 1975

SINGLES REVIEW:
by Carl Gayle:-

THE VAUGHANS: Take Me In Baby / Version (Orbitone 012).
Good performance from this female group although it isn`t enhanced by the weak arrangement.

DOREEN CHAFFEAUR: Back In My Arms Once Again / Version (Summer Time CLEM 001).
A new label and a disappointing song to kick off with. Lacks impact and is rather amateurish.

DAVIS AND WILLIAMS: Where Do I Go From Here / DJ Special (Tackle 002).
Good song--but the second singer should have been pushed up front. The producer lacks ideas as far as rhythms go too. Nice melody though.

SUSAN CADOGAN: Hurts So Good / Living Is Good (DIP 5030).
Deserves its high position in our chart. Produced by Lee Perry (the Upsetter again!) with just the right blend of earthiness and soul polish that the Millie Jackson song needed for a successful reggae interpretation.

MARCIA GRIFFITHS: When Will I See You Again / Version (Hoss ).
Beautiful, but it would have been better if producer Geoffrey Chung han`t plumped for this lightweight, outdated reggae riff, which is somewhat at odds with the rest of the tender, polished music.

GREGORY ISAACS: Open The Door To Your Heart / Version (Cactus 41).
Isaacs is one of the great roots-reggae singers, and this is a good song with a positive, earthy feel. Will someone please let us have an LP.

ERROL DUNKLEY: I`m Gonna Sit Down And Cry / Repatriation (Caribbean 03).
Another good singer, another good song. First time we`ve heard Errol with strings and it`s done very well. Nice and danceable.

EARL GEORGE: The Real Me / Version (Queen Bee 02).
Earl deserves better material: he has a fine voice and good delivery. But apart from the vocals, a strange organ sound is the only distinctive thing about this.

GEORGE DEKKER: Nosey Parker / Instrumental (Harry J 6696).
Fine record from George (of the Pioneers) in his ethnic style. It`s a restrained performance. George has a distinct writing style and a voice to match. He`s a good producer, too!

PAT RHODEN: Boogie On Reggae Woman / Instrumental (Horse 59).
A reggae singer`s version of a soul singer`s interpretation of reggae! Doesn`t quite come off `cause no one can take on Stevie.

MERLENE WEBBER: Dream Dream / In Our Time (Third World 02).
Unlikely to be popular because of its age and sheer straightness.

THE ETHIOPIANS: Conquering Lion / Lion Head (Cactus 46).
One-paced, sluggish song reacting to the overthrow of Haille Selassie, a subject which surely deserves stronger treatment. Disappointing record from the Ethiopians who seem to be running out of time.

Carl Gayle:-
BLACK MUSIC MAG JANUARY 1975

peace

[stepping razor]

BLACK MUSIC JANUARY 1975

POLL WINNERS 1974:
So what does Black Music`s very first Reader`s Poll say about the shape of things in `74. ? The top stars and records. . .as voted by YOU, the readers of the top black music magazine.

REGGAE: 1974

MALE ARTIST:
1. Ken Boothe
2. Al Brown
3. John Holt
4. Bob Marley
5. Jimmy Cliff

FEMALE ARTIST:
1. Sharon Forrester
2. Judy Mowatt
3. Marcia Griffiths
4. Cynthia Richards
5. Ginger Williams

GROUP:
1. Toots / Maytals
2. Bob Marley / Wailers
3. Pioneers
4. Skin, Flesh & Bones
5. Zap Pow

INSTRUMENTALISTS:
1. Skin, Flesh & Bones
2. Gladstone Anderson
3. Upsetters
4. Aston Barrett
5. Augustus Pablo

ALBUM:
1. Ken Boothe "Lets Get It On" (Trojan)
2. John Holt "One Thousand Volts Of Holt" (Trojan)
3. The Wailers "Burnin`" (Island)
4. Toots And The Maytals "In The Dark" (Dragon)
5. Jah Woosh "Jah Woosh" (Cactus)

SINGLES:
1. Al Brown "Here I Am Baby" (Trojan)
2. Ken Boothe "Everything I Own" (Trojan)
3. Toots And The Maytals "In The Dark" (Dragon)
4. Wailers "Mr. Brown" (Trojan)
5. John Holt "Help Me Make It Through The Night" (Trojan)

PRODUCER:
1. Lloyd Charmers
2. Geoffrey Chung
3. Bob Marley
4. Dandy Livingstone
5. Lee Perry

ARRANGER:
1. Lloyd Charmers
2. Bob Marley
3. Jimmy Cliff
4. Robert Bailey
5. Lesley Kong

SONGWRITER:
1. Bob Marley
2. Jimmy Cliff
3. John Holt
4. Lloyd Charmers
5. Toots Hibbert

NEW STAR:
1. Sharon Forrester
2. Al Brown
3. Ken Boothe
4. Sydney Rogers
5. Ginger Williams

BLACK MUSIC MAG JANUARY 1975

peace