1974-1980 reviews on current reggae releases...

[stepping razor]

BLACK MUSIC NOVEMBER 1974

SINGLES REVIEW:
by Carl Gayle:-

RUPIE EDWARDS: Ire Feeling / Feeling High (Cactus 38).
Dub version of the songs "wanderin" and "Feelin` High" all rolled into one by Rupie using the catchy words "skeng-skeng-skeng" over and over again with a lot of echo as heavy bass and intermittent guitar riff supply the rhythm. Fabulous sound.

EAGLES: Don`t Look Back / Version (Cactus ).
Solid and raunchy and gets better as it goes on. An infectious piece of singing and a fine, economic musical arrangement.

BYRON LEE AND THE DRAGONAIRES: Soul Serenade / Bond In Bliss (Hoss 56).
Re-issue of one of the best tracks Lee and his musical scholars have ever laid down. Cool and jubilant, bubbling with the vitality of late sixties reggae instrumental sounds. Compels you to dance.

GLADSTONE ANDERSON: It May Sound Silly / Gladys Workshop (Ashanti 413).
Light but Sophisticated arrangements form the backdrop for Glady`s sensitive, almost classical piano lines. Moody, wistful, with refreshing strings and brass.

JACKIE BROWN: Love Galore / Love Dub (Cactus 36).
Similar singer to Eric Donaldson in style and tonal quality. Good lyrics, pleasent melody and earthy rhythm.

TINGA STEWART: Play De Music / Version (Trojan 7934).
This year`s Jamaican Song Festival winner falls below the usual high standard as more and more talented artists ignore the competition--which seems to be losing its status. A simple, tradition-happy song celebrating the festival.

EMPEROR VAL: Greedy Gal / Hold Him Bobby (Ackee 538).
Original song from a singer with a flair for humour which he doesn`t quite bring off here.

PLUTO: I Am Bitter / Version (Cactus 35).
Another reggae song which fails marginally to achieve the humour it seeks in the lyrics. If the music was a little more interesting it would help.

U. ROY: No One In The World / Tell It Like It Is (Glen Brown )(Cactus 30).
U. Roy has faded. His style now sounds very dated compared to the better of his heirs. In the hands of I. Roy, for instance, this potent, earthy rhythm would surely have been transformed into a masterpiece of music and jive talk in harmony. As it is, it`s just OK.

JENNY TAYLOR: Something Got A Hold Of My Heart / Tenod (Hoss 54).
song is well sung but the arrangement isn`t so hot and the rhythm`s too fast.

LORENZO AND EVA MARIA: Never Be Anyone Else But You / Return To Me (Hot Lead 18).
Makes a nice party record although it`s a merely adequate reggae cover of the original which at least had real sentiment, which this lacks.

TROPIC SUNLIGHT: Labour Day / Version (Attack 8074).
Very contrived and uncomfortable lyrics, even though the singer has a good voice. The arrangement is just dull.

PRINCE JAZZBO: Concubine Donkey Part 1 / Part 2 (Cactus 31).
DJ tune by an erratic artist who can be very inspired but isn`t here. It`s a well worn theme and the music--mainly drum and bass--doesn`t sustain interest throughout. Jazzbo isn`t a very steady improviser.

Carl Gayle:-
BLACK MUSIC NOVEMBER 1974

peace

[stepping razor]

BLACK MUSIC NOVEMBER 1974

UK REGGAE CHARTS NOVEMBER 1974:

REGGAE SINGLES:
1. Ire Feeling - Rupie Edwards (Cactus 38).
2. Hurts So Good - Susan Cadogan (DIP 5030).
3. Everything I Own - Ken Boothe (Trojan 7920).
4. Play De Music - Tinga Stewart (Trojan 7934).
5. Enter The Dragon - The Upsetters (DIP 5031).
6. Can`t Resist Your Tenderness - Ginger Williams (Paradise 01).
7. I Admire You - Larry Marshall (Black And White CP4326).
8. Sex Grand National - Matador And Fay (Magnet 041).
9. I Had To Let It Out - D. D. Dennis (Magnet 046).
10. Don`t Look Back - The Eagles (Cactus 33).
11. Hold My Hand - The Starlites (Attack 8070).
12. Time Tough - Toots And The Maytals (Dragon 1024).
13. Number One In The World - I. Roy (Cactus 30).
14. Drift Away - George Dekker (Harry J 6685).
15. Changing Partners - Barbara Jones (Attack 8077).
16. Sixpence - Max Romeo (Ackee 529).
17. Enter Into His Gates With Praises - Johnny Clarke (Lord Koos 42).
18. Night Fall - Milton Hamilton (Magnet 048).
19. Rock Your Baby - The Maroons (Harry J 6683).
20. The Real Me - Earl George (Queen Bee 02).
21. Grandma Grandpa - The Pioneers (Trojan 7931).
22. No More Will I Roam - Dennis Brown (SYDNA 5027).
23. So Easy Please Don`t Make Me Cry - Winston Groovy (Harry J 665).
24. Be Thankful - Rocking Horse (SYDNA 5026).
25. Atlantic One - Ansell Collins (Attack 8075).
26. Margaret - Dennis Walks (Count Shelly 055).
27. Help Me Make It Through The Night - John Holt (Trojan ).
28. Your Smiling Face - Gregory Isaacs (Magnet 040).
29. Duppy Gunman - Ernie Smith (Attack 8071).
30. Green Hills - Earl George (Count Shelly 056).

REGGAE ALBUMS:
1. In The Dark - Toots And The Maytals (Dragon DRLS 5004).
2. Let`s Get It On - Ken Boothe (Trojan TRLS 85).
3. Jah Woosh - Jah Woosh (Cactus 103).
4. 1000 Volts Of Holt - John Holt (Trojan TRLS 75).
5. Dusty Roads - John Holt (Trojan TRLS 85).
6. Reggae - Herbie Mann (Atlantic K50053).
7. Presenting Winston Groovy - Winston Groovy (Trojan TRLS 88).
8. Miracle Worker - Sydney Rogers (Ethnic 2214S).
9. The Dynamic Junior English - Junior English (Cactus CTLP 102).
10. Picture On The Wall - Freddie McKay (Attack 1013).
11. Reggae Fever - Byron Lee And The Dragonaires (Polydor 246 0229).
12. A Love I Can Feel - John Holt (Attack 1010).
13. Burnin` - Bob Marley And THe Wailers (Island ILPS 9256).
14. Harder Shade Of Black - Santic All Stars (Santic 001).
15. Kingston Rock - Horace Andy (RCA INTS 1487).
16. Rave On Brother - Various Artists (Attack 1012).
17. 20 Tighten Ups - Various Artists (Trojan TRLS 90).
18. For The Good Times - Now Generation (Trojan TRLS 78).
19. Only One Of Its Kind - Various Artists (DIP 5024).
20. Big Bamboo - Various Artists (Attack 1011).

Charts compiled with the help of the following record shops:
Brian Harris, Birmingham B21; Diamond Records, West Croydon;
Black Wax, Birmingham B19; Record Corner, London SW12.

BLACK MUSIC NOVEMBER 1974

peace

[stepping razor]

BLACK MUSIC SEPTEMBER 1974
[cover=5144,878][cover=5145,878]
Winston Groovy `Presenting Winston Groovy` (Trojan TRLS 88)

Hot Blooded Man / People / So Easy / What Good Is Life / Things / Scientist /
Please Don`t Make Me Cry / Wheel And Jig / Give A Little Love / Sing And Dance /
Let Me Be There / Fall In Love:-

Winston is a new singerwith talent, but it seems his producers could not quite decide wholeheartedly on casting him in the role of the `lost love` sentimental singer, which is where he belongs. That`s why there are humorous items on the LP like "Hot Blooded Man" and "Wheel And Jig" (both of which feature George Agard and Sydney Crooks of the Pioneers). Winston sings like, and an influenced by, Nicky Thomas, his mentor. His best song here "Please Don`t Make Me Cry" has melodic echoes of Thomas`s "Have A Little Faith". But it`s an outstanding number, beautifully arranged with strings and background vocals, and clavinet adding to the vibrant rhythm. The production work is of a consistently good standard throughout the album. And though the album as a whole is erratic, several songs prove that Winston is an imaginative composer with potential.
Carl Gayle:-
BLACK MUSIC SEPTEMBER 1974

peace

[stepping razor]

BLACK MUSIC SEPTEMBER 1974
[cover=1918,2269]
Jah Woosh `Jah Woosh` (Cactus CTLP103)

The Wanderer / Reaction / Crooked Skank / Famine On The Land / Chucky Jean /
This Train / Liberation / Batter Ears Skank / Judy Drowned / Pretty Paul /
Love Brother Love / Meditation Dub:-

As a dj artist Jah Woosh has no particular merit judging by his raps here. He tries to copy Big Youth`s style / mannerisms, but comes over as very much second rate. DJ material is gradually being rejected in Jamaica because the majority are of the opinion that this type of music has a regressive influence on the whole. I believe it has a place in Jamaican music--it gives it variety. And nothing sounds better than a really good dub, where music, melody, and the dj`s phrases synchronise effectively. But though many so-called djs have tried, only a handful have consistently produced anything worthwhile either stylistically or in terms of original material. However, the popularity of dj material continues amoung young W. Indians at least and an LP such as this predictably sells as much on the snowball effect of the current trend as on the strength of its material.
Carl Gayle:-
BLACK MUSIC SEPTEMBER 1974

peace

[stepping razor]

BLACK MUSIC SEPTEMBER 1974
[cover=6928,4429]
Junior English `The Dynamic Junior English` (Cactus CTLP 102)

Get Out Of My Life Woman / Daniel / Big Boy And Teacher / Stranger In The Night /
I Don`t Want To Die / Something Old Something New / Paul And Paula /
Daddy`s Home / There Is An Island / Perfidia:-

Junior has a husky voice which is most pleasing when he allows himself to be a little eccentric, as he does in "I Don`t Want To Die". Most, if not all of the songs here are or were very popular in their time, and I suppose mums and dads will still like things like "Daddy`s Home" and "Perfidia", but do they suit Junior? "Daniel", "Get Out Of My Life" and most of all, "Big Boy And Teacher", are good but Junior deserves better, more serious material and more considerate musical attention.
Carl Gayle:-
BLACK MUSIC SEPTEMBER 1974

peace

[stepping razor]

BLACK MUSIC SEPTEMBER 1974
[cover=2353,2717]
Various Artists `20 Tighten Ups` (Trojan TRLS 90)

Here I Am Baby - Al Brown / Make It With You - Bobby Houston /
A Year Full Of Sundays - King Sporty / Emergency Call - Judy Mowatt /
Wide Awake In A Dream - The Setters / Heartaches - Annetta Jackson & Bobby Stephen / I Could Never Love Another - Brad Lundy / Vigorton Two - King Stitt /
None Shall Escape - Johnny Clarke / Frankie And Johnny - Al Cook /
If You`re Ready Come Go With Me - Cynthia Richards / All On The House - Al Cook /
Girl I`ve Got A Date - King Sporty / Behold - The Setters /
You Make Me Cry - Winston Jones / Thinking Of You - King Sporty /
We Are Not The Same - The Cimarons / Just One Look - Annetta Clarke /
Eddie My Love - Nora Dean / The Law Of The Land - Matumbi:-

Trojan have decided to give you twenty songs from now on instead of the usual twelve, on their "Tighten Up" LPs--the justification for a price increase. Sadly after the first five albums in this series (there have been eight) the standard has fallen noticeably. At a generous estimate I`d say only 12 of the 20 tracks deserve to be on this album, and there are only three outstanding numbers -- "Here I Am Baby",
"I Wanna Make It With You" and "If You`re Ready Come Go With Me". And I can`t understand why King Stitt`s 1969 recording "Vigorton Two" is here, since I`ve always seen the "Tighten Up" albums as a reflection of the very best material on the current market. Still, the love ballad "Emergency Call", the semi-religious uptempo "None Shall Escape", the pop/soul influenced "Thinking Of You", and the Cimarons "We Are Not The Same" with its angry racial/social tone, are worthy inclusions and prove that JA music has much variety much quality. But perhaps Trojan ought to think twice about putting things like "All On The House", "You Make Me Cry", and "The Law Of The Land" on their future "Tighten Up" LPs.
Carl Gayle:-
BLACK MUSIC SEPTEMBER 1974

peace

[stepping razor]

BLACK MUSIC SEPTEMBER 1974
[cover=3263,2103][cover=4277,2103]
Horace Andy & The Righteous Flames `Kingston Rock` (RCA INTS 1487)

True Born African - Winston Jarrett / Unity Strength And Love - Horace Andy /
Can`t You See It`s Time - Horace Andy / Country Woman - Winston Jarrett /
Earth Must Be Hell - Horace Andy / Let The Music Play - Winston Jarrett /
Wake Up Suzy - Winston Jarrett / I Stand Before You - Horace Andy /
How Do You Think I Feel - Horace Andy / Treasure Called Love - Horace Andy /
Isn`t It Wrong - Winston Jarrett / Writing On The Wall - Winston Jarrett:-

I doubt that this LP will do anything to help the state of reggae music in this country. It can only add to the problems. RCA, by issuing it at 95p are unwittingly continuing to help support the idea that reggae is "cheap" music. This has nothing to do with the music itself because it`s a very worthwhile LP on the whole. But this really isn`t the best way of testing out the reggae market. RCA! Horace Andy and Stranger Cole share the vocals and the earthy music is provided by three ex Wailers -- Aston and Carlton Barrett and earl "Wire" Lindo, amoung others. The album`s strength lies in the admirable musicianship and competent vocal arrangements, and overall production. But there aren`t really any outstanding numbers.
Carl Gayle:-
BLACK MUSIC SEPTEMBER 1974

peace

[stepping razor]

BLACK MUSIC SEPTEMBER 1974
[cover=3111,3128]
Various Artists `Musical Consortium` (Attack ATLP 1008)

Thats When It Hurts - Brad Lundy / Baby Don`t Get Hooked On Me - Neville Grant /
Gaye - Lloyd Parks / Hit Me With Music - Jackie Robinson / Keep Your Mouth Shut - George Dekker / The Rogue - The Sidney Crooks Band / Ain`t Always What You Do - Brad Lundy / Snake In The Grass - Jimmy Shondell / One More Chance - Jackie Robinson / At The Club - Jackie Robinson & George Dekker & Sidney Crooks /
Pardon - George Dekker / Move Away - George Dekker Band:-

The Pioneers provide seven of the twelve tracks here individually and colectively. "Hit Me With Music", "Keep You Mouth Shut", "At The Club" and "Pardon" have all appeared as singles and sound better now than when I first heard them. Brad Lundy emerges from the LP with much credit. On both his numbers he sounds like an ex-soul singer converted to reggae but he handles the songs admirably. Except for the two instrumentals, the LP places as much emphasis on singing as on music.
Carl Gayle:-
BLACK MUSIC SEPTEMBER 1974

peace

[stepping razor]

BLACK MUSIC SEPTEMBER 1974
[cover=7001,2669]
Tommy McCook `Tommy McCook` (Attack ATLP 1007)

Yard Broom / Carry Go Bring Come / Twelve Minutes To Go / Magic / Strolling In /
Dan-De-Lion / Apanga / Eastern Standard Time / Rough And Tough / Musical Store Room / When You Call My Name / River Bank:-

Superb album that brings Jamaican rhythm and blues and ska together by way of the fabulous tenor sax player Tommy McCook, a former leader of the Skatalites, and super session musician of the sixties. There are three vocal numbers of which "Carry Go Bring Come" and "Rough And Tough" sung by Justin Hines and Stranger Cole respectively, are brilliant. Brass riffs dominate the background as McCook blows effortlessly but with great technique and con trol while two of the most unique and celebrated voices of the ska era sing the "blues". The best instrumental ska numbers here are all prime example of the kind of music that used to set the dance floors on fire in the hectic heyday of ska. And the R & B instrumental numbers like "Yard Broom", "Magic" and "Strolling In" depict the style of the earliest big bands that were prominent in JA before ska.
Carl Gayle:-
BLACK MUSIC SEPTEMBER 1974

peace

[stepping razor]

BLACK MUSIC SEPTEMBER 1974

SINGLES REVIEW:
by Carl Gayle:-

THE WAILERS: Mr Brown / Version (Trojan 7926).
The Wailers seem unable to make a bad record. This 1969 sound is "Duppy Conqueror" with greater vocal and rhythmic intensity, and different but equally good lyrics. There ain`t no better sound around.

DELROY WILSON: Have Some Mercy / Different Fashion (Cactus CT22).
When everything else fails, Delroy`s voice can cheer you up. Effortless vocal, swinging to a very basic but effective dance rhythm.

BIG YOUTH AND DENNIS BROWN: Ride On Ride On / Wild Goose Chase (Harry J 6682).
They make an interesting pair, but they can do better. This is based on the "Here I Am Baby" riff (again!) and it works, but with little credit to the Youth or young Dennis.

I. ROY: Orthodox Rock / Orthodox Drums (Cactus CT26).
I. Roy`s philosophies are always interesting; that`s where he scores over his contemporary DJ rivals. He has a keener intellect and more natural humour. This isn`t one of his best but he`s still the boss.

DELANEY AND BONNIE BRAMLETT: Good Old Song / Never Ending Love (Count Shelly CS 054).
The real identity of the singers is a secret, but they definitely aren`t THE Delaney And Bonnie. But it`s a good version that could`ve been even better with a more imaginative producer.

JUNIOR ENGLISH: Back On The Scene / News Boy (Trojan 7928).
Junior has a good voice which he uses to good effect here. Pity the lyrics aren`t up to the standard of the interesting sound the musicians (especially the bass player) achieve.

DESMOND DEKKER: Busted Lad / Travel On (Rhino RNO 125).
Starts out like "Israelites" and more or less carries on that way but with poor lyrics and an unenthusiastic rhythm. Something`s happened to Desmond.

MAUREEN DAVIS: One True Love / Own Version (Cactu CT21).
Slow, moody, and entirely lacking in vitality. The vocals are OK but the arrangement is poor.

MAUREEN DAVIS: Hey Hey Hey / Angel Of The Morning (Cactus CT 27).
Ordinary dance rhythm behind a rather dull song. Maureen needs better material, better musical guidance.

TOPPER ZUKIE: Viego / A Message To Pork Eaters (Cactus CT 29).
For a dj tune this host seems a little too laid-back. The rhythm is ok but the male background chorus is irritating.

THE STARLITES: Hold My Hand / Part 2 (Attack 8070).
Pleasant, harmless and rather mediocre vocal record.

Carl Gayle:-
BLACK MUSIC SEPTEMBER 1974

peace