The Hon. Louise Bennett-Coverley AKA Miss Lou 1919 - 2006

I haven't seen this mentioned elsewhere in reggae blogdom so I figured I'd step up and give this story the exposure it deserves... I've been reading a lot of the obituaries and tributes that have appeared online and I have decided to share this article written by Gregory Lewis and Arlene Barochin which appeared on the Sun-Sentinel's website on Thursday. I think this does a fairly concise job explaining Miss Lou's importance to Jamaican culture...

Louise Bennett-Coverly, the Jamaican folklorist, actress, artist and writer who celebrated ordinary people and helped popularize Jamaican patois, died Wednesday in a Toronto hospital. She was 87.

Ms. Bennett-Coverly's death, reported by the Jamaica Gleaner on its Web site, was big news on the island and in South Florida, where generations of Jamaicans remembered growing up with the woman they affectionately called "Miss Lou."

"When you think of Jamaica and Jamaican culture's place in the world, you immediately think of Miss Lou," said Marlon Hill, a Miami attorney who is Jamaican-American.

During her more than 50-year career, Ms. Bennett-Coverly expressed herself in various art forms, including poetry, pantomime, movies and television.

Ms. Bennett-Coverly made it acceptable to speak the blend of languages called patois, which reflected the island's African roots. She helped Jamaicans understand that the unique dialect was part of their cultural heritage.

"She gave rural people a voice," said Junior Farquarson, a West Palm Beach attorney. "She uplifted people on radio and television. She gave us comedy. She was the first lady of comedy."

Lauderdale Lakes Commissioner Hazelle Rogers remembered her father taking her to plays on Sunday afternoons that featured that "iconic woman of culture" speaking patois.

"I loved Louise Bennett," Rogers said. "She contributed to the dialect as well as speaking the Queen's language."

Louise Bennett was born in Kingston in 1919 to Augustus Cornelius Bennett and his wife Kerene Robinson. She attended schools in Jamaica and in England. She married impresario Eric "Chalktalk" Coverly in 1954. He died before she did.

While her poetry was a source of pride for Jamaicans, she also was known for her television appearances.

"I remember as a young child watching her on Ringding," said Tanya Ragbeer, of Southwest Ranches. "Everyday, the kids would come home from school and watch TV to watch Miss Lou. They would always eat milk and cookies on the show. She would tell stories, and they would sing Caribbean songs. She would tell stories of Brer Anacy [a spider god]."

When Ms. Bennett-Coverly began writing and reciting her dialect poems in the 1930s and 1940s, some considered it embarrassing because they thought patois was the language of the poor and illiterate. Today, many say she elevated Jamaican patois to a fine art through style and wit.

"Jamaica's folklore was popularized and institutionalized by her work," Hill said. "Her work had a direct effect on the acceptance and legitimacy on the patois, not only in Jamaica, but also friends or people who were drawn to the culture of Jamaica. She translated our cultural identity to the world."

Ms. Bennett-Coverly spent most of the past two decades in Canada but still remained a hero to Jamaicans on the island and abroad.

"My regret is that the Jamaican government didn't see fit to take care of one of its greatest," Farquarson said. "A lady like that should have never been allowed to leave the country."

Jamaican folk singer Norma Darby, who lives in Miami, said she was influenced by Miss Lou. Darby said the folklorist passed the torch to all who wanted to preserve the island's culture.

"She's like the Bob Marley of folklore and her legend will live on," Darby said.

As a tribute to Mrs. Bennett-Coverley I present one of her best known poems called "Colonization in Reverse"

Wat a joyful news, miss Mattie,
I feel like me heart gwine burs
Jamaica people colonizin
Englan in Reverse

By de hundred, by de tousan
From country and from town,
By de ship-load, by de plane load
Jamica is Englan boun.

Dem a pour out a Jamaica,
Everybody future plan
Is fe get a big-time job
An settle in de mother lan.

What an islan! What a people!
Man an woman, old an young
Jus a pack dem bag an baggage
An turn history upside dung!

Some people doan like travel,
But fe show dem loyalty
Dem all a open up cheap-fare-
To-England agency.

An week by week dem shippin off
Dem countryman like fire,
Fe immigrate an populate
De seat a de Empire.

Oonoo see how life is funny,
Oonoo see da turnabout?
jamaica live fe box bread
Out a English people mout'.

For wen dem ketch a Englan,
An start play dem different role,
Some will settle down to work
An some will settle fe de dole.

Jane says de dole is not too bad
Because dey payin she
Two pounds a week fe seek a job
dat suit her dignity.

me say Jane will never fine work
At de rate how she dah look,
For all day she stay popn Aunt Fan couch
An read love-story book.

Wat a devilment a Englan!
Dem face war an brave de worse,
But me wonderin how dem gwine stan
Colonizin in reverse.

I Should Be Ashamed! My Summer Sounds Compilation

Still haven't had time to do a real update... I should have just taken the easy route and announced a summer hiatus but being that we're nearing the end of July it might be too late to do so... I haven't stayed inside long enough to write anything of interest though I have the feeling once I make it through the summer and the weather starts getting cold and uninviting I'll be happy to seek warmth in front of my keyboard. Please accept my apologies...

As for DC Soundclash... I had an absolutely awesome time and I am extremely thankful to Mark for inviting me to play some music! Oddly enough, it's hard to believe it was nearly a month ago! I wish I could do it again this Friday but I don't forsee me getting off work to do it... I am shooting for the last Friday of August, if they'll have me back! Hint, hint!! An absolute blast!!

Check back next month for another lame/lazy update! Hopefully I'll have something of substance before that but I'll just stick with the disclaimer that way I can cover my ass if I can't pull it together! LOL

But in the mean time (and after taking the cue from Hearwax's Studio One post) I present for your summertime listening pleasure, 10 tracks that never fail to put me in a warm weather, kick back and sip on a bottle of Red Stripe mood... the tracks are as follows...

1. The Sensations - "Everyday Is A Holiday" - from the Duke Reid's Treasure Chest CD
2. Jackie Mittoo - "Summer Breeze" - from the CD The Keyboard King At Studio One
3. Pat Kelly - "Summer Time" - from the LP Talk About Love
4. Yellowman - "Mi Believe (Summer Holiday)" - from the King Yellowman album
5. Cornell Campbell - "The Sun" - from the Dance Inna Greenwich Farm album
6. Tyrone Taylor - "Rainy Sunset" - from the Strictly The Best Volume 14 CD
7. Gregory Isaacs - "Private Beach Party" - from the Private Beach Party CD
8. Lee "Scratch" Perry - "Love Sunshine, Blue Sky" - from the Jamaican E.T. CD
9. Barrington Levy - "Warm & Sunny Day" - from a 12" on the E.A.D. label
10. The Wailers - "Don't Rock My Boat" - from the Songs Of Freedom boxset

...get outside and enjoy!

Summer Sounds Compilation

Real Update Coming Soon... A Few Random Tracks In The Mean Time

Sorry for the lack of new posts over the last couple weeks but I was invited to spin some music at this month's DC Soundclash and I've been totally consumed with getting my stuff together. It's been years since I've done any DJing, seven years to be exact... my last DJing gig was my weekly Jamaican music program on the local college radio station and I've never spun in a live situation (at least where anyone would hear it) so as you can imagine, I'm excited and just a little nervous. But enough about that...

I just came to the realization that the last song I shared was a soca song... I've left those who have an appreciation for Jamaican music, who actually take time out of their busy lives to visit this blog with a Trinidadian soca song?! I wholeheartedly apologize and present for you listening enjoyment a few Jamaican singles that I hope to serve as my reconciliation offering.

It's quite a mixed bag and sorry for the lack of label scans but I think everyone will find something they like...

The first track is taken from a 7" on the Musical Ambassadors label by singer Edi Fitzroy. The song called "Princess Black" includes the B-side version as is one of my all-time favorite singles from the era. Next I've got a 7" by Tenor Saw called "No Work On A Sunday" on the Pressure and Slide riddim which was reissued on the Penthouse label in 1994. Third, to meet the requests I've received since I posted on Little John a couple months back is a 12" on the M&M Music label and the song is called "I Guess You Love Me Girl." The fourth song is from John Holt - a song called "Tribal War" taken from a 12" on the Channel One label. Finally is a song from the late great Dennis Brown that appeared as a Greensleeves 12" called "It's Magic." Hope you like what you hear and I'll be back soon with a real post.

A Few Singles

Thanks Soca Warriors... It Was Fun While It Lasted

I got together yesterday to watch the match with my English friend Joe and I was quite surprised to walk into a bar in downtown Baltimore and see so many people wearing their England jerseys... for a second there I contemplated taking off my Trinidad hat but I held firm. There must have been 75 England fans and 3 Trinidad supporters so for the first time in my life I got to experience being an opposing sports fan in an unfriendly place. Sadly as we all know, my adopted team lost 2-0 but I was proud of their performace and from what I read online I could see that those in the tiny island nation were proud as well... and I guess that's all that really matters.

Now I know that those who come to this site are looking for Jamaican music but in honor of the boys representing Trinidad I present the Soca Warrior's unofficial theme "Fighter" by the artist Maximus Dan. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not a fan of soca and you'll probably never see me posting another track from this genre, but it's my small tribute.

Thanks Trinidad and Tobago for making this World Cup exciting... at least for me. It was fun while it lasted. Hopefully they'll give it another shot in 2010 but if the time comes and Jamaica beats them and goes on to represent the Caribbean I definitely won't be complaining.

Maximus Dan - Fighter

A side note - when I was leaving the bar in a sea of English jerseys a photographer with a massive camera focused on me and took a shot... I wonder if that pic will surface somewhere locally?

Junjo Lawes Discography

No music today but I wanted to share my new blog still under constuction. Compiling and collecting Junjo's output on the three labels most associated with the late great producer - Volcano, Arrival and Jah Guidance - has been a labor of love for me for the last 10 years. Most of the singles, except those with an asterisk, are proudly sitting on my record shelf and I can guarantee that I've searched long and hard for all of them. Most were purchased before their popularity and prices skyrocketed - many at around $3.00 to $4.00 each - but those days are long since over. I know Ernie B's has got a couple Volcano 12" that he's asking over $100 for and being on a meager income they won't be a part of my collection anytime soon. At least until I hit the lottery which I've been planning on doing for quite some time now! But enough about that...

What I'm planning on doing with the Junjo Lawes Discography blog is presenting a resource that hopefully those who are interested in this lively stage of Jamaican music will find informative. But information isn't the only purpose for the new blog, I will occassionally up a single or two as well as share some Volcano live tapes (that I need to rip from cassette) and every once in a while even a Junjo produced album that time may have forgotten.

As you can see I've been scanning labels, a couple a day, and posting them alongside the mentioned tracks. I'm also adding matrix numbers when I scan each disc and in a perfect world I'd be ripping them to MP3 but I still can't afford a USB turntable... I need to rip them the old-fashioned time consuming way.

But take a look around, I know with such a gap in graphics associated with so many of the records it isn't really much fun to look at, and tell me what you think. And of course any contributions of information to make the discography even more complete and thorough would be greatly appreciated!

More music coming here later this week... I still need to edit the Clarendonians LP so I can share that!

In Honor Of The World Cup

First off thanks to Hearwax for reminding me to get this off my chest...

Being in the States you'd hardly know that one, if not thee greatest sporting event in the world has started today. Of course I'm talking about the 2006 World Cup. On this side of the pond we're too preoccupied about athletic competitions that matter only to Americans to pay any attention to an event that the rest of the world holds their breath for in anticipation. Personally I don't understand why there is a general lack of interest for this global event and in many cases it embarrasses me that the American sports fan is disinterested.

I was in Ireland in 1994 and got my first taste of World Cup mania and honestly it was a life-changing experience. My wife, who was only my girlfriend at the time, is of Irish decent (her Mom emigrated to the U.S. when she was 21) and we were spending a week in Dublin visiting her family who are surprisingly close being 3000 miles away. The match that I got to witness first-hand, or on television actually, was Ireland versus Italy. Unfortunately the pub workers were on strike and we couldn't actually submerge ourselves into the pub atmosphere that would have really been conducive to this experience but nonetheless we got a taste. With most of the extended family plastered to Aunt Marie and Uncle Buddy's TV, sipping on a few cans of Carlsberg, I witnessed something that the majority of Americans haven't understood for quite some time no matter how hard they wave the stars and stripes and proclaim their love of country. I saw unrivaled patriotism, pride and joy that to me is what the World Cup should instill in all proud people from whatever country you're from. When the match was done and Ireland had beaten Italy 1 - nil people erupted out of their houses and into the streets singing and yelling and to this day it still chokes me up thinking about how happy and proud a single football match had made these people... World Cup Football has that effect I guess... I'm just an American what would I know?

Well you're probably asking yourself, what does this all have to do with reggae? Well I'll tell you... Dennis Alcapone. Here for your listening pleasure is the Dennis Alcapone single on the Empire label called appropriately "World Cup Football."



Dennis Alcapone - World Cup Football 12"

Best of luck to whichever country you're backing! Since Jamaica didn't make it I'm actually rooting for Trinidad and Tobago, I've always been a sucker for an underdog! Especially one from the Caribbean. I see myself spending a lot of time in the next few weeks at my man Joe's house... he's a Londoner and Chelsea supporter who moved to the U.S. about 5 years ago and I know Direct TV is gonna be tuned to the matches non-stop!

The Album "Superstar Yellowman Has Arrived With Toyan" - Or Is It?

Keeping with the Yellowman on this post... Available for your listening pleasure is the 1982 Joe Gibbs release "Superstar Yellowman Has Arrived With Toyan" which in all actuality should have been titled "Toyan Has Arrived With Yellowman And Ringo." This just serves as a prime example of producers and record companies trying to capitalize on the hottest thing at the time by predominantly featuring Yellowman when he only has 3 tracks on the album. Not to mention the fact that Ringo's song "I'm Getting Married" is credited to Ringo and Yellowman and two of Toyan's cuts are intentionally miscredited to Yellowman on the sleeve.

This isn't the only Yellowman LP I have that includes some shady mislabeling... if you think Superstar's sleeve credits are bad you should check out the Yellowman album "Confessions" on Vista Sounds. This release features Yellowman's image on the cover, Yellowman's name on the label and definitely not Yellowman's voice on the record. I was so pissed when I bought this album nearly 15 years ago... I bought it in London never even hearing it, carried it all the way across the Atlantic thinking I had found a long lost Yellowman treasure with songs that I hadn't heard before and it turned out to be someone else! Damn you Vista Sounds! Oddly enough though the album of early DJ stuff is pretty good... it's Purpleman produced by U-Brown, as Harry Lime corrected me (thanks) but definitely deserves a proper re-release giving credit where credit is due.

But anyway... here is the album "Toyan Has Arrived While Joe Gibbs Threw A Couple Yellowman Tracks On This Album To Boost Record Sales And Threw In A Ringo Track To Fill The Space On The A-Side" or "Superstar Yellowman Has Arrived With Toyan" whichever you prefer. Enjoy!

Superstar LP

5 More From The King

As you can see from the photo (sorry it's so blurry - the security at the concert venue were being real A-holes about taking pictures)... I got the chance to see Yellowman Sunday night and being that I've had his music in heavy rotation since, I thought it would be a good time to share 5 more singles from my favorite DJ!

The first tune is the wicked "Belly Move" or more commonly titled "Body Move" from a Volcano 7". If you're familiar with Yellowman's music you'll notice the mix is a little different that the track that appeared on his "Nobody Move, Nobody Get Hurt" album - it's a little more raw sounding and I think you'll dig it! The second track is "Lover's Take Over" from a Witty's Music 12". The third is "Learn The Water Pumpee" with Danny Dread on the Absissa label and it's actually more Danny Dread than Yellow but he does do a cool rap at the tail-end of the track. The fourth track is "Gregory Free" a tribute to Gregory Isaacs from 1983... I have the 7" on the Witty Music label but this one actually came from a rip of the blank pre-release 12" pictured. Finally going a little more digital I've got "Mr. Consular" with Home T4 on Mango from 1985.

Desmond Dekker 1941 - 2006

Taken from the Jamaica Gleaner - May 26, 2006

"Desmond Adolphus Dacres, more widely known around the globe as Desmond Dekker, is dead. The ska artiste, who was born on July 17, 1941, in Jamaica, died in the United Kingdom at 4:00 a.m. Thursday.

According to his manager, Delroy Williams, Dekker, who is known for songs such as Israelites, Shanty Town, It Mek, Writing on the Wall and Unity, was not ill prior to his death. "He was not sick; he simply died suddenly this morning from an heart attack," he said when contacted by The Gleaner yesterday.

NO SIGNS OF SICKNESS

Mr. Dekker was also the winner of the National Song Competition in 1968 with his entry Intensified.

When The Gleaner spoke with Lorna Dekker, the sister of the late entertainer, she also explained that he was not sick prior to his death, although he complained of being tired.

"He wasn't sick; he just got a heart attack and died suddenly. The last time I spoke with him was last Friday just after he returned from a tour in Germany. At that time, he was saying that he was tired," she said.

Derrick Morgan, a close friend of Dekker and the person partially responsible for Dekker's introduction to the world after they recorded Honour Your Mother and Father, also reiterated this notion.

"I was speaking with his sister last Friday and she told me he called and was complaining that he was very tired. He is a man that work everyday of the week and has many shows line up so that is understandable," Mr. Morgan outlined.

Desmond Dekker was probably the best-known Jamaican musician outside of Jamaica before the ascent of Bob Marley in the '70s. In 1968, Israelites topped the U.K. charts and reached the top 10 on United States charts. Mr. Dekker was also the first Jamaican performer to enter U.S. markets with pure Jamaican music, a feat he was never able to repeat throughout his career.

ARRANGEMENTS UNCERTAIN

According to his sister, it has not been ascertained as to where Mr. Dekker will be buried as some of his family members may still not be aware of his death.

"I am not sure where he is going to be buried. I will be talking to his daughter who is in England tomorrow (today), so we can decide where he is going to be buried. I am also sorry that some of his relatives had to hear about his death over the radio," she said.

Desmond Dekker has left behind a daughter and a son, other family and friends. According to his official website, desmonddekker.com he is booked until November 18. He had show dates in Poland, Belgium, London, Sweden, Germany, Italy, Czech, Ireland, Switzerland and several other countries."

As a tribute to this legend I'm sharing 5 songs from Desmond Dekker all taken from various releases. He'll be missed...

Desmond Dekker Tribute

Tappa Zukie - Living In The Ghetto

In conjunction with Hearwax, Rockers Radio and Schrikdraad... it is my pleasure to present another piece of the Tappa/Tapper Zukie discography. This album is called "Living In The Ghetto" and as you can clearly see from the gigantic word bubble on the sleeve it does in fact include the big hit "Oh Lord!"

Engineered by Jammy, mixed and voiced at King Tubby's, featuring Sly and Robbie on the essentials and released on the Stars label, I think you'll dig it!

In the next week I'm going to mix it up a little... gonna go more mid-80's with a feature w/shares from one of my all-time favorite DJ's Admiral Bailey and later we're going to go real old school with some Studio One ska courtesy of the Clarendonians... stay tuned!

Tappa Zukie - Living In The Ghetto

Ranking Joe Inna Combination Style On Waistline

Ranking Joe (born Joseph Jackson, 1959) got into the music business as a youth originally calling himself DJ Jolly. At 15 he went to Studio One where he received a name change to Little Joe and cut "Gun Court," his first hit for Coxsone. As with most DJs of the day he spent a considerable amount of time bouncing from one studio and producer to another cutting tracks for anyone who wanted him. In the mid 70's he hooked up with U-Roy's King Stur Gav Hi Fi and it was there he developed his trademark tongue twisting delivery. It's beginning to sound like a broken record with me but here goes... Ranking Joe went on to further success with Junjo Lawes in the early 80's with the LP "Saturday Night Jamboree" released internationally on Greensleeves.

I've got a decent amount of Ranking Joe's better known music but when I decided to do this post I really wanted to share something the majority of listeners might not have heard. I came across these two singles "They Don't Know" and "Sing Along" on the back of the bottom shelf and at realized I had forgotten all about them and how nice they are... then I knew that they would work perfectly.

When I came across these records about 10 years ago in Ernie B's snail mail listing of records I hesitated buying them. Sure the price was cheap but I didn't, and still don't for that matter, know anything about the singers Carl Dryden or Hubert Lee but I knew with a DJ like Ranking Joe these had to be some hidden treasures. When they arrived amongst a stack of other more expensive vinyl they actually turned out to be some of the best records I bought that month. So for your listening pleasure I present these 12" singles both on the Waistline label circa mid-80's featuring the DJ talent of Ranking Joe. Oddly enough Carl Dryden who sings on "They Don't Know" is also the producer of both singles... it's too bad that I can't find out anything else about him.

Bob Marley 1945 - 1981

Sorry no music shares today... but I hope you'll stick around to read my testimonal on the importance of Bob Marley in my life.

I almost forgot that today is the 25th anniversary of Bob's passing and like most music fans I'm forever grateful for Bob Marley's musical accomplishments and contributions to mankind as a whole. But every time this date rolls around I can't help but be saddened tremendously by what might have been. But I'm not going to dwell on that...

My Mom married in 1956 and had her first child, my brother Barry, a year later. Three years later she had her second child, my sister. Unfortunately, or fortunately for me, the marriage didn't work out. My Mom who had nearly been disowned by her parents because she got married at such an early age, found herself alone with two children to raise and with no support. As you can imagine life was rough for my brother and sister and my Mom nearly killed herself working 2 and 3 jobs to put food on the table and most importantly a roof over their heads. Eventually her fortunes changed when she met my father in 1968. My Dad was four years younger than my Mom and he of course faced criticism from his own family for dating an older woman with 2 children but they eventually received my grandmother's blessing and married in 1970. But unlike most problematic step-children/step-father relationships, my 24 year old father loved my older brother and sister as if they were his own children. I came along in 1971 - my younger sister followed in '73.

Some of my earliest memories as a child had a lot to do with my older brother. As with most teens in the 70's Barry was into rock music and so I've been told, got involved with the accompanying drug scene. I was a kid I didn't know what bad things he did with his friends, all I knew was that my brother would let me wear his gigantic headphones to listen to music, would always watch cartoons with me on Saturday morning, bought me my first Matchbox car and even occasionally left a "Jim Dandy" ice cream sundae from Friendly's in the freezer on Friday night and never complained that I always ended up eating most of it. He was my idol and I always cherished the time we spent together.

Sometime in the mid-70's Barry discovered Bob Marley and the Wailers. I don’t know what circumstances lead him to switch from buying Frank Zappa and Joni Mitchell to listening to the emerging genre of music coming out of Jamaica but I’m glad he did. In 1983 our family (my parents, my younger sister and I) took a week-long trip to Jamaica and it was there that my parents heard reggae for the first time. When we got home my Mom brought it up to Barry and sure enough he was quite familiar with the music and provided my parents some recommendations for future listening. Oddly enough the cassette copy of Bob Marley’s “Exodus” they were recommended, quickly became the soundtrack to our summers. Here we were, a white middle-class family in the middle of suburbia grooving to the rhythm and lyrics straight from Trenchtown’s ghetto, and I think it had a major influence on the world outlook of both my sister and I.

In December of 1985, just a week and a half before Christmas, Barry was killed in a car accident. I’ll never forget awakening to the sound of the police at the door at 5 AM and my mother's crying. About a month later my parents, aunts and uncles and older cousins finally got up the courage to empty out the contents of Barry’s apartment. Later that evening I was presented with “my inheritance” – Barry’s record collection. I spent weeks looking through the crates of vinyl until I came across the 7 or 8 Bob Marley LPs. Since I was somewhat versed in reggae music they were the albums that I felt familiar with and listened to repeatedly. Our family didn’t realize it at the time but it was Bob Marley’s music that helped us heal. It also helped shape me into the person I am today.

The next spring a small bird decided to build a nest on my parent’s side porch. Eventually there were 4 eggs in the nest and a short time later all 4 birds had hatched. My Mom who was understandably still an emotional wreck, had been keeping an eye on the birds. One morning she went outside to have a look at the nest and the 4 babies, who had been making quite a remarkable racket for such tiny creatures, and saw that during the night one of the babies had fallen from the nest and died. My mother went back in the house and broke down. But ironically she immediately found a meaningful correlation in the three remaining birds, her three remaining children and the lyrics to “Three Little Birds.” She took it as a message from above that, “Every little thing was going to be alright.”

10 years later, my mother had healed as well as can be expected after losing a child, and I had turned my love of reggae music into a weekly Jamaican music program on my community college’s radio station. It was in February, right around Bob’s birthday, that I decided to do an all Bob Marley show in his honor. About 10 minutes into the show the phone rang. Now it was odd to get any calls and I was psyched because I thought it was a listener who wanted to make a request but it ended up being my Mom. It was evident immediately that she had been crying and I asked her what was wrong. She told me that they (Mom & Dad) were listening to the show – they were my most ardent fans and supporters – when they suddenly heard an odd rattling coming from their bedroom where the 4 high school graduation pictures of the 4 children hung. All the photos were silent except for Barry’s which was vibrating in tune with the bass line in the music. I immediately got cold chills and a held back tears until I looked over at the turntable and noticed, I swear to God I’m not lying here, Barry’s copy of “Survival” was playing.

About two years ago I was in the car with my wife and we were listening to Bob, as we do on a regular basis, and I had a revelation. Whenever I listen to Bob Marley I always find a comfort that is hard to explain. You’ve heard the expression “comfort food?” Well Bob is my “comfort food.” I think in my youth and in my inability to deal with the death of my brother at the time, Bob’s voice had come to represent that of my brother. His music had filled the gap in my life Barry’s death had created and it allowed me to cope in my own way. I’ll always be grateful to Bob Marley for that!

If you've read this far God bless you! Future music shares minus the personal emotion are coming soon! I promise! :)

Another Request... Peter Tosh Live At The One Love Peace Concert

Since time is limited today and because someone else has written it so consisely, I’m quoting directly from the thorough Peter Tosh biography here.

“Peter Tosh was a revolutionary, a freedom fighter who always spoke his mind, and was not afraid to seize an opportunity to expose the inequities of Jamaican society. This conduct culminated in his performance at the One Love Peace Concert on April 22, 1978. At the time, Jamaica was experiencing a political civil war. Kingston was the sight for the battle, which pitted Prime Minister Michael Manley, of the People's National Party, against Edward Seaga and his Jamaican Labor Party. In hopes of resolving this problem plaguing Jamaican society a concert was arranged. The concept behind the concert was that instead of all the "fussin' and fightin'” there should be one love for all brethren, and peace on the island of Jamaica. The organizers of this event got the biggest acts in reggae music to agree to perform. Included in this group was Peter Tosh, as well as Bob Marley and the Wailers, who were the headline band. It was at this concert that Peter took the opportunity to lecture the audience, which included Mr. Michael Manley himself, about the injustice of the Jamaican 'shitstem'. This 'livatribe', as Peter liked to refer to his speeches, or diatribes, that he gave including the following statements directed at both the Manley and Seaga:

"Me glad all the Prime Minister is here and the Minister of Opposition and members of Parliament. We can't make the little pirate dem come here and rob up the resources for the country. Because that is what dem been doing a long bloodbath time...I am not a politician but I suffer the consequences.”

By Request... 3 Rockers International Singles

In response to a request I’m sharing 3 Augustus Pablo produced singles on the Rockers International label that I picked up at an Eek A Mouse show, of all places, some time in 1994. Is it me or does anyone else out there remember clearly where they found nearly every record in their collection? But I digress… now these aren’t from the rockers era, the Jacob Miller re-press may be the only one close to that period, but they do represent some of the work that Pablo continued to do all the way through 90’s and until his untimely death in 1999. Now I don’t claim to be an expert or well versed in Augustus Pablo’s music and productions so check out the excellent Augustus Pablo Discography page for all the additional information you’re looking for that I’m unable to provide. I've also included the versions for your listening pleasure. Enjoy!







Check out the press on that one! As you can imagine the MP3 had to be edited, I don't think anyone wanted to listen to the label.

Rockers International 7"

The High School MC... Billy Boyo

Billy Boyo (born Billy Rowe, September 21, 1969) was probably the most prolific of the early-80’s child MC’s, sure Beenie Man was the only one that achieved the majority of his success far after puberty, but Billy Boyo was the man back in the day. Junjo Lawes, who was his brother-in-law, was chiefly responsible for getting the youth in a recording studio. Though his lyrics may not have been on par with the cultural and seasoned DJs of the time they are nonetheless entertaining. In 1982 Greensleeves released the album “DJ Clash Volume Two” with Billy sparring off with Little Harry (another teenage DJ at the time) and I don’t know if the Radics’ riddims made the album or what but I think it’s a pretty cool album.

Unfortunately Billy Boyo never achieved success beyond his teenage years and he sadly died on October 29, 2000 from a brain tumor.

I present for your enjoyment 3 Billy Boyo releases. The first is from a Volcano 7” called, “School I Attend.” The second track is “Bushmaster Connection" with Little John, produced by Toyan and taken from a 1982 Greensleeves 12". The third is "The Good, The Ugly And The Bad" produced by Junjo and also a Greensleeves 12" from '82. When I was going through the vinyl I realized that I have about 5 other Billy Boyo singles that I could have shared but these were the first three that popped in my head so here they are. Enjoy!







Billy Boyo

While doing the research for the bio I came across this CD released by Silver Kamel! Gotta add that one to the list of upcoming purchases!

Wailing With The Wailing Souls

The Wailing Souls, originally known as the Renegades, first consisted of Lloyd “Bread” McDonald, George “Buddy” Haye and Winston “Pipe” Matthews. The trio provided backing vocals for Ernest Ranglin before they broke up in 1968. McDonald and Matthews then teamed up with Oswald Downer and Norman Davis, recording “Gold Digger” for Lloyd “Matador” Daley. Their next move was to Coxsone over at Studio One where they recorded some of their greatest early work. Eventually as Pipe and the Pipers they recorded a couple classic tunes at Tuff Gong in the early 70’s and in effect became the first artists signed to Bob's fledgling label. In 1974 Downer and Davis left the group, and former Renegade George Haye returned for a short while but it was short-lived. Throughout the rest of the decade the line-up changed on nearly a weekly basis with vocalists including Joe Higgs and Garth Dennis of Black Uhuru fame joining the ranks for short stints. But that’s enough discussion of the many who have passed through the revolving door that has been the Wailing Souls; we’ll get to the music.

To be honest with you I can’t ascertain exactly who was recording with the group when the tracks we’re going to hear were recorded. All I know is that I’m beginning to sound like a broken record here, these tracks, all from the early 80’s were recorded for a certain producer whose first name begins with an H and last name begins with an L… still don’t know who I’m talking about? Check out many of the previous posts if you’re still unsure. I feel kind of bad about featuring so much Volcano/Junjo because it has always been my intention to provide a decent cross-section of all era of Jamaica music but I’ve really been listening and rediscovering a lot of music from the early 80’s as of late. Besides if my record collection is any indication I’d say it’s my favorite era.

Featured today are 4 real nice tracks from the Wailing Souls all backed by the incomparable Roots Radics… all but one direct from vinyl. The track “A Fool Will Fall” is from the “Firehouse Rock” CD that I also have on vinyl but I’m lazy and wanted to make things easy on myself, I don’t think anyone minds which format it came from anyway! Included in the zip is the Jah Guidance 12” “Baby Come Rock,” followed by the excellent “Kingdom Rise, Kingdom Fall” 12” released on Greensleeves in 1980. Third I’ve got “A Fool Will Fall” from the excellent “Firehouse Rock” CD – if you don’t own this album go get it immediately; essential reggae! Finally I’ve got a track called “Oh What A Lie” from the 1982 LP “Inchpinchers” which is also a pretty good album! Enjoy!






I hate to have to use the rereleased CD image because they junked the hell out of it by placing that special price proclamation in the corner! Unfortunately my wife took the digital camera to work today so I can't get a decent photo of the original cover! Oh well...



Wailing Souls

Five From The Original Little John... And No I'm Not Talking About Robin Hood's Sidekick

Little John (born John McMorris, 1970) first recorded “51 Storm” at the age of nine with Captain Sinbad for the Youth In Progress label and from that point on he was seldom off the charts. Many claimed that he was the first true dancehall singer because like the best DJs he could ride any rhythm. By the time he turned 17 he had become a superstar.

Originally Little John started singing with the Romantic Hi Fi, and then went on to Killamanjaro, Gemini and the mighty Volcano Hi Power where he honed his skills by performing constantly. During this period he was also recording for any producer in Jamaica who was willing to put his voice to tape; In other words, I pity anyone who wants to undertake putting together Little John’s complete discography.

I have compiled 5 Little John singles for your listening pleasure… all but one comes directly from vinyl. As you’ve probably learned to expect from me the majority included were Junjo Lawes productions and they are top notch… at least I think so. The first track is “United We Stand, Divide We Fall” circa 1983 produced by Junjo on the Jah Guidance label and also includes a smooth Roots Radics version towards the end. The second track is “Little Girl” which was produced by Toyan, recorded at Channel One, backed again by the Roots Radics, mixed at King Tubby’s and released internationally on the Greensleeves label (wow that was a hell of a lot of info off one 12” label!) The third single is an absolutely killer song with Little John teaming up with Al Campbell. The song is called “Mash It Already” released on Junjo’s Volcano label and I absolutely love the Radics’ dub mix toward the end of the disk, it’s so good I think you’ll be able to ignore the record hiss. Fourth we have a track called “Spin You Roll” recorded at Channel One and released on a pretty decent CD called “Grapevine/Dynamite Records Vault Classics Vol. 2”. The last track I’m sharing today is probably one of my all-time favorite DJ/Singer combination records, it’s called “Dance And Studio” and pares Little John with DJ Josey Wales and was released on George Phang’s Powerhouse label. The two just work so well together on this record and the Little John lyrical variation on “The First Cut Is The Deepest” just flows beautifully. I love this song!! To be honest… I love all these songs! Maybe I need to find and buy some more Little John! Enjoy!











Little John

I-Roy & Prince Jazzbo At War

I was driving to work sometime last month and up popped the song by Prince Jazzbo called “Gal Boy I-Roy.” It sparked an immediate interest in the clash I remember reading about between I-Roy (born Roy Reid 1949, died November 30, 1999) and Prince Jazzbo (born Linval Carter 1951) back in the 70’s. When I arrived at work I did a quick scan of Yahoo and sure enough I found this exact same write-up on every music related website that popped up. After a bit more digging I’m happy to give Jo-Ann Greene of Allmusic.com credit for this concisely written history (the VH1’s, MTV’s and CMT’s don’t even have that much courtesy).

“…By the end of the year, I-Roy had sent a baker's dozen of cuts soaring up the chart, including "Fire Stick," "Dread in the West," "Padlock," "Teapot," and a pair of songs taking exception to fellow DJ Prince Jazzbo, one of a number of young toasters determined to knock I-Roy off his throne. Dissing the competition on record has a long and illustrious history in Jamaica, dating back to the early '60s and Prince Buster's feud with singer Derrick Morgan and producer Leslie Kong. That was personal, I-Roy's and Prince Jazzbo's musical battle was not, but that didn't stop the two from taking even more personal, and more hilarious, potshots at each other. I-Roy opened the account with "Straight to Jazzbo's Head," which prompted the victim to retort with "Straight to I-Roy's Head." Soon after, the younger DJ had a run-in with a bus, thankfully with only bruises resulting, the elder DJ utilized this incident for "Jazzbo Have Fe Run." As I-Roy had not suffered any misfortunes of his own, Jazzbo opted to question his manhood with "Gal Boy I-Roy." That received a sharp retort with "Padlock," wherein the DJ attempts to arouse the sleeping "Princess Jazzbo." And the sparring continued, much to audiences' delight, with other DJs jumping on the bandwagon to take their own potshots at the mighty I-Roy. Unlike earlier feuds, this one never resulted in clashes between supporters, and the two DJs remained friendly behind the scenes.”

I present the first four of the tunes from that lyrical feud for your listening pleasure but before I do that I need to send out a massive thank you to Krieger who after a slight miscommunication answered my plea for “Straight to Jazzbo’s Head” – a song I didn’t own, had only heard snippets of in the past and couldn’t find online or on accessible CD or vinyl! Without his contribution I probably would have just done something else but I’m glad to present this interesting piece of reggae history that’s been mulling around my head for nearly a month now.

Of note - I've also included Krieger's cleaner version of "Straight to I-Roy's Head" because the file I have was taken from some pretty rough sounding vinyl. Thanks Krieger!!

The tracks are as follows…

1. I-Roy – “Straight to Jazzbo’s Head”
2. Prince Jazzbo – “Straight to I-Roy’s Head”
3. I-Roy & Prince Far I – “Jazzbo Have Fe Run”
4. Prince Jazzbo – “Gal Boy I-Roy”

If you want the entire story of the I-Roy & Jazzbo clash, you need to check out Pressure Sounds CD called "Once Upon A Time At King Tubbys" which chronicles the entire war from beginning to end... it's a fantastic release and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to know more and hear more on the topic.

Scratchin' For A Guinness

I was forwarded the link to some mpeg files from a Guinness ad campaign that featured Lee "Scratch" Perry hawking his favorite stout, all the way back in 2001! I know if I was in charge of advertising over there at ol' St. James' Gate I would never have drawn a correlation between the two or even contemplated putting the Upsetter in the role of a pitchman but, the results are incredible! Thanks to Smokeyroom.Net for making them available. Check 'em out!

Mutabaruka's People's Court I & II

Mutabaruka (Allan Hope, 1952) was born Catholic but discovered Rastafari at an early age. Around that time he also got involved in the Black Awareness movement that had taken hold in Jamaica in the late 60’s and quickly regarded himself as a young revolutionary. His poetry, written in the dialect of the common people, first received recognition in 1971 after being published in a pop music magazine called Swing. Writer John A.L. Golding Jr. summed up his poetry pretty succinctly, “They tell a story common to black people born in the ghetto… and when Muta writes, it’s loud and clear.”

After nearly a decade of performing his poetry live he finally put his words to music in 1981 when the single “Every Time A Ear De Soun’” was released on the High Times label. He followed that up in 1983 when Alligator Records released his first album “Check It” in 1983. You can read a lot more about Mutabaruka's discography, his poetry and his philosophies on his excellent official website.

I could go the easy route and share “Check It” but I think most people already have the album… if you don’t be sure to pick it up – in my opinion it’s one of the best reggae albums, regardless of subgenre, ever recorded. Instead I’m going to share two pretty long tracks on the same riddim, that I was listening to last night. The songs are “The People’s Court Part 1 & 2” and are actually more dramatic presentations set to a rhythm than mainstream poetry. Both tracks are available on the Shanachie Records sampler called “The Ultimate Collection” but originally appeared on Muta’s albums “Blakk Wi Blak…K…K…” and “Melanin Man” respectively, in the early 90’s.

Hey, it might be only 2 tracks but it's a good 13 minutes of enjoyable listening here! Enjoy!



The People's Court Part 1 & 2

A Couple Tunes From Dennis Walks

After reading the write-up about Dennis Walks on Schrikdraad I combed through my collection to come up with a couple more tunes from this sadly underrated and virtually unknown singer.

I came up with 3 tracks that I'm going to share with those who got a taste and wanted a little more! The first track is from an awesome CD from Heartbeat called "The Mighty Two - Joe Gibbs & Errol Thompson" and the track is "Navel String" - which gets a mention in the text beneath the photo which originally appeared in Jamaica's Week-End Star on September 17, 1976 (and was reprinted inside the CD booklet). The second track was produced by Junjo Lawes and released as a single circa 1982 on the Jah Guidance label. The third and final track is an absolutely killer version of Lee Perry's "Roast Fish and Cornbread" again with Junjo at the controls and released as a Greensleeves 12" in 1982.







Hope you dig 'em!

Dennis Walks

Bob Andy Retrospective

Gonna go a little more old school with this post… Bob Andy (born Keith Anderson 1944) was one of the original members of the legendary Studio One group the Paragons. He is one of those Jamaican artists who is relatively unknown to those outside of the “reggae circle” and it’s quite frankly, a damn shame!

So because time is limited and instead of having me waste a lot of space trying to compose a decent well-deserved write-up about the man, I will refer you to Bob Andy's official website. It provides you with all the information and background you could ever hope to compile on Mr. Andy in one central place.

I’m sharing today Bob Andy’s “Retrospective” - an album released on Heartbeat Records in 1986 which compiled some great tracks originally recorded between 1970-75. If you’re vaguely aware of his work give it a listen and I think you’ll agree that the man is sadly underrated. If you’ve never heard Bob Andy I think this should serve as a nice introduction to a talented singer and songwriter! Enjoy!



Bob Andy - Retrospective

Papa Briggy Takes The Mic

Brigadier Jerry (born Robert Russell) got started DJing, as many with a similar cultural fashion did, on U-Roy's King Stur Gav Hi-Fi. In 1978 he joined the Twelve Tribes of Israel and began spreading the message of Rastafari on the affiliated Jah Love sound system. Around the same time he did some work at Channel One and released a few singles but nothing that really shot him up the charts - he was more concerned with doing live appearances and spreading his gospel on vinyl wasn't his top priority. In 1982 he recorded for producer Delroy Stansbury and the single "Pain" was released on the Jwayanza label and became a massive hit. But as was his work ethic, Briggy didn't immediately follow it up with another hot selling single, he went back to work with a handful of sound systems.

In 1985, "Jamaica Jamaica," the first official Brigadier Jerry LP was released by Jah Love Musik - and it remains one of my personal all time favorites! Afterwards Brigadier Jerry began recording on a more consistent basis - voicing for Techniques and even producer George Phang around 1986. Sadly, for me personally, he never recorded for Junjo Lawes - that would have been wicked!

Brigadier Jerry may not have recorded as prolifically as other DJs of the era but what he did record was always great! His follow up album "On the Road" which he cut for RAS Records is often overlooked but a great set of tunes that seem to get better with age. His work with Tappa Zukie in the early 90's was also top notch and resulted in the album "Hail H.I.M." (even though the rhythms were all electronic)

Briggy is undoubtedly one of the most influential and beloved DJs of the 80's and beyond and his rise to fame mainly through the circulation of sound tapes and bootleg recordings goes to prove that cultural/spiritual/reality lyrics carry you a lot farther than a truck load of vinyl.

Now on to the music... I'm sharing 5 Brigadier Jerry selections today! But unlike previous posts I'm not staying with one era - we're ranging from '82 all the way up to '93 here! I'm starting off with the 7" single "Pain" on the Jwyanza label (please excuse the hiss - I got my copy from a guy who told me he found it inside a jukebox that was loaded with 80's era reggae vinyl!) Next in honor of Briggy's time spent with the sound systems, I'm sharing about 6-7 minutes worth of the live LP "Live At the Controls" recorded with the Jack Ruby Sound System. The third track is from the various artist compilation album on the Techniques label called "Stalag 17, 18 & 19" and the song is called "What Type of World." The fourth track is "Lyrics of Mine" taken from Briggy's 1990 RAS release "On The Road." The fifth and final track is the track "Jah D" produced by Tappa Zukie which I'm borrowing from CD instead of ripping from my vinyl copy - I've included a scan of the 7" label because it's a lot cooler than the lame cover on the CD! Hopefully there are some tracks here everyone doesn't already have - let me know what you think.

I'm not even done writing this and I'm already remembering a bunch of other music I wanted to share!! Oh well - maybe we'll have to go back to Papa Briggy at a later date and when I've got more time to get in depth! Soon Come!











Brigadier Jerry