FILE

Rip It Up, Issue 47, 1 June 1981, Page 12

FILE

Jimmy Cliff Now 37 years old, Cliff has been singing since he \ was |in short pants. Got his break in 1964 when he visited New York as a singer/dancer with Byron Lee's band. It was there he met Chris Blackwell, who signed him to Island the following year. Cliff's career has been chequered by personal and musical hassles, as well as trouble with the police at home. Best known for his starring role in The Harder They Come, the soundtrack of which is still available here.- The movie occasionally re-emerges on cult circuits, and is a must-see, containing work of several other notable artists. Other titles available. Struggling Man (Cliff's - toughest work) and a worthwhile Best Of collection. Bob Marley and the Wailers What more can we say? Every collection should have at least one album, with Natty Dread, Survival and Exodus heading the list. Other titles available: Catch A Fire, Live (highly recommended), Rastaman Vibrations, Kaya, Uprising, Babylon By Bus and Burnin’.

The Heptones The original trio, formed in 1965, consisted of Leroy Sibbles, Earl Morgan and Barry Llewelwyn. They were coached by the Pioneers and first recorded for Studio One/ Coxsone in 1966. Had several hit singles and in the 1970's recorded three albums for Island. Two of these, Night Food and Party Time, are available here. Sweet rude boy harmonies are a constant delight. It's thought the original trio no longer exists, though the name still crops up in the British reggae charts. Third World Six-piece group formed in 1973, two of its members used to be with Inner Circle. The first album, self-titled, is a sombre, rootsy work and features a different vocalist from the present Rugs Clarke. The subsequent releases have been lighter ia texture, culminating in a 1978 disco hit, 'Now That We Found Love'. The more commercial side of reggae, for those who find heavy riddims a mite overpowering. Titles available: Third World, 96 Degrees In The Shade, Journey To Addis, The Story's Been Told, Prisoner In The Street (live movie soundtrack). Another album is on the way.

Linton Kwesi Johnson Socialist son of Brixton, a intellectual conscience, cham pion of the oppressed, rocke against racism, the voice o Britain's militant black youth Writes dark, angry poetry recited in rock-steady cadenc over musical backing, provide! by the likes of Denis 'Black beard' Bovel. Johnson's firs album, Dread Beat And Blood was recorded under the nam Poet And The Roots. Switche* to Island under his own name recording the equally-stronj Bass Culture and Forces O Victory (both of which an available here) and a dill album, LK] In " Dub, no released here yet.

Bunny Wailer Real name Bunny. Livingstone, he was one third of the original Wailers trio, .splitting in 1974 due to his dislike of touring and live performances. A truly fine singer, whose songs have a reflective, mystical quality. Maintains a low personal profile through fears of [violencelljSHHHpi^Pyn Titles available: Blackheart Man, Protest. A new album, Bunny Wailer Sings The Wailers, is due for release. Toots and the Maytals Frederick 'Toots' Hibbert is a by-word in Jamaican music, transcending ska and roots, a master. The trio of Toots, Raleigh Gordon and Jerry Matthias has been singing since 1962, another act given a start by Clement Dodd, and later also produced by the legendary Prince Buster. Except for a brief period lin the late 70's, Toots has never been out of the limelight. His advancing years have not diminished his talent ; and stature, or the warmth of that wonderful voice. The latest album, Live, is proof positive. Other titles available: Funky Kingston (essential), Reggae Cot Soul, In The Dark, Pass The Pipe, Just Like That.

I Jah Man Also known as Levi 1-Jahman, born Trevour Sutherland, in Kingston, 1946. Has been singing since 1962 and came to England in 1963. Has worked with Carl Simmonds and Rico Rodriguez on various sessions. An uncompromising cult figure. His one Island album, Haile I Hymn, was recorded in 1978.

Zap Pow Six-piece band formed in 1970 by David Madden and Dwight Pickney. Regarded highly as the most experimental band in Jamaica, best knowm for their 1972 recording, 'This Is Reggae Music'. Well ahead of their time, which reflects in their relatively small sales. Steel Pulse paid tribute to Pickney in their song Rock Against Racism'.

Titles available: Zap Pow

Steel Pulse Arguably the best of the British reggae bands. Their hometown is the ghetto area of Handsworth, Birmingham. The sound is rootsy, but of necessity reflects the members' more sophisticated urban origins. True black, British music. Their debut Island album, Handsworth Revolution, broke new ground in ethnic music, and includes the classic 'Ku Klux Klan'. The follow-up, Tribute To The Martyrs, was even stronger. Both can, , and should be, purchased here. A third LP, Caught You, has yet to emerge. Best Of Two intelligent compilations,

This Is Reggae Vols I and 11, are available here and both are worth having. A well-chosen cross-section of Island's reggae catalogue, including the likes of Junior Murvin ('Police And Thieves'), Max Romeo, Justin Hines and Lee Perry. Black Uhuru Michael Rose, Derek Simpson and Puma Jones are showing new directions for reggae, bringing a fresh approach to the rhythm, assisted by the giant presences of Robbie Shakespeare and Sly Dunbar. Watch for them. Titles available. Sinsemilla. A new album, Red, has been recently released overseas.

Burning Spear Born Winston Rodney, in the St Ann's parish, also Marley's birthplace. The name is that given to prophet Marcus Garvey, whose memory Rodney is dedicated to preserving. Started in 1968 as a trio, with Rupert Hines and Delroy Wilmington, but later went solo. Lyrical, meditative roots reggae at its best. Only Dry and Heavy, Spear's first solo studio album, is listed in the catalogue. However, copies of Man In The Hills and the excellent Live album (backing by British band Aswad and some JA session men) do turn up here and there.

Inner Circle A trio formed in 1968, comprising Jacob Miller, lan Lewis and Roger Lewis. They were frequently accused of being middle-of-the-road, largely because they gigged mostly around the hotel circuit. A crossover disco sound, their name has become better known since Miller's death in a car crash.

Titles available. Everything Is Great.