Category: Oldies Sunday

Lord Composer "Hill And Gully/Mandeville Road" on 13thStreetPromotions.com #Jamaica #Mento #Calypso #Music #13thStreetPromotions #LordComposer #HillAndGullyRide #MandevilleRoad #OldiesSunday #Oldies #OldSchool #1954 #MRS #MottasRecordingStudio #Caribbean

OLDIES SUNDAY: Lord Composer – Hill And Gully Ride (1954)

Posted on by swadedavillain

It’s another Oldies Sunday, no matter where you are in the world. When you talk about hits, Jamaica has a ton of them spanning decades. This time around, we go back to the 1950’s to check out Lord Composer’s “Hill And Gully Ride/Mandeville Road“.

Released through Motta’s Recording Studio (Fun Fact: This was Jamaica’s 1st privately owned Recording Studio, and was owned by Stanley Motta) in 1954, “Hill And Gully Ride/Mandeville Road” was a medley Mento single recorded by Lord Composer and his Silver Seas Hotel Orchestra. “Hill And Gully Ride” was a dancing tune that had a few instructions while “Mandeville Road” was about people going to Manchester to break stones, a profession that many did in those days before the advancements in Technology. Both songs were done over percussion, strings, and a Fife solo, with Composer being lead Vocalist with backing vocals. “Hill And Gully Ride/Mandeville Road” were Folks Songs, belonging in a department called “Digging Songs“. They were included with another medley single on a Record, and sounded nothing like what was out in those times. The medley was covered by a number of Folk Singers, and two versions of it would later become the theme music for the popular “Hill An’ Gully Ride” TV series in Jamaica. The lyrics and cadence of “Hill And Gully Ride” were sampled by a number of Artists including YellowMan and Busy Signal, while “Mandeville Road” was sampled by Dancehall group T.O.K.

Lord Composer never released many songs when he was active, and only had an LP’s worth of singles since the release of “Hill And Gully Ride/Mandeville Road”. Composer passed away in 1990, and his music is celebrated to this day in parts of the world.

Thank You Lord Composer For Your ClassicS!

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Lasana Bandele "Storitela" on 13thStreetPromotions.com #Jamaica #Reggae #DubPoetry #Music #13thStreetPromotions #LasanaBandele #LivingInShacks #1987 #Storitela #BHM #ReggaeMonth #BlackHistoryMonth #Caribbean

OLDIES SUNDAY: Lasana Bandelé – Living In Shacks (1987)

Posted on by swadedavillain

February is recognized as “Black History Month“. The month reflects on the plights of Black people, and celebrates the achievements and innovations by them. It is also recognized as “Reggae Month“, celebrating the global impact the genre has over the past few decades, and will have for generations to come. For today’s “Oldies Sunday” selection, we highlight a musical figure who used his voice to shed light on the struggles his people faced, seeking for better ways. His name is Lasana Bandelé, and the track is called, “Living In Shacks“.

Arranged by Lasana Bandelé and Leebert “Gibby” Morrison and released through Storitela Music in 1987, “Living In Shacks” finds Bandelé doing some Social Commentary. He looks at the destitute conditions many are living in and what they have experienced for centuries,  and calling out those who can help but are caught up in vanity and corruption. Bandelé’s song came with powerful words, and at a time when Black people around the world faced great hardship. “Living In Shacks” earned its respect shortly after its release, and it connected with many around the world thanks to its lyrical content. The song was included in Bandelé’s “Storitela” album that was released in 1989. The music video for “Living In Shacks”, directed by Phase 3 and Dermot Hussey, was premiered on JBC TV (now Television Jamaica/TVJ) as a part of Lasana Bandelé’s “The Storitela” TV Special, and was aired regularly.

Since the release of “Living In Shacks”, Lasana Bandelé continued to share his powerful content over the years. From Poetry to Filmmaking, Bandelé made his voice be heard, and messages connect to many locally and Internationally.

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Leroy Gibbons "Four Seasons Lover" on 13thStreetPromotions.com #Jamaica #Dancehall #Music #13thStreetPromotions #LeroyGibbons #FourSeasonsLover #FourSeasonLover #KingJammys #JammysRecords #SteelieandClevie #1987 #OldiesSunday #OldSchool #Oldies #Caribbean

OLDIES SUNDAY: Leroy Gibbons – Four Season Lover (1987)

Posted on by swadedavillain

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, today’s Oldies Sunday selection will have a lil love in it. For the lovers, today’s post comes from Reggae Crooner Leroy Gibbons with the track, “Four Season Lover“.

Produced by King Jammy’s and arranged by Steelie and Clevie with its release through Jammy’s Records in 1987, Leroy Gibbons declares his the lover for all times on “Four Season Lover”. With his powerful delivery, he urges his lover to never give her love away, as he will be there for her in every way. When the times are cold, he’s there to warm her up, when she’s hot, he will cool her down. “Four Season Lover” was featured on the popular “Fresh Riddim“, was an instant hit in Jamaica and throughout parts of the world, and was later included in Gibbons’ 1988 album of the same name.

Since the release of “Four Season Lover”, Leroy Gibbons continued to enjoy an established music career over the years. He still performs to this day, and “Four Season Lover” is still a highly requested song to play. Shout out the lovers for all seasons.

Thank You Leroy Gibbons For This Hit Song!

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Aston "Family Man" Barrett "Soul Constitution" on 13thStreetPromotions.com #Jamaica #Reggae #13thStreetPromotions #AstonBarrett #AstonFamilyManBarrett #FamilyManBarrett #TheWailers #SoulConstitution #1971 #Bass #BassGuitar #Bassist #BobMarleyandTheWailers #Oldies #OldSchool #OldiesSunday #Caribbean

OLDIES SUNDAY: Aston “Family Man” Barrett – Soul Constitution (1971)

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Before we start off today’s Oldies Sunday, we want to send our condolences to the families of the late Alan Magnus, and the late Aston “Family Man” Barrett who made their transitions over the weekend. May their legacies live on.

On Oldies Sunday, we’ve highlighted many who have made the music we love. From Vocalists to Musicians, they have provided sounds and vibes beyond our imaginations, scoring hits, and faves in the process. Today, we highlight a Musician who was the backbone of a few important Bands in Jamaican Music. His name is Aston Barrett, many know him as “Family Man” Barrett, and we highlight his track, “Soul Constitution“.

Arranged by Aston Barrett and featuring Musician Glen Adams, “Soul Constitution” was released through the Star Apple label in 1971. The Instrumental track features Aston’s signature basslines, backing by additional Instruments, and a soulful vibe throughout that could easily be the theme music for a TV show. “Soul Constitution” was one of Barrett’s many productions, and was re-issued in 2016, and included in his 2016 album of the same name. It was also sampled on the 2007 track “Engine Running” by Hip Hop Artists Talib Kweli and Consequence, and Producer Madlib.

Aston “Family Man” Barrett was a member of Bob Marley & The Wailers, The Hippy Boys with Lloyd Charmers, the Barrett Brothers with his Brother Carlton, and The Upsetters with the late Lee “Scratch” Perry. He was a Producer who co-produced, engineered, and played on albums by Bob Marley & The Wailers, Judy Mowatt, Burning Spear, Keith Hudson, Augustus Pablo, Max Romeo, and many others including his own albums. He has been celebrated by many, and was recognized by legendary Musicians/Artists/Publications, and was awarded the Order of Distinction in 2021 during Jamaica’s National Honours and Awards. He was also highlighted in the upcoming “Bob Marley: One Love” Film played by his son, Aston Barrett Jr. Aston “Family Man” Barrett passed away on February 3, 2024, but left behind a legacy that will span generations, and like his nickname, a large family both biological and social.

Thank you Aston Barrett For Your Works. Sleep Well.

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Lord Hummingbird and his Orchestra "Teenage Bossa Nova Girl" on 13thStreetPromotions.com #TrinidadandTobago #Trinidad #Calypso #Music #13thStreetPromotions #AlbertoRibeiro #LordHummingbird #TeenageBossaNovaGirl #1963 #HummingbirdRecords #AlfonsoRibeiro #Oldies #OldiesSunday #OldSchool #Caribbean

OLDIES SUNDAY: Lord Hummingbird – Teenage Bossa Nova Girl (1963)

Posted on by swadedavillain

Music has always been the topic of discussion, and with it has brought on numerous trends and movements. Many individuals have stepped up to make their contributions, becoming a part of History in the process. For today’s Oldies Sunday selection, we go back a few decades, and to the twin Island of Trinidad and Tobago to check out Albert Ribeiro a.k.a. Lord Hummingbird and his Orchestra for the track, “Teenage Bossa Nova Girl“.

“Teenage Bossa Nova Girl” was released through Hummingbird Records in 1963, Lord Hummingbird shared his observations sparked by the rapid growth of the “Bossa Nova” musical movement, especially with the youth. It was encouraged to dance to the “Bossa Nova” sound, and the new sound was like nothing being played out there. Originated in Brazil in the 1950s, “Bossa Nova” is described as a relaxed style of Samba Music that blended harmonies, Classicial Guitar, Drums and Percussion, making it an extension of the Samba sound. Thanks to a few Musicians and the Film “Black Orpheus“, “Bossa Nova” created waves in South America, eventually taking over more territories, influencing generations of Musicians. Hummingbird, a Calypsonian Artist, tapped into the “Bossa Nova” sound, and made it a part of his overall sound, making him a dominant force.

“Teenage Bossa Nova Girl” quickly became a hit for Hummingbird, and helped to bring his name to more parts of the world. For those still here, Albert Ribeiro is the Grandfather of Alfonso Ribeiro, Actor and Dancer most famously known for his role as Carlton Banks in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air“. He is currently the main Host of “Dancing With The Stars“.

Not much is known about Lord Hummingbird, but since the release of “Teenage Bossa Nova Girl”, Lord Hummingbird went on to release more music. “Teenage Bossa Nova Girl” remains his most well-known release.

Thank You Lord Hummingbird For This Classic!

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OLDIES SUNDAY: Pluto Shervington – Your Honour (1975)

Posted on by swadedavillain

Recently, Jamaican music lost an Icon, the late Pluto Shervington. Quite the contributor to the culture, Shervington delivered a number of hits over the years, and lent his production prowess to a number of Artists. He will be missed by many. We’ve featured him previously, but today’s “Oldies Sunday” selection highlights his classic single, “Your Honour“.

Produced by Paul Khouri and released through the Wild Flower label in 1975, Pluto Shervington pleads his case in “Your Honour”. While held in Court, Pluto defends himself against an accusation that he was having relations with another man’s Wife. While he was caught in the couple’s bedroom closet and beaten by an angry Husband, he pleads that he is innocent, and shares that the Wife would defend him as he is a better man than the Husband. With its comedic element, “Your Honour” quickly became a hit for Pluto Shervington, securing a place in the UK Top 20 Music Chart. The song was included on the albums “Pluto” and “Again“.

Since the release of “Your Honour”, Pluto Shervington enjoyed a career locally and Internationally, performing at various venues, and releasing many more songs. Shervington transitioned on January 19, 2024, leaving behind a legacy that will be celebrated for years to come. “Your Honour” remains one of his most recognized singles.

Thank You Pluto Shervington For This Classic! Sleep Well.

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