Perfect for a hot summer’s day of sounds, these four reissues by Omnivore Records brings back some vintage reggae grooves from the legendary Nighthawk record label.
Vocalist Junior Byles had a series of minor Jamaican hits, but his mental instability kept him from creating any kind of a career with traction. That didn’t prevent him from releasing some strong studio albums, such as this 1978 Rasta No Pickpocket, which was one of his last sessions. The team of Flaba Holt/b, Style Scott/dr, Bingy Bunny, Steely & Bubbler/key and a hip horn section make for some vintage pulses on material like the infectious “Thanks and Praise” and title track. There are some remixed versions of the tunes, filling up the album to an acceptable length.
Ronnie Davis was member of the famed Tennors and Itals before going out on his own, and this 1996 album reunites him with vocalists Robert Doctor & Roy Smith and with Chinna Smith/g, Flabba Holt, Bingy Bunny/g, Patrick Murray/key and others come up with a strong album. Lots of social and spiritual issues are referred to here in pieces like “Respect Your Elders,” “Jah is My Light,” “and “Move On Oppressor” while the soul love tune “Won’t You Come” is a rich and enticing delight. Wonders abound.
Lead by vocalist Leonard Dillon, Ethiopian and Gladiotors’ Dread Prophecy from 1986 is a highlight of the very successful band. They go back to their roots here, with legendary producer Sylvan Morris creating a rich sound for pieces like “Dread Dub” and “Prepared Dub” that add extra texture. The four piece horn section brings a nice jazzy feel to the grooves of these 8 earthy tunes.
Winston Jarrett is one of the sadly overlooked reggae artists, with a rich voice that works well with all star vocalists Eggar Gordon/Junior Green and a team of Dwight Pinkney-Chinna Smith/g, Clinton Fearon/b, Santa Davis/dr and a sizzling percussion and steamy horn section. The 1989 album includes the anthem “Knotty got to Find a Way” and the iconic “Babylon Broke Dung Me House.” The sound is polished but still sweaty.
Lots of rich sounds and tones to sip down with.