I think I have something by U-Roy on a Blood and Fire (Mick Hucknall backed label) compilation.
But I admit I couldn't pick him out of a lineup of reggae toasters.
RIP, anyways.
It was only 5 minutes ago that I saw the term 'reggae toaster' for the first time. If someone had asked me to name my favourite reggae toaster, I'd have said a De Longhi 4 slice.
In Jamaican sound systems, they were known as DJs and the person changing the records was the selector. U-Roy worked on King Tubby's Sound System. DJ's had been toasting over records for a while but King Tubby started producing dub plates, with no or few vocals on so selectors could play them and U-Roy and other DJs could fully exhibit their vocal talents. Popular versions were then made into records, the best known example would be Uptown Top Ranking by Althea and Donna.
The history of this is complex. Alton Ellis released a song in 1967 called "I'm Still in Love". Marcia Aitken used the same music to make "I'm Still in Love With You Boy", then Trinity made "Three Piece Suit" and then Althea and Donna made "Uptown Top Ranking", which was "answer record" - it used exactly the same instrumental track, with the lyrics continuing the theme, something else that had been popularized in sound systems.
Dub then became a genre in its own right as King Tubby and other producers started creating ever more experimental sounds notably King Tubbys Meets Rockers Uptown and similarly titled releases.
U-roy was adept at scat-singing. Melodic, fascinating toasting.
There was a decent R4 piece on King Tubby recently.
it used exactly the same instrumental track
Ah, I never knew that.
I’ve got a fair bit of stuff that has U-Roy on it, although I’d have to make a point of finding out exactly what. Plenty of King Tubby and others.
Wasn’t there an I-Roy as well?
If someone had asked me to name my favourite reggae toaster, I'd have said a De Longhi 4 slice.What is reggae about it?
I came across this, on the Nice & Easy Riddim - three superb vocalists/DJs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_C8Vrg6TA6U
Wasn’t there an I-Roy as well?
Yes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sERCHF__2xM
Was he on Apple?
ha ha
I've just been enjoying Three Piece Suit and Thing by Trinity. It's great.
For some reason the version of Uptown Top Rankin I carry about in my head is the horrific TOTP one with the incredibly white BBC band playing backing.
"I say Gerald, we have to tidy this beat up a bit, it's all over the place"
Fuck. Needs it’s own thread surely?
I don't know the conventions of the Music folder so just added my comment to what looked like the most appropriate thread. Don't let me stop you setting up a thread.
We have conventions?
Sure I’ll set one up.