Released on Jul 23 2008
#55 - Cherry oh Baby Part 2
Part two of the “Cherry oh Baby” rhythm update. This episode was a blast to record because I felt so comfortable with the early ’90s stuff. That’s the time when I was most actively going to sound system dances and stage shows in Boston. Hearing version after version of digital rhythms sounded so good. I hope you enjoy the little sequence I put together for you here. I’m issuing a parental warning for the lyrical content of Junior Demus’ “Wicked.”
Junior Demus - Wicked
Junior Demus - Wicked Version
Cutty Ranks - Move Up
Garnet Silk & Tony Rebel - Christian Soldiers
Terry Ganzie - Play Big
Tony Rebel - Sweet Jamaica
Born Jamericans - Sweet Honey
Beenie Man - Steve Biko
Richie Spice - Land of Jamaica
Audrey Hall - Fading Away
George Nooks - Over and Over
Pama International & Michie One - Highrise 12″
Eric Donaldson’s “Cherry oh Baby,” and the versions it inspired are the focus of the show. The original was the 1971 Jamaican Festival Song Winner. The rhythm is so popular that it will take two shows to play the best of the best.
Enjoy a new duet from Etana and Alborosie, some quick rhythm updates, and then settle in for a version excursion on the “My Heart Is Gone” rhythm.
On this program, you’ll hear an interview with acton/singer Leon, who has starred and co-starred in films including Cool Runnings, The Five Heartbeats, Cliffhanger, Above the Rim, and Waiting To Exhale, among many others. I think I first noticed Leon through his appearance in Madonna’s controversial “Like a Prayer” music video in 1989. During this interview, Leon spoke to me about his current CD, The Road Less Traveled, and plans for the music on his next album. We talked growing up with Rasta friends in New York, spending time in Jamaica, his musical influences, Beres Hammond producing his first song, and catering to his female fans.
On this episode, I honor more of reggae’s founding fathers. After listening back to the show, I realized I made a mistake regarding an engineer on the Abyssinians - Satta Massagana album. I said Clive Chin but the correct name is Clive Hunt. If you missed Fathers of Reggae Part 1, please check episode #36 for a show featuring Gregory Isaacs, Bob Marley, and Freddie McGregor.
