Released on Nov 25 2009
#76 – Sweet Talking
“Sweet Talking” is one of the great Studio One rhythms that exemplifies the gritty yet sweet sound that Clement Dodd and his team produced in the ’60s. Enjoy this version excursion as we musically make our way through time, right up to 2009.
Heptones – Sweet Talking
Heptones – Sweet Talking Dub
Roland Alphonso & Leroy Sibbles – Sweet Soul Ride
Dennis Alcapone – Sweet Talking Version
Cornell Campbell – Sweet Talking 12″
Sugar Minott – Uptown Girl
Yellowman – What the Girls Them Like
Nadine Sutherland – If You’re Going Go
Luciano – One Way Ticket
Tony Rebel – Bonafied
Marcia Griffiths – He Will See Me Through
Lady G – When We Rock Back
Sanchez – Another Sad Love Song
Freddie McGregor – Sweet Talking
Dennis Brown – Forget Me Not
Blackstones – Young at Heart
Cornell Campbell & Dub Syndicate – Tricks
Fiona – Overcome What May
As a tribute to the late Wycliffe “Steely” Johnson, who passed away last month, I’m presenting an unreleased interview–never heard until now–with Cleveland “Clevie” Browne, who along with Steely, were Jamaica’s top musicians and producers during the mid to late 80s into the early ’90s. Very seldom does a working musical partnership last so long and include so much success. This interview was recorded in February of 2008. Clevie had just come back from the first annual Reggae Academy Awards show in Jamaica. He talked about his run with Steely as they recorded at breakneck pace and delivered classic one-rhythm albums to VP in the US. I asked Clevie about today’s deejays compared to people he’d worked with in the past like Tiger and Gregory Peck. He spoke about recording the Joe Gibbs tribute album and remembering the smell and taste of the studio and other studios like Channel One. Perhaps most important to Clevie is keeping the older Jamaican music styles alive. You’ll realize his commitment when you listen to this interview.
It was hot and humid in the Golden Touch studio during tonight’s recording. In the coming weeks and months, some studio equipment will be swapped out for new pieces and the studio will be in a state of flux. I’m also getting married in September so things will just be generally busy. It’s very possible that there will not be another Reggae Rhythm Update episode until October. I hope you will stay subscribed because I plan to continue with Reggae Rhythm Update for a very long time. Thanks to listener Lynda for suggesting this ska show. 
Tonight’s show is a special tribute to the late troubled man with an amazing career. After the reggae cover versions–some beautiful and some barely passable–I play a request for a listener that called in to the voice mail line. Thanks to all the people that have been posting comments on the web site, e-mailing me, and leaving voice mails. It means a lot to me to know that you appreciate the thought that goes into these shows.
Thanks to a great suggestion by listener Randy, I put together a handful of versions of the Sensations (featuring Johnny Osbourne on lead) “Come Back Darling” rhythm. Then it’s a longer version excursion of the Paragons (featuring John Holt) “Come Back Darling.” I hope you like both of these songs. Otherwise you’re in for a long night!