Released on Aug 04 2008
#56 - Delroy Wright of Live & Learn Part 1
This is your opportunity to hear a rare interview with Live & Learn label owner, Delroy Wright. Most active as a producer during the ’80s, he produced the Mighty Diamonds, Wailing Souls, Michael Prophet, and many more. You’ll hear about them all in two separate parts. Part 1 begins with Delroy’s early years in Jamaica and the influence of his father’s sound system, the family’s migration to the U.S., and his and his brother’s start in the music business. You’ll hear about Delroy’s band selection process when it’s time to record, an interesting view of Barrington Levy, and thoughts about other artists.
Michael Prophet - 2000 Years
Wailing Souls - Kingston Fourteen
Al Campbell - Forward Natty
Barrington Levy - Juggling Soldier
Dennis Brown - Things In Life
Wayne Wade - She Don’t Love Me
Mighty Diamonds - Girl You’re Too Young
Barrington Levy - Some Girls Are Trouble
Beres Hammond - Never Let You Go
Michael Prophet - Haul and Pull
Wayne Wade - Melting Pot
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.”
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.
