Released on Jul 21 2008
#54 - Cherry oh Baby Part 1
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.
Eric Donaldson - Cherry oh Baby
Dennis Alcapone - Ripe Cherry
Phyllis Dillon - Eddie oh Baby
Freddie McGregor - Cherry oh Baby
Supercat & Trevor Sparks - Dolly My Baby
Shaka Shamba - Reggae Fight
Cobra - Tek Him
Spanner Banner - Michelle
Pinchers - Send Another One Come
Buju Banton - Move You Body
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.
Reggae Rhythm Update reaches a small milestone with 50 episodes. First up is one of my favorite rhythms, Alton Ellis’ precious and short, “A Fool.” After that, it’s another version excursion with Otis Gayle’s version of the Spinners’ “I’ll Be Around.” Both of these are Studio One rhythms. One correction: At the 1:42 mark I say, “90 minutes of Studio One brilliance.” I meant to say “90 seconds…” in reference to the very short Alton Ellis track that is about to end.
