Just found this again - well worth a listen!

This is a Jamaican record but it had the same effect on me as my northern favourites did when I first heard them..I was just blown away by this. And I'll tell you why.

This guys voice is fantastic, it always is/was, but it's the incessant one note played by the baritone sax and that fantastic guitar playing the background which plays a really melancholy tune towards the end of each verse.

No doubt every one will disagree but I think this qualifies as a soul record.

Edited March 4, 200718 yr by Pete-S

This is a Jamaican record but it had the same effect on me as my northern favourites did when I first heard them..I was just blown away by this. And I'll tell you why.

This guys voice is fantastic, it always is/was, but it's the incessant one note played by the baritone sax and that fantastic guitar playing the background which plays a really melancholy tune towards the end of each verse.

No doubt every one will disagree but I think this qualifies as a soul record.

Quality Pete . Def. soulful IMHO . Always had a soft spot for ska / JA soul stuff ( Unfortunatley sold half my collection when I was 16 to a dealer in Brum - Icicle ? / Other half thru RC mag - 300+ BB / DB/ Island etc . You'd a loved it.. )

BTW - Had an LP - Jump Jamaica Way - Seem to remember a crackin soulful cut on there from a male duo ? Brill LP too.

ATB

Rich

Is it really by Slim Smith, or were you having a bit of a laff?

Is it really by Slim Smith, or were you having a bit of a laff?

No it's Slim Smith mate, why would I joke about it?

Quality Pete . Def. soulful IMHO . Always had a soft spot for ska / JA soul stuff ( Unfortunatley sold half my collection when I was 16 to a dealer in Brum - Icicle ? / Other half thru RC mag - 300+ BB / DB/ Island etc . You'd a loved it.. )

BTW - Had an LP - Jump Jamaica Way - Seem to remember a crackin soulful cut on there from a male duo ? Brill LP too.

ATB

Rich

DOES IT FOR ME TOO..GREW UP WITH SKA & SOUL SO CAN NEVER SEE THE PROBLEM !!! CHRIS M

Quality Pete . Def. soulful IMHO . Always had a soft spot for ska / JA soul stuff ( Unfortunatley sold half my collection when I was 16 to a dealer in Brum - Icicle ? / Other half thru RC mag - 300+ BB / DB/ Island etc . You'd a loved it.. )

BTW - Had an LP - Jump Jamaica Way - Seem to remember a crackin soulful cut on there from a male duo ? Brill LP too.

ATB

Rich

Rich I've got that LP.

I'll do you a track list in a minute, see if you can remember what it was

Rich I've got that LP.

I'll do you a track list in a minute, see if you can remember what it was

Cheers Pete!

No it's Slim Smith mate, why would I joke about it?

I dunno could have been one you discovered and covered maybe ... Maybe not, I'll get me coat.

Definitely soul - superb.

Hammy

I dunno could have been one you discovered and covered maybe ... Maybe not, I'll get me coat.

No he's a legendary singer, originally with the Techniques, then the Uniques, two of Jamaica's finest groups...died in 1972 or 73, smashed a window trying to get into his house and bled to death

This is a Jamaican record but it had the same effect on me as my northern favourites did when I first heard them..I was just blown away by this. And I'll tell you why.

This guys voice is fantastic, it always is/was, but it's the incessant one note played by the baritone sax and that fantastic guitar playing the background which plays a really melancholy tune towards the end of each verse.

No doubt every one will disagree but I think this qualifies as a soul record.

Hi Pete great tune IMHO Got a few that may be in the same category.Billy Tircuit..I confess...Bonatemp?Bluesbusters Can't believe your gone...Bra?

Can't do sound bites tho ATB Steve

Definitely soul - superb.

Hammy

I'm really really pleased to hear you say that Hammy. Gives me confidence to post another of his tracks which I've been meaning to do for ages, though my copy is a bit scratched up.

On this one his 'pleading' becomes almost hysterical towards the end, it's a real heartbreaking vocal and the backing singers add a great atmosphere to the track.

It's called Out Of Love or The One That Love Forgot (they can't make their mind up, I've got it as both)

I'm really really pleased to hear you say that Hammy. Gives me confidence to post another of his tracks which I've been meaning to do for ages, though my copy is a bit scratched up.

On this one his 'pleading' becomes almost hysterical towards the end, it's a real heartbreaking vocal and the backing singers add a great atmosphere to the track.

It's called Out Of Love or The One That Love Forgot (they can't make their mind up, I've got it as both)

IT'S A CRACKER PETE,,,KEEP'EM COMING

IT'S A CRACKER PETE,,,KEEP'EM COMING

i'D BEST NOT KEEP EM COMING MATE AS SOMEONE WILL TELL ME TO TAKE IT ELSEWHERE oops sorry about the capitals...but I've got to send this up, this is probably my favourite ever rocksteady record and it is just simply beautiful, it's like a group harmony record...fantastic record from The Techniques

One more, I think I get more soul collectors asking me for this record than anything else apart from Wide Awake In A Dream..."The Loser"

I'm really really pleased to hear you say that Hammy. Gives me confidence to post another of his tracks which I've been meaning to do for ages, though my copy is a bit scratched up.

On this one his 'pleading' becomes almost hysterical towards the end, it's a real heartbreaking vocal and the backing singers add a great atmosphere to the track.

It's called Out Of Love or The One That Love Forgot (they can't make their mind up, I've got it as both)

Another quality tune IMHO.......thanks for the chance to hear them.ATB Steve

Hi Pete great tune IMHO Got a few that may be in the same category.Billy Tircuit..I confess...Bonatemp?Bluesbusters Can't believe your gone...Bra?

Can't do sound bites tho ATB Steve

I know the Bluesbusters but definitely never heard of the other one...that definitely the right name?

i'D BEST NOT KEEP EM COMING MATE AS SOMEONE WILL TELL ME TO TAKE IT ELSEWHERE oops sorry about the capitals...but I've got to send this up, this is probably my favourite ever rocksteady record and it is just simply beautiful, it's like a group harmony record...fantastic record from The Techniques

Take your point ...but to me it's always been soulfull and deserves it's place on a soul-site soul is a feeling ...if it moves me it's soul

Track listing for Jump jamaica Way..

maytals - four seasons

don drummond - green island

maytals - 6 and 7 books of moses

don drummond - looking through the window

harris seaton - tell me

r. willis - it's raining

lester sterling - out of nowhere

charmers - long walk home

alton & eddy - yours

winston stewart - i don't know

roland alphonso - down beat special

tommy mccook - patricia

only tracks 5 & 6 side 1 and 3 & 4 side 2 could be anywhere near the one you were thinking of

I know the Bluesbusters but definitely never heard of the other one...that definitely the right name?

Hi Pete ,yep thats the guys name...its the flip to a ballad "I was a fool" label N0 B-802 Penned by

SAX KARI.....ATB Steve

Track listing for Jump jamaica Way..

maytals - four seasons

don drummond - green island

maytals - 6 and 7 books of moses

don drummond - looking through the window

harris seaton - tell me

r. willis - it's raining

lester sterling - out of nowhere

charmers - long walk home

alton & eddy - yours

winston stewart - i don't know

roland alphonso - down beat special

tommy mccook - patricia

only tracks 5 & 6 side 1 and 3 & 4 side 2 could be anywhere near the one you were thinking of

Many thanks Pete - Now I don't know! But I DO remember loving this LP to bits . Will maybe have to get one of those re-presses if they still do them.

ATB

Rich

This is a Jamaican record but it had the same effect on me as my northern favourites did when I first heard them..I was just blown away by this. And I'll tell you why.

This guys voice is fantastic, it always is/was, but it's the incessant one note played by the baritone sax and that fantastic guitar playing the background which plays a really melancholy tune towards the end of each verse.

No doubt every one will disagree but I think this qualifies as a soul record.

PETE................ many thanks for putting this up, WHAT a vocal. Keep em coming , i suppose its sh*t rare???..... cost, label

what's not to like about that?

great record and def soulful IMO pete

soul's about the vocal not the beat, doesn't have to be 4-4 time does it?

PETE................ many thanks for putting this up, WHAT a vocal. Keep em coming , i suppose its sh*t rare???..... cost, label

I think it probably is rare as it is Jamaican only mate - Coxsone CSD 166 from 1966. The confusing thing is that this is called keep That Light but he also had one called keep That Light Shining On Me which came out 3 years later on Unity and they are totally different. That might be why I only recently heard this one, because I thought it was the other one which I already knew.

Hi Pete great tune IMHO Got a few that may be in the same category.Billy Tircuit..I confess...Bonatemp?Bluesbusters Can't believe your gone...Bra?

Can't do sound bites tho ATB Steve

Steve are you saying thats a Jamaican record because I've got no trace of either title, artist, label or number and I'm using a database of over 20,000 tracks here.

By the way if anyone wants this database - you can sort by artist/ title/ label/ ja matrix/ uk matrix/ producer - it's the greatest guide to jamaican music I've ever seen. Every UK label listed fully as well, a & b sides. Very very expensive (but I might know a cheap source)

Steve are you saying thats a Jamaican record because I've got no trace of either title, artist, label or number and I'm using a database of over 20,000 tracks here.

By the way if anyone wants this database - you can sort by artist/ title/ label/ ja matrix/ uk matrix/ producer - it's the greatest guide to jamaican music I've ever seen. Every UK label listed fully as well, a & b sides. Very very expensive (but I might know a cheap source)

Hi Pete,If you PM your 'phone No I will play it for you.It sounds Jamaican BUT I do not know if it is ATB Steve

One more, I think I get more soul collectors asking me for this record than anything else apart from Wide Awake In A Dream..."The Loser"

IT'S SUPERB..PIANO.... HARMONIES...LUV IT !!

I'm dead chuffed that so many people had a listen to these, I found 3 more by The Uniques / Slim Smith that I thought people might like, one of them (the second track) is sadly more famous as something else, see if you can remember what (Gene R may not apply)...

the first one is a brilliant version of The Impressions Gypsy Woman done as a rocksteady slow-burner

Ok the second is the track who's backing was pinched for another track which became a hit record...boooo!!!

The third is just too good to put into words...and they are obviously doing it live in the studio too

Edited March 28, 200619 yr by Pete-S

I'm really really pleased to hear you say that Hammy. Gives me confidence to post another of his tracks which I've been meaning to do for ages, though my copy is a bit scratched up.

On this one his 'pleading' becomes almost hysterical towards the end, it's a real heartbreaking vocal and the backing singers add a great atmosphere to the track.

It's called Out Of Love or The One That Love Forgot (they can't make their mind up, I've got it as both)

Pete - of course they are soul records. Sure the beat is different, but the vocals are laden with emotion. Personally I've always thought there should be a place on this scene for soulful vocals - no matter what the tempo or the beat.

Hammy

I'm dead chuffed that so many people had a listen to these, I found 3 more by The Uniques / Slim Smith that I thought people might like, one of them (the second track) is sadly more famous as something else, see if you can remember what (Gene R may not apply)...

the first one is a brilliant version of The Impressions Gypsy Woman done as a rocksteady slow-burner

Ok the second is the track who's backing was pinched for another track which became a hit record...boooo!!!

The third is just too good to put into words...and they are obviously doing it live in the studio too

YEP ANOTHER SET OF GOODIES !! ONLY GOT THE FIRST TRACK BUT MANAGED TO HEAR THEM ALL NOW...GREAT STUFF !!!!!!

Edited March 28, 200619 yr by bearsoul

One more, I think I get more soul collectors asking me for this record than anything else apart from Wide Awake In A Dream..."The Loser"

Christ mate................. this one blew me away ........... totally , that is a soul record. Again whats the chances of owning a copy............... slim . REALLY enjoying this topic........ well done sir

Christ mate................. this one blew me away ........... totally , that is a soul record. Again whats the chances of owning a copy............... slim . REALLY enjoying this topic........ well done sir

I have this on UK island and it took my a long long time to get it, condition is rather poor but sod it, I've got it so I'm happy! You'd be looking at maybe £125 for a minter I think.

Hi Pete,If you PM your 'phone No I will play it for you.It sounds Jamaican BUT I do not know if it is ATB Steve

If it says Sax Kari it is most definitely Detroit...early Detroit.

Great Rcoksteady tune indeed...is it Slim Smith ?

sorry just saw you already shed the light on this...

Edited March 28, 200619 yr by Marc Forrest

If it says Sax Kari it is most definitely Detroit...early Detroit.

Hi Marc ,done a little research ........Billy will be 70 in June this year and is still singing!He is from New Orleans But this track I listed sounds so Jamaican.........Try and find his photo on a GOOGLE search ATB Stevie

Here you go Stevie

Here you go Stevie

Hi Marc ,thats one of 'em Have you found the one that looks as tho' it was taken last week?ATB Stevie

Hi Marc ,thats one of 'em Have you found the one that looks as tho' it was taken last week?ATB Stevie

Yeah (sadly) I did

I'm dead chuffed that so many people had a listen to these, I found 3 more by The Uniques / Slim Smith that I thought people might like, one of them (the second track) is sadly more famous as something else, see if you can remember what (Gene R may not apply)...

the first one is a brilliant version of The Impressions Gypsy Woman done as a rocksteady slow-burner

Ok the second is the track who's backing was pinched for another track which became a hit record...boooo!!!

The third is just too good to put into words...and they are obviously doing it live in the studio too

Ha !, 2nd track (My Conversation) was ripped off by Judge Dread but is far more famous (or imfamous ) as the record that we send folks home with at our Modernism nights.

Some nice stuff you posted up there Pete

Had a copy of The Loser years ago & moved it on as you do, More fool me eh

Always thought Keith "Slim" Smith committed suicide in 1973 though? Great voice without a doubt.

Ha !, 2nd track (My Conversation) was ripped off by Judge Dread but is far more famous (or imfamous ) as the record that we send folks home with at our Modernism nights.

Some nice stuff you posted up there Pete

Had a copy of The Loser years ago & moved it on as you do, More fool me eh

Always thought Keith "Slim" Smith committed suicide in 1973 though? Great voice without a doubt.

Well if he committed suicide, he did it by cutting his wrist on a broken window...

If this shows up looking all weird, blame the site not me, it was fine when I pasted it in then once posted, it lost all formatting..

One of the most soulful and accomplished singers of Jamaica's ska, rocksteady, and early reggae eras, Slim Smith found his biggest success from 1965 until his premature death at age 25 in 1973. Although according to various reports stating he had a troubled and unstable life, Smith will best be remembered for his stunning contributions to reggae's vocal tradition. Slim Smith (born Keith Smith) was born in Jamaica in 1948. He got his start in the early '60s with producer Clement "Coxsone" Dodd, working both as a solo act and as part of the vocal group the Techniques. Thanks to his already powerful and singular voice (his falsetto-capable tenor contained shades of both Sam Cooke and his hero, Curtis Mayfield), Smith soon took over the lead spot in the Techniques. In addition to their many hits on Dodd's Studio One label, the group cut several smashes for Dodd's rival at the time, Duke Reid. Under Reid's watch, they scored with "Queen Majesty," "Traveling Man," and "My Girl." Following his stint with the Techniques, Smith returned to Dodd for more solo work. Recorded during the late ska and early rocksteady periods from 1966-1967, Smith's second round of solo sides included hits like "Rougher Yet," "I'll Never Let Go," "Try Again," and "Mercy Mercy," among many others (several of these Studio One records would later be endlessly versioned during the early dancehall period of 1979-1984). Next, Smith suspended his solo career once again to join the Uniques, a group which featured singers Jimmy Riley and Lloyd Charmers. While they had already cut many impressive sides with other lead vocalists, the group would find their greatest success with Smith, both on the charts and in terms of quality. In addition to a fine session for producer Willie Lowe in 1968, the Uniques cut their best sides for Bunny "Striker" Lee from 1967-1968. The band racked up a steady stream of hits for Lee, including "My Conversation," "Girls Like Dirt," "Gypsy Woman," "Story of Love," and "The Beatitudes." Switching back again, Smith recommenced his solo career in 1969, cutting many quality sides for Lee until his death in 1973. As was the vogue during the rocksteady and early reggae years, Smith included soul covers amongst the many fine originals and Jamaican standards he cut at the time. Along with such peculiarities as the Shirelles' hit by Goffin and King, "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow," Smith put his distinctive stamp on "Spanish Harlem," Cooke's "Send Me Some Loving," Mayfield's "It's Alright," Billy Stewart's "Sitting in the Park," and Eddie Floyd's "Don't Tell Your Mama" and "Stand Up and Fight." Smith even paid homage to his Jamaican musical peers by cutting some tracks by fellow rocksteady and reggae singing star Delroy Wilson. Having finished up with some of the strongest work of his career, Smith's run came to an abrupt end in 1973. The cause of his death is not certain. One story has it that Smith, severely depressed over the impression that rival singer Roy Shirley's career was being pushed at the cost of his own, smashed in a window with his hand and bled to death as he walked off into the night. Another account comes from singing partner Jimmy Riley, who says that Smith returned from a late-night party, found himself locked out of his house, smashed the window, and bled to death before anyone found him. Whether his death was caused by depression and subsequently suicide is still not really known. Thankfully, Smith's musical legacy lives on with several reissues of his best work. A chunk of his work with the Techniques is available on the Heartbeat collection Run Come Celebrate, while a good portion of the Uniques tracks for Reid can be found on Trojan's Best of the Uniques (1967-1969). As for his solo material, the Studio One years are covered on Heartbeat's reissue of the Born to Love album, while much of the later material from 1969-1973 is covered on Trojan's Rain From the Skies and West Side's A Unique Technique. ~ Stephen Cook, All Music Guide

Edited March 28, 200619 yr by Pete-S

If this shows up looking all weird, blame the site not me, it was fine when I pasted it in then once posted, it lost all formatting..

One of the most soulful and accomplished singers of Jamaica's ska, rocksteady, and early reggae eras, Slim Smith found his biggest success from 1965 until his premature death at age 25 in 1973. Although according to various reports stating he had a troubled and unstable life, Smith will best be remembered for his stunning contributions to reggae's vocal tradition. Slim Smith (born Keith Smith) was born in Jamaica in 1948. He got his start in the early '60s with producer Clement "Coxsone" Dodd, working both as a solo act and as part of the vocal group the Techniques. Thanks to his already powerful and singular voice (his falsetto-capable tenor contained shades of both Sam Cooke and his hero, Curtis Mayfield), Smith soon took over the lead spot in the Techniques. In addition to their many hits on Dodd's Studio One label, the group cut several smashes for Dodd's rival at the time, Duke Reid. Under Reid's watch, they scored with "Queen Majesty," "Traveling Man," and "My Girl." Following his stint with the Techniques, Smith returned to Dodd for more solo work. Recorded during the late ska and early rocksteady periods from 1966-1967, Smith's second round of solo sides included hits like "Rougher Yet," "I'll Never Let Go," "Try Again," and "Mercy Mercy," among many others (several of these Studio One records would later be endlessly versioned during the early dancehall period of 1979-1984). Next, Smith suspended his solo career once again to join the Uniques, a group which featured singers Jimmy Riley and Lloyd Charmers. While they had already cut many impressive sides with other lead vocalists, the group would find their greatest success with Smith, both on the charts and in terms of quality. In addition to a fine session for producer Willie Lowe in 1968, the Uniques cut their best sides for Bunny "Striker" Lee from 1967-1968. The band racked up a steady stream of hits for Lee, including "My Conversation," "Girls Like Dirt," "Gypsy Woman," "Story of Love," and "The Beatitudes." Switching back again, Smith recommenced his solo career in 1969, cutting many quality sides for Lee until his death in 1973. As was the vogue during the rocksteady and early reggae years, Smith included soul covers amongst the many fine originals and Jamaican standards he cut at the time. Along with such peculiarities as the Shirelles' hit by Goffin and King, "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow," Smith put his distinctive stamp on "Spanish Harlem," Cooke's "Send Me Some Loving," Mayfield's "It's Alright," Billy Stewart's "Sitting in the Park," and Eddie Floyd's "Don't Tell Your Mama" and "Stand Up and Fight." Smith even paid homage to his Jamaican musical peers by cutting some tracks by fellow rocksteady and reggae singing star Delroy Wilson. Having finished up with some of the strongest work of his career, Smith's run came to an abrupt end in 1973. The cause of his death is not certain. One story has it that Smith, severely depressed over the impression that rival singer Roy Shirley's career was being pushed at the cost of his own, smashed in a window with his hand and bled to death as he walked off into the night. Another account comes from singing partner Jimmy Riley, who says that Smith returned from a late-night party, found himself locked out of his house, smashed the window, and bled to death before anyone found him. Whether his death was caused by depression and subsequently suicide is still not really known. Thankfully, Smith's musical legacy lives on with several reissues of his best work. A chunk of his work with the Techniques is available on the Heartbeat collection Run Come Celebrate, while a good portion of the Uniques tracks for Reid can be found on Trojan's Best of the Uniques (1967-1969). As for his solo material, the Studio One years are covered on Heartbeat's reissue of the Born to Love album, while much of the later material from 1969-1973 is covered on Trojan's Rain From the Skies and West Side's A Unique Technique. ~ Stephen Cook, All Music Guide

BLOODY HELL..as RON WEASLEY said. Stevie

I don't think I've ever heard a bad record by Slim Smith or Pat Kelly, both really soulful voices.

I had always hated "Moving Away" till I heard Ken Boothe's version, it sounds more soulful to me than Kenny Lynch even if it is reggae.

Crumb

I don't think I've ever heard a bad record by Slim Smith or Pat Kelly, both really soulful voices.

I had always hated "Moving Away" till I heard Ken Boothe's version, it sounds more soulful to me than Kenny Lynch even if it is reggae.

Crumb

Coincidentally, I posted the ken Boothe version up a while back. Though I don't really ike either version to be honest!

Hi Pete,If you PM your 'phone No I will play it for you.It sounds Jamaican BUT I do not know if it is ATB Steve

THANKS FOR CALLING ME TOO STEVIE IT'S GREAT BUT NOT CONVINCED IT'S JAMAICAN..BIT RUM THOUGH..AND I THINK IT'S A HIT ..HOPE TO HEAR IT OUT SOON !!!

Just found this again - well worth a listen! (To the Slim Smith track in the first post I mean)

I like the first posted record ( Keep that light). But is it a soul record. To me obviously not. Soulful, yes. But we are talking about genres here. And surely this is not just a matter of soulful lyrics. If that were the case John Keats' "Ode on melancholy'' put to a tune would be a soul record.

Johnny even gets soul in in the last line. Maybe he forsaw this moment.

Edited March 4, 200718 yr by Billy Freemantle

Heay Pete, Perhaps You Might Like This One What Has Carolyn Franklin Helping Out On The Background. It's An Old Glenroy "Ernie" Smith Song That I Can't Post Most Complete Cause Ernies People Get Right Stroppy If Do-Re-Mi Isn't Involved.

Jimmy_Radcliffe_Pitta_Patta_c_.mp3

Just found this again - well worth a listen!

This is a Jamaican record but it had the same effect on me as my northern favourites did when I first heard them..I was just blown away by this. And I'll tell you why.

This guys voice is fantastic, it always is/was, but it's the incessant one note played by the baritone sax and that fantastic guitar playing the background which plays a really melancholy tune towards the end of each verse.

No doubt every one will disagree but I think this qualifies as a soul record.

Impeccable taste as always Pete,thanks

I like the first posted record ( Keep that light). But is it a soul record. To me obviously not. Soulful, yes.

I agree with this statement. Very soulful but rocksteady at the end of the day.

I agree with this statement. Very soulful but rocksteady at the end of the day.

Dont know Pete...depends on which way one cuts the cloth...I have heard Jamaican soul..there are some who would call it rocksteady...but i would call it soul...at the end of the day..I think it is down to individual taste..btw love the music you posted babe..got anymore???? Delxx