The trio to beat all trios
Sean M. Kelly | Portland, Oregon United States | 09/17/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"More than any other vocal trio, the Heptones are the benchmark against which all other vocal trios in Jamaica were, and still are, measured, and their legenday sessions at Coxsone Dodd's Studio One are among the finest examples of rocksteady that you will ever find.The trio, consisting of lead vocalist/writer Leroy Sibbles, Barry Llewellyn, and Earl Morgan, came into their own with the rise of the rocksteady movement in the mid 60's, and with their move from the Caltone label (which released one of the most unusual recordings of both the Heptones and all of Jamaican music, the bizarre "Gun Men Coming to Town," the trio's interpretation of the "William Tell Overture") to the famed Studio One, the band hit their collective stride and never looked back.This cd is a treasure trove for any fan of the Heptones for a few reasons:1). The music is top rate- no fluff or filler on this cd. The collection beautifully showcases Leroy Sibbles' delicate and pure tenor voice, as well as his gifted songwriting talents.2). The choice of songs is great- the covers of the pop chestnut "Sea of Love," Curtis Mayfield's classic "Choice of Colors," Nina Simone's "Young, Gifted, and Black," Phil Spector's "You've Lost That Loving Feeling," and even Bob Dylan's "I Shall Be Released," highlight the trio's wonderful sense of harmonies and how that could take any tune and with their signature style, make it their own. Not to be overlooked are the original tunes, including "Ting a Ling," and "Love Me With All of Your Heart," both of which are classics.3). Those voices. Sibble's beautiful tenor is mostly showcased on the lp, but Llewellyn is featured on "Stick Man," and "Nine Pounds of Steel." Morgan is the harmony man par excellence. Put em together and you have melt in your mouth vocal perfection.My only complaint is that the cd isn't a double cd, which would allow many of the trio's other big hits, such as "Pretty Looks," "I Hold the Handle," "Equal Rights," and "Party Time," to be included. I also wish more of Llewellyn's compositions could have been used- again I mention his "Pretty Looks." Despite those petty gripes, this collection is beautifully done, showcasing rocksteady's foremost group. A group that stands the test of time beautifully, the Heptones are to die for."
Heptones at their best
CG | Burlington, KY USA | 12/08/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Clearly one of the best efforts by the Heptones. A WONDERFUL disk packed with some of the best classic reggae ever recorded. Notable tunes include Stick Man, I Shall Be Released and the beautiful Nine Pounds of Steel. A must for Heptones fans or lovers of classic reggae. Just they don't make em' like this anymore..."
Track Listings (16) - Disc #1
