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LP
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KSLP 008LP
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2021 repress. The Congos were formed by Cedric Myton (born 1947 St Catherine, Jamaica) and Roydel "Roy" Johnson (born 1943 Hanover, Jamaica), around the mid-seventies, a time when the Rasta message coming out of Kingston and other pockets of the Jamaican Island was at its most prominent. Cedric Myton's singing career began back in the rocksteady era in reggae's musical story. He formed the Tartans group taking lead vocal duties alongside Devon Russell, Prince Lincoln Thompson, and Lindbergh Lewis. Roydel previously sang as a member of Ras Michael and the Sons of Negas. The Congos possess what all bands look for: a unique sound that draws the listener to them. Lead singer Cedric Myton's style and phasing, with his distinctive falsetto voice makes this just the case. Built on a foundation of classic rhythms and with the aid of then producer, Lee Perry, the groups statement of intent was laid down with one succinct message. The Congos mighty 1977 Heart Of The Congos album, is quite simply one of the best reggae albums ever recorded. Producer Lee Perry had wanted to record a classic Jamaican vocal group in his newly built Black Ark Studio. The voice of Watty Burnett was added at the time to cover baritone vocal duties. The studio after various changes in equipment etc. was finally finding its way. A sound built in Lee Perry's backyard in Cardiff Crescent, Washington Gardens, Kingston, but existing until then in Mr. Lee Perry's mind. The album they cut would be the defining group release to come out of The Black Ark studios, when the vital elements, vibes, musicians, songs and singing would gel to form Heart Of The Congos.
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