yardie's reggae collection
- artist page
JOHN HOLT
2000 VOLTS OF HOLT
* * * /
1976 - Trojan - studio - discs: 1
John Holt (1947) reinvented himself through the different periods of the jamaican music. After "The Paragons" late 60's material he ventured to new musical territories. This collection is made of his typical strings accompaniments tracks: some sort of Motown sound mix with a Lovers Rock attitude. The general sound is not jamaican at all and the album will be appreciated by the lovers of the black american 70's pop. Disappointing for the Roots Reggae fans but very interesting for those that know that the 70's were not only Bob Marley.
POLICE IN HELICOPTER
* * * /
1982 - Greensleeves - studio - discs: 1
In 1982 the veteran John Holt was back again with this set produced and heavily influenced by the mainly Dancehall producer Henry "Junjo" Lawes. Employing as usual the Roots Radics to provide the right touch, Lawes made the former Paragon member a new sensation thanks to his tough early 80's musical approach. After listening to this set it is understandable how the audience was impressed and astounded when listening to the former love tunes crooner delivering some late Roots atmospheres. Through ten tracks Holt delivers a Roots sounding mood that reaches the high points in songs like the title track "Police In Helicopter", "Last Train From The Ghetto", the easy lyrics of "Beach Party" and "Chanting". The great title track is a political song, with Holt expressing his opposition against the anti-ganja measures of the Prime Mininster Edward Seaga (in conjunction with at that time U.S. President Ronald Regan). The set was engineered by Soljie and recorded and mixed at Channel One.
yardie-reggae.com - 2007