yardie's reggae collection
- artist page
|
THE
CONGOS
HEART OF THE CONGOS * * * * * 
1976-1977 - Blood & Fire - studio - discs: 1This set from The Congos was produced, recorded and mixed by the great Lee "Scratch" Perry at his Black Ark Studio between 1976 ans 1977. This set is worldwide considered, by both Reggae historians and fans, a masterpiece. More than this, many consider this set as the best album that came out of the Black Ark Studio. From my point of view The Heptons' "Party Time" (1977) is highly superior, but this is a different story. We are here for The Congos: Cedric Myton and Roydel Johnson. Mr.Myton was born in 1947 in the St.Catherine Parish. His career started as a member of the Tartans along with Devon Russell, Prince Lincoln Thompson and Lindbergh Lewis. His distinctive falsetto voice was his trademark since the beginning. The Tartans had some success by the end of the 60's with some Rocksteady singles. The group split and Cedric released some singles with Devon Russell and Lincoln Thompson. After that experience he formed The Congos. Mr.Johnson, with his tenor voice, was also born in 1947 in the Hanover Parish. By the early 70's he joyned Ras Michael and The Sons Of Negus. By the mid 70's he met Myton and The Congos were born. Watty "King" Burnett joyned them as a backing voice. He is one of the voices in this album. The other backing voices employed are: Ansel Cridland, Winston Watson and Danny Clarke from The Meditations; Earl Morgan and Barry Llewellyn from the Heptones; Gregory Isaacs; Candy McKenzie. The musicians were some of the best available but the list is really too long to be reported here. When The Congos recorded this historical set, Lee Perry was at the top of his skills to manage the equipment present in his studio. His classic outboard equipment as the Ecoplex reverb unit and the Murton phaser, plus the 4 track Teac to record (4 tracks only!) and the Soundcraft board to mix were used as no one was able to. Lee's used to dump tracks onto one to free the others. This permitted endless overdubbing with the classic raw sound that he delivered from Black Ark. This special release from the British label Blood & Fire adds five bonus tracks as heavy Dubs. This fondamental set will be remembered as one of the greatest albums of the mid 70's and of course one of the best coming from the Black Ark. The music is far more moving, touching and interesting than the voices. From my point of view here is the music that plays the most important role. The Heart Of The Congos is a milestone. Disc 1: 1. Fisherman Disc 2: 1. Congoman |