Heartbeat continues delving into Jamaica's archives, in this case the depths of Studio One to unearth this collection of 14 scorching numbers. Equally split between vocal tracks and instrumentals, Original Club Ska hits pay dirt. Of the latter, the set boasts the Skatalites' smash "Guns of Navarone" and the equally classic "Phoenix City." There's a trio of numbers where the group's saxophonist Roland Alphonso takes the lead and thus the credit -- the sizzling "Timothy," which also boasts some fine flute work from Tommy ...
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Heartbeat continues delving into Jamaica's archives, in this case the depths of Studio One to unearth this collection of 14 scorching numbers. Equally split between vocal tracks and instrumentals, Original Club Ska hits pay dirt. Of the latter, the set boasts the Skatalites' smash "Guns of Navarone" and the equally classic "Phoenix City." There's a trio of numbers where the group's saxophonist Roland Alphonso takes the lead and thus the credit -- the sizzling "Timothy," which also boasts some fine flute work from Tommy McCook, the frenetic "Ball of Fire," the mesmerizing "Magic Star," boasting the band at its most exotically Far East, and the equally evocative "From Russia With Love." The latter dates from 1966, after the Skatalites split, but the nucleus of the group remained at Studio One as the Soul Brothers and later as the Soul Vendors. In fact, the song is inaccurately credited to the latter; it belongs to the Brothers. Regardless, Skatalites members are scattered all over this set; they're backing the Wailers on "Ska Jerk," stealing this variation of Junior Walker & the All-Stars' "Shot Gun" right out from under the singers. They smoke on Jeff W. Dixon and Alton Ellis' cover of "Yakety Yak," and sparkle on the Clarendonians' lovely "Do It Right" and the Gaylads' "Stop Making Love." The latter song was inspired by Smokey Robinson's "It's the Same Old Song," and across it the musicians bounce merrily into Motown on the offbeat. Lesser-known numbers like the Bassies' "Take Me to the Dance" are particularly welcome, not just for the lovely accompaniments, but for Jackie Mittoo's fabulous piano riffs. He's equally essential to the sound of Delroy Wilson's smash "Dancing Mood" (here inexplicably retitled "Dancing Time"), and not content with that, he showboats his way on organ across the instrumental version, "Dancing Groove." As the inclusion of "Dancing Mood" proves, the album title is somewhat deceptive, and the album strays more than once into the realm of rocksteady. However, so wonderful is the music, few but the most fanatic will complain. Still, although listeners expect this from Trojan, it's a bit surprising from a more knowledgeable label like Heartbeat. ~ Jo-Ann Greene, Rovi
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