Search - Reggae's Golden Voices :: Reggae's Golden Voices

What a line-up! The singers featured on this exceptional compilation are all reggae superstars, and with proven track records stretching back to the days of ska and rocksteady in the case of John Holt and Freddie McGregor, who both learnt their craft at Studio One. All too, retain a strong following among today's reggae audience, reflecting the resurgence of interest in quality vocal music once more. Since these five kings of the laid-back reggae groove also still regularly notch up hits in the dancehalls, their names should be familiar to even the most casual of reggae enthusiasts. Known as the "Cool Ruler," Gregory Isaacs will certainly need no introduction to anyone who's heard classics such as Soon Forward, Night Nurse or Rumours, to list but a few. He and Bobby Digital first worked together at King Jammy's, and the latter's beautifully reworked rhythms provide the ideal basis for Gregory's lovelorn vocal style, as heard to telling effect here on Nat King Cole's Unforgettable, Nah Leave and a cover of the Paragons' Danger In Your Eyes. The latter's NW London studio has played host to a galaxy of JA and UK reggae stars of late, including Sanchez, who rose to fame during the late eighties after forsaking the church for the Kingston dancehalls. His endless capacity for finding the right song, then delivering it in tones that would melt even the sternest of hearts has made him an enduring favourite among Caribbean music fans, and whilst he now also records gospel music, his present status as reggae's master stylist is unrivalled. Last, but by no means least is recent reggae Grammy nominee Beres Hammond, who earned his tag of "Mr Soul Of Jamaica" by virtue of a string of hits dating back to the late seventies, soon after leaving the legendary Zap Pow. Now a well-respected producer in his own right and the proud owner of a top Kingston studio, Beres' success has continued to grow over the years, and still shows no signs of abating. BCR producer Barry Clarke had been Beres' road manager before recording Not Guilty, which together with the little-heard Make Way, more than qualifies for that highly prized "golden voice" description.