Junior Byles - A Long Way (1999)

One of Jamaica's most tragic figures, Junior Byles was also one of the island's greatest root stars. His vocals were quite unique, and although his soft, almost husky voice would never ring from the rafters nor give voice to anger, the gentle timbre still expressed deep emotions. His was the voice of the meek and was all the stronger for it. The closest comparison is perhaps with the vulnerable tones of Slim Smith, but while the former Unique made his mark with love songs, Byles would speak not for the lovelorn, but for the oppressed. The two men did share another link, however, both suffered from serious psychological problems that in one case ended one man's career and left the other in ruins.

Junior Byles most popular record is probably "Curly Locks" issued on Orchid in 1974. His recorded output continued unteil 1982, with singles for a number of producers including Lloyd Campbell, Blacka Morwell, Joe Gibbs and Niney the Observer, one of the original rockers reggae producers who´d also worked with producers Joe Gibbs and later with Channel One´s JoJo Hoo Kim. Niney had long recognised Junior´s talent - and his brand of hellfire reggae meshed neatly with Junior´s iration - their collaboration is presented here on this album.

Tracklist:

1 Jah Will Be Mine
2 Rasta No Pickpocket
3 Trial And Crosses
4 Order Of The Day
5 Stick Of An Ounce
6 I Don't Know
7 Babylon
8 Whip Them, Whip Them
9 Africa
10 Take My Share
11 What We Do For Them
12 It Was A Long way
13 Sugar Sugar
14 Da Da

Junior Byles - A Long Way (1999)

(320 kbps, cover art included)