Post by Bazza on Mar 12, 2014 10:54:30 GMT
‘The Godfather of Ska’ and ‘High Priest of Reggae’ are just two of the lofty titles bestowed upon Laurel Aitken by fans and critics alike, high praise indeed, but his importance can’t be overstated.
He was Jamaica’s first musical star, helping move ska and reggae into the musical mainstream - a pioneer who, in the Fifties and early Sixties, helped promote indigenous styles from mento to ska.
Later, he played a significant role in promoting reggae in the UK and Europe and, as ska enjoyed its post-punk revival, he was rightly acclaimed as a founding father.
Laurel Aitken died in 2005 age 78, but his timeless music lives on. This 2 CD set released this month by Not Bad Records (cat no. BAD2CD003) features 40 tracks from 1959-1962.
Track listing:
CD 1
1. Nebuchnezer - Laurel Aitken
2. Sweet Chariot - Laurel Aitken
3. Aitken's Boogie - Laurel Aitken
4. Cherrie - Laurel Aitken
5. Baba Kill Me Goat - Laurel Aitken & The Boogie Cats
6. Tribute To Collie Smith - Laurel Aitken & The Boogie Cats
7. Boogie In My Bones - Laurel Aitken
8. Little Sheila - Laurel Aitken
9. Honey Girl - Laurel Aitken With The Caribs
10. Drinkin' Whiskey - Laurel Aitken With The Caribs
11. Mary Lee - Laurel Aitken & The Blue Beats
12. Lonesome Lover - Laurel Aitken & The Blue Beats
13. Low Down Dirty Girl - Laurel Aitken & Duke Reid & His Group
14. Boogie Rock - Laurel Aitken & The Boogie Cats
15. Heavenly Angel - Laurel Aitken & The Boogie Cats
16. Jeannie Is Back - Laurel Aitken
17. If It's Money You Need - Laurel Aitken
18. Judgement Day - Laurel Aitken & Ken Richards & His Harmonisers
19. Yea Yea Baby - Laurel Aitken & Ken Richards & His Harmonisers
20. Railroad Track - Laurel Aitken & The Blue Beats
CD 2
1. Tell Me Darling - Laurel Aitken & The Blue Beats
2. More Whisky - Laurel Aitken
3. Love Me Baby - Laurel Aitken
4. Stars Were Made - Laurel Aitken
5. Bar Tender - Laurel Aitken & The Blue Beats
6. Mash Potato Boogie - Laurel Aitken & The Blue Beats
7. Bouncing Woman - Laurel Aitken & The Blue Beats
8. Nursery Rhyme Boogie - Laurel Aitken & The Blue Beats
9. Mighty Redeemer - Laurel Aitken & The Blue Beats
10. Please Don't Leave Me - Laurel Aitken & The Blue Beats
11. Brother David - Laurel Aitken & The Blue Beats
12. Back To New Orleans - Laurel Aitken & The Blue Beats
13. Lucille - Laurel Aitken & The Blue Beats
14. I Love You More Everyday - Laurel Aitken & The Blue Beats
15. Sixty Days & Sixty Nights - Laurel Aitken & Les Dawson Combo
16. Going To Kansas City - Laurel Aitken & Les Dawson Combo
17. Jenny Jenny - Laurel Aitken & The Bandits
18. Weary Wanderer - Laurel Aitken Ruddy & Sketto & The Bandits
19. Mabel - Laurel Aitken & Hyacinth & Baron Twist & His Knights
20. You Got Me Rockin' - Laurel Aitken & Hyacinth & Baron Twist