Various Artists: The Observer Presents Lightning And Thunder! 2CD

• 22 tracks new to CD.
• Includes numerous Jamaican hits.
• Features some of the most influential reggae recordings of all time.

By the close of the 1960s, a number of dynamic independent record producers were beginning to make their mark on Jamaica’s fast developing music scene. Chief among these initially small-time music-makers were the likes of Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, ‘Edward ‘Bunny’ Lee and the man whose music provides the focus of this 2CD collection, Winston Holness AKA ‘Niney’.

As the 70s dawned, the ingenuity, innovation and determination of these three talented individuals saw their influence grow at such a rate and to such an extent that by the middle of the decade, their hit-rate matched and often exceeded that of such long-established major operators as Byron Lee of Dynamic Sounds, Studio One’s Coxson Dodd, and the Khouri family who controlled Federal Records.

But while the music and careers of both Perry and Lee have been rightly celebrated by numerous writers and on seemingly countless compilations over the past few decades, until now, the achievements and influence of Niney have been largely overlooked.

This collection is the first in a series of sets that aims to put the record straight and present the very best of his output during key parts of his music career, commencing with the initial independent productions that provided the launchpad to a long and illustrious career in music.

Featuring numerous hits, including the ground-breaking ‘Blood & Fire’, ‘Message To The Ungodly’, ‘Hiding By The Riverside’, ‘Beardman Feast’, ‘Rasta Bandwagon’ and ‘When Jah Speak’, the 2CD set presents 20+ tracks that have remained largely unavailable for over half a century.

A must for fans of early reggae sounds, ‘Lightning & Thunder’ also presents a fascinating opportunity to the as-yet uninitiated to enjoy and experience some of the earliest authentic dub and roots tracks ever recorded. This is where it all began!

TRACK LISTING

DISC ONE

1 Pepper Seed – Ranny Williams & The Spokes
2 Music Police – The Sound Dimension
3 Skankey – Leroy ‘Horsemouth’ Wallace
4 Twin Spin – Ranny Williams & The Spokes
5 Cocaine Doctor – Niney
6 Bawling For Mercy – Dennis Alcapone & Lizzy
7 Apollo Rocket – Lloyd Willis
8 Omega – Niney
9 Mr. Brown’s Coffin – Dennis Alcapone & Lizzy
10 Blood & Fire – Niney & The Observers
11 Lightning & Thunder – Niney
12 Mud & Water – Niney
13 Brimstone & Fire (Blood & Fire) – Niney
14 Message To The Ungodly – Niney
15 You Must Believe Me – Dennis Alcapone
16 Keep On Pushing – Niney & The Heptones
17 Strong Man Medley – Eric ‘Monty’ Morris
18 Psalms 9 To Keep In Mind – Tommy McCook
19 Chapter 10 – The Observers
20 Observing The Ave. – Niney
21 Everyday Music – Niney
22 Pick Your Choice – Niney
23 The Coming Of Jah – Max Romeo & Niney

DISC TWO

1 The Road To Zion – Niney & The Observers
2 Hiding By The Riverside – Niney & The Observers
3 The Red Sea – The Observers
4 Rebel Ride – Dennis Alcapone
5 Aily & Ailaloo – Niney & Max Romeo
6 Episode II – Niney & The Observers
7 Bearded Men Feast – Max Romeo & Niney
8 International Pum Pum – Niney The Observer
9 Reggaematic – Niney The Observer
10 Big Hole – Niney The Observer
11 Another Pum – The Observers
12 Pop A Water – Captain Jack Morgan
13 Ital Buddy – The Virgins
14 The Woodpecker – Niney & The Observers
15 Wet Panty – Niney The Observer
16 Discharge No. 2 – Niney & The Observers
17 Rasta Band Wagon – Max Romeo
18 When Jah Speaks – Murt, Turt & Purt
19 Beg In The Gutter – Niney & The Observers
20 In The Gutter – Niney & The Observers
21 Time Hard aka Promises- Max Romeo
22 Time Hard Version – The Hardy Boys
23 Honey Baby – Niney The Observer
24 Forward Pipe – Niney & Ken Elliott