Various Studio Recordings From 1961 - 1970 (LP)

(Liquidator Music) 17 tracks

It was to be expected that. sooner or later. someone would give recognition to these two key artists, central to understanding Jamaican music and its evolution. For some time, all over th, world. thousands of followers and lovers of these Jamaican rhythms have tried sometimes with luck and some with dismay, to get some of the recordings presented here today on vinyl, in what is the first compilation dedicated to Roy Panton and Yvonne Harrison. Roy Panton started his musical career at an early age. and after finishing school decided to take his passion for music and the stage more seriously.

 In late 1950, Roy and Stranger Cole auditioned for Duke Reid. They subsequently recorded their first work titled -Freedom Land / Adam & Eve- under the name "The Rovers", a name that they would not be using again given that, after the reooraing, each went their separate ways. Unfortunately, the recording never saw the light of day. Roy recorded some songs with Monty Morris in the studio of C.C. Deed. So, by suggestion of "Sir Coxone", Roy Panton and Millie Small started singing together and became one of the most prolific duos of the island, leaving behind many recordings under the name "Roy and Millie".

 Some of these you can find on this LP. Unfortunately,after Millie's departure to England under the management of Chris Blackwell, Roy found himself without a partner. However, this should not be for long. In the autumn of 1962, discovered by TIP TOP Label's Lynden Pottinger,  Yvonne and Roy met for the first time at the West Indies Studios (WIRL) of Edward Seaga and recorded their first ever single. "Two Roads" with the B-side "Join together". The magnificent performance of both, and perfect compatibility of their voices -joint together-Roy and Yvonne in what would be one of the most requested duets in the country.

During the following years, the young couple would share the stage with great musicians such as Jackie Wilson, Doris Troy, the Merrymen or Ray Charles. They also sang for Byron Lee at New Year's Eve of 1963 and '64. In that same year 1964, a very young Roy and Yvonne appear on the legendary recording 'This Is Ska' at The Sombrero Club playing one of the songs from their first double sided hit. 'Two roads'. This however was only just the beginning for Roy and Yvonne in the rugged and difficult market of Jamaica's music industry. They worked with many artists and bands from the day, including Tommy McCook and the Supersonics, The Diamonds, The Dragonaires, Carlos Malcolm, Dillon Phillips, Owen Grey, Desmond Tucker, Kart Bryan, Ken Parker, Roland Aiphonso and many many more In the years between Ska and Rocksteady, between the two they left numerous recordings unique in style and vanety, many of which you can find on this LP.

Artists such as Millie Small, Annette, Eric Monty Morris and Glen Adams are just some of the friends who Roy and Yvonne share credits with on this recording. A special mention goes to the latter,  Glen Adams, who besides being the organ player of The Upsetters, is also Yvonne's brother. You can hear them perform together on this album with 'Dearest' (1958), an incredible cover of US duet Mickey and Sylvia, which they made their own and laid it out over the base of the popular rhythm of '007 (Shanty Town)'. On some recordings, Yvonne is mistakenly credited as 'Yvonne Adams' due to her family relationship. Another intriguing fact, Yvonne also performed under the name of 'Joni Marie' with other bands of the island. Yvonne's first solo success was 'The Chase', a wonderful song also appearing on this album and produced by Ken Lack. I hope you enjoy this selection of songs, which have been chosen carefully and with lots of affection by Roy and Yvonne themselves for your listening pleasure. Teddy Garcia