A. General Doggie & Tenor Saw– Chill Out, Chill Out/Cool Out Dub
B. Tenor Saw – To Love Somebody/To Love This Ya Dub
Label: Night Life Posse – NP 001
In 1986, deejay General Doggie teamed up with Jamaican singjay Tenor Saw for the digital dancehall track Chill Out, Chill Out, released on the Night Life Posse label. The single captured a vibrant moment in mid-’80s reggae, where UK sound system energy met Jamaica’s digital revolution. General Doggie, though a relatively obscure figure with only a handful of releases to his name, delivered a punchy, streetwise performance that complemented Tenor Saw’s melodic flow. His style reflected the raw, rhythmic delivery typical of UK deejays influenced by Jamaican toasting traditions, and Chill Out, Chill Out remains his most notable recording.
Tenor Saw, born Clive Bright in Kingston in 1966, was already a rising star by the time this single dropped. Known for his sweet yet commanding singjay delivery, he had exploded onto the scene the year before with Ring the Alarm, a genre-defining hit on the Sleng Teng riddim. His debut album Fever featured a string of digital classics, and his voice became a fixture on sound systems across Jamaica and beyond. Tenor Saw’s contribution to Chill Out, Chill Out adds depth and charisma, showcasing the vocal agility that made him one of dancehall’s most beloved figures. Tragically, his life was cut short in 1988, but his influence continues to resonate.
Released as a 12-inch single on Night Life Posse, the record was produced by Clive “English” Flemming and mixed by Barry Dread and English. It was recorded at Living Room Studio in Brooklyn, New York. The A-side features the combination tune Chill Out, Chill Out, followed by Cool Out Dub, a stripped-down instrumental version mixed by Digital English and Sidney Mills. On the B-side, Tenor Saw delivers a solo vocal version titled To Love Somebody, which reworks the lyrics and melody from the A-side into a more introspective performance. It’s followed by To Love This Ya Dub, a spacious dub mix that highlights the riddim’s digital textures and production finesse.
A. Patrick Andy – Sting Me A Sting Shock Me A Shock
B. Tonto Irie – Every Posse Get Ready
Label: Greensleeves Records – GRED 172
In the mid-1980s, Greensleeves Records released a 12″ single featuring two standout voices from Prince Jammy’s digital dancehall camp: singer Patrick Andy and deejay Tonto Irie. Though they occupied different lanes — one melodic, the other rhythmic — both artists were key players in the transition from roots reggae to computerized riddims.
Patrick Andy, known for his smooth vocal tone and lovers rock sensibility, had already built a solid reputation by the time Sting Me A Sting Shock Me A Shock was recorded. His style was rooted in the tradition of singers like Horace Andy, with whom he shares a vocal resemblance, but Patrick carved out his own space in the early digital era. It must be said that on this single, his singing style is very similar to Sugar Minott. His work with Jammy’s helped bridge the gap between romantic reggae and the emerging dancehall sound, and he remained active throughout the 1980s, recording for top producers and sound systems. Sadly, Patrick Andy passed away on April 28, 2022.
Tonto Irie, on the other hand, was one of the most charismatic deejays to emerge from Jammy’s studio during the digital explosion. Known for his rapid-fire delivery and humorous lyrics, he became a fixture on sound systems like King Jammy’s and Youth Promotion. His breakout hit Life Story showcased his ability to ride digital riddims with flair, and his collaborations with Jammy’s positioned him as a leading voice in the new wave of computerized dancehall. Tonto’s influence extended beyond Jamaica, with UK audiences embracing his energetic style. He passed away on July 10, 2023, at the age of 58, after a prolonged illness.
The Greensleeves 12″ single — produced by Prince Jammy — features Patrick Andy’s Sting Me A Sting Shock Me A Shock on the A-side, recorded and mixed at Channel One with backing from the Hi-Times band. The B-side features Tonto Irie’s Every Posse Get Ready, recorded and mixed at Jammy’s Recording Studio with Jammy’s Studio Band. Each vocal cut is followed by its instrumental counterpart, a common format that gave DJs room to extend the vibe on sound systems.
[These tracks were digitized directly from vinyl using a Technics SL-1210MK2 turntable equipped with an Ortofon cartridge. The recordings were captured in 24-bit/96kHz WAV format via SoundForge]