Producer Alvin “GG” Ranglin embarked on his musical journey as a teenage singer. A brief stint as a vocalist with Gladstone Grant and Vernon Buckley of the Maytones preceded his transition into their manager, a role that paved the way for his successful career as a producer. Ranglin’s early production credits include acclaimed artists like the Maytones, Winston Wright, Monty Morris, Charlie Ace, Keeling Beckford, and The Slickers.
The financial success derived from licensing his productions to Lee Goptal of Trojan Records and the Palmer Brothers of Pama Records, who released his work in the UK between 1968 and 1973, significantly bolstered Ranglin’s burgeoning business and roster of artists. This period marked the ascent of Alvin Ranglin as a formidable presence in Jamaican music. Gregory Isaacs delivered Ranglin’s first international breakthrough with the 1974 hit Love is Overdue. From 1974 to 1977, a string of exceptional singles and LPs, including In Person and the two Best Of volumes, solidified the producer’s esteemed reputation.
The 1970s also saw Ranglin achieve further success with hits from Dennis Brown, Freddie McKay, I-Roy, Trinity, and Lone Ranger. In the early 1980s, his labels continued to release significant music by artists such as Sugar Minott, Culture, George Faith, Lady Ann, and Barrington Levy, with whom he enjoyed considerable chart success. To this day, releases on Alvin Ranglin’s GG’s, Hit, and Typhoon labels remain highly sought-after by dedicated reggae enthusiasts.
Opening Side 1 is Madness, the well-known hit from The Maytones, the reggae duo most synonymous with Alvin Ranglin’s production work. The extended 12-inch mix here features Mad Dub, a dub rendition played by GG’s All Stars—an ever-changing lineup of accomplished artists such as Flabba Holt, Winston Grennan, Jackie Jackson, Winston Wright, and Rannie Bop.
The second track stands out as a more intricate and lesser-known gem. It showcases the soulful vocals of Barbara Jones as she reimagines Soul And Inspiration, the classic hit by The Righteous Brothers, into a heartfelt and delicate rendition. Having collaborated extensively with Alvin Ranglin, Barbara’s discography remained relatively modest throughout her career. Tragically, she passed away too soon in 2014. Her emotive interpretation is followed by a mellow dub rendition, topped off by Trinity’s charismatic deejay track, Pee Pee Cluck Cluck.
The final track on Side 1 features Lone Ranger, a veteran deejay who remains active after a long and prolific career working with esteemed producers such as Coxsone Dodd, Winston Riley, Clive Jarrett, Jo Jo Hookim, and Alvin Ranglin. His gripping tune Kendal Crash, riding the Take Five riddim, narrates one of Jamaica’s tragic train accidents, a catastrophe that claimed numerous lives and injured many. The Revolutionaries’ dub interpretation elegantly shifts focus to the rich bassline and evocative saxophone accents, creating a deeply atmospheric rendition.
Flipping the LP over, we’re greeted by Horace Ferguson, a singer whose tone carries echoes of Horace Andy. Though his collaborations with Alvin Ranglin were few, they included the thought-provoking Children Of Today. Following his performance, The Revolutionaries deliver an electrifying dub version, paving the way for Lone Ranger’s return with his dynamic toast, Night Before The War.
Bringing the album to a powerful close is Enos McLeod’s stirring roots anthem from 1978, Wicked A Wonder, built upon the classic Studio One riddim of You’re Wondering Now. His heartfelt delivery, combined with the driving double-drumming, secures its place as the LP’s standout track. Finally, U Brown—an enduring talent since the 1970s—wraps things up with his spirited deejay rendition, Ital Bath.
This Jamaican Art Records release stands out as a remarkable achievement and is an essential addition to any reggae collection.