Jamaican Gold
Dutch record label Jamaican Gold has carved out a legacy among music lovers worldwide by playing a pivotal role in preserving and sharing classic Jamaican sounds. For founder Aad van der Hoek, also known as Dr. Buster Dynamite, ‘quality’ has always been the driving force. His dedication to authenticity has led him to collaborate closely with Jamaican producers and sound engineers, ensuring that music is transferred directly from original master tapes in Jamaica in order to get the best sound quality.
High Standards
Beyond the music itself, Jamaican Gold has enriched its releases with liner notes that provide invaluable insights based on interviews with artists and producers. Now, as the label marks its 35th anniversary with the release of the Watermelon Man Skank LP, its reputation for impeccable sound and presentation remains unshaken. True to its high standards, the black vinyl platter arrives in a gatefold cover accompanied by a four-page insert filled with extensive liner notes, personal stories, and photographs.
First Phase
The Watermelon Man Ska LP, featuring 14 carefully selected tracks, showcases the work of producers Carlos Malcolm, Ronnie Nasralla, and Theophilus Beckford. In their pursuit of musical recognition, these pioneers contributed to what can be regarded as the first phase in the evolution of reggae, laying the foundation for ska, a genre that would captivate audiences worldwide.
Key Figures
Carlos Malcolm emerged as a key figure in the formative years of Jamaican popular music. Leading his band, he fused jazz, ska, and mento elements, crafting a unique sound that contributed significantly to Jamaica’s musical evolution. Meanwhile, record producer, manager, and entrepreneur, Ronnie Nasralla, left a lasting imprint on the island’s music industry by shaping the careers of artists such as Byron Lee & the Dragonaires, The Blues Busters, and Toots & The Maytals. Equally influential was Theophilus Beckford, whose piano style, inspired by American rhythm and blues artists like Rosco Gordon and Fats Domino, played a pivotal role in the transition from Jamaican rhythm and blues to ska in the late 1950s. This LP showcases a strong selection of tracks with a number of them embodying the boogie shuffle style, a defining element of the first wave of Jamaican rhythm and blues vocal records.
This Side
Leading the A-side is Theophilus Beckford, widely recognized for his Coxsone Dodd-produced classic Easy Snappin’. He delivers a compelling start with Now That You’re Dead, a great lovers’ ballad released in 1961 under the King Pioneer label, featuring exceptional backing from Theophilus Beckford and His Orchestra. His second contribution, Snappin’ Is Back, carries the same infectious energy but proves to be an even more refined effort. The boogie shuffle groove continues with Karl Walker’s But Officer, a talk-over recording where the artist skillfully commands the riddim. The King Pioneer All Stars bring some instrumental brilliance with True Musical, followed by Naked Earth, a driving boogie track that highlights outstanding musicianship. Closing out this side are two memorable ballads; The Charmers’ heartfelt I’ll Be There and Lloyd Clarke’s soulful lover’s lament I Love You Most Of All, both simply beautiful to hear.
The Other Side
The other side of the LP bursts into ska, with The Maytals’ 1965 soulful ballad What’s On Your Mind (Take 2) setting a rich, emotive tone. Led by the vocal of Frederick “Toots” Hibbert, the vocal trio harmonizes beautifully, with Nathaniel “Jerry” Matthias and Henry “Raleigh” Gordon adding depth to the romantic track. Later, The Maytals return with the equally captivating Never You Change (Take 3). Both songs earlier appeared as bonus tracks on their Sensational Ska Explosion CD, released by Jamaican Gold in 1993. Also featured are The Virtues, delivering two noteworthy tunes with The Choice and Amen, originally paired on a 7″ single in Jamaica in 1965. Shenley Duffus, celebrated for his 1965 hits Rukumbine and Something On My Mind, energizes with It’s Just A Matter Of Time, while Eric “Monty” Morris brings heartfelt emotion to Please Come Back, a plea to his beloved. Closing out the collection is Carlos Malcolm And His Afro-Jamaican Rhythms’ lively instrumental interpretation of the country & western classic Ghostriders In The Sky — a favorite that earns multiple spins.