A The Jamaicans – Ba Ba Boom
B Errol Brown – Twilight Zone
Many of the prominent Jamaican vocal groups recorded at Treasure Isle during the rocksteady era, including The Jamaicans. Formed in 1967 as the Cool Shakes, they transitioned from a trio to a quartet and adopted the name The Jamaicans to enhance their international appeal. Their collaboration with producer Duke Reid at Treasure Isle began with two singles, Pocket Full Of Money and Diana, but they achieved their breakthrough later that year with the hit Things You Say You Love. In 1967, they also competed in the island’s Independence Festival Song Competition with Ba Ba Boom, a song penned by members Tommy Cowan and Norris Weir. The Jamaicans emerged victorious with their participation. Shortly after, Ba Ba Boom, featuring backing from Tommy McCook & The Supersonics, was released under the Treasure Isle label and quickly became a classic. The Jamaicans disbanded in 1972.
True to form, the other side of this reissue showcases Errol Brown’s Twilight Zone, an echo-laden proto-dub instrumental take on Ba Ba Boom. Errol Brown, a nephew of the legendary Duke Reid, received training from Treasure Isle’s lead engineer Byron Smith and Reid himself. After Duke Reid’s passing in 1975, Brown emerged as the key figure in the studio. Throughout the mid-‘70s, he dubbed up Treasure Isle’s 1960s productions through his adept mixing skills. His efforts are gathered in three dub albums: Treasure Isle Dub Vols 1 & 2 and Pleasure Dub.