Bernard Collins is the real Abyssinians
sd...@ecst.csuchico.edu
the Abyssinians as a group is so crucial and righteously vital. Bernard
Collins is not even aware of the album 'abyssinians dub' released by some
French label. That already tells you the story. Infact, when I heard the tape
from the Sierra Nevada Music festival of the Abyssinians concert, I was
terribly disappointed. Because Bernard was not singing. It sounded horrible.
Tonight I got a chance to listen to some of the cuts from Bernard's upcoming
album (Only 100 released as a pre) and what can I say except that his voice
as well as his lyrics is still strong as it was in the seventies. An added
bonus is his accompanied on harmony by George Henry(the original harmony
singer on the cut 'declaration of rights'). I can't wait for his album to be
picked up by heartbeat or some other respectable labels. This album is
crucial. Sanjay
-----------== Posted via Deja News, The Discussion Network ==----------
http://www.dejanews.com/ Search, Read, Discuss, or Start Your Own
Guillaume Bougard
> I know some of you will disagree with my claim but he is the real reason why
> the Abyssinians as a group is so crucial and righteously vital. Bernard
> Collins is not even aware of the album 'abyssinians dub' released by some
> French label. That already tells you the story. Infact, when I heard the tape
> from the Sierra Nevada Music festival of the Abyssinians concert, I was
> terribly disappointed. Because Bernard was not singing. It sounded horrible.
> Tonight I got a chance to listen to some of the cuts from Bernard's upcoming
> album (Only 100 released as a pre) and what can I say except that his voice
> as well as his lyrics is still strong as it was in the seventies. An added
> bonus is his accompanied on harmony by George Henry(the original harmony
> singer on the cut 'declaration of rights'). I can't wait for his album to be
> picked up by heartbeat or some other respectable labels. This album is
> crucial. Sanjay
I created TABOU.1, the some French label you mention. I spoke with
Bernard months ago and I informed him about the album, even mailed him a
few copies, so your information is clearly not correct.
As to your mention of Heartbeat or some other respectable label, it
implies that TABOU.1 is not respectable. This is a truly insulting
remark and you should be more careful when you mention a name and put
the adjective respectable next to it...
I have been around for lesss time than HB, but I can tell you one thing,
just because I'm from a far away land does not mean I'm not respectable,
and just because the label you mention is based in the US does not mean
it is respectable. seen?
By the way, you might want to check out Cat Coore's solo album "Uptown
Rebel", released on TABOU.1: it features a DJ named Sanjay who has real
talent with positive words, unlike you...
--
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Guillaume Bougard
TABOU.1
Roots with Quality
14 avenue Hoche - 75008 Paris - France
tel: 33 6 80 61 06 74
fax: 33 1 53 76 21 30
email: bj...@club-internet.fr
Rastapoodle
>I know some of you will disagree with my claim but he is the real reason why
>the Abyssinians as a group is so crucial and righteously vital.
Why do you state that? he was taught harmony singing by Carlton
Manning, who is in the Abyssinians, along with his brother Donald.
Bernard has a great voice, but Star David is doing a great job now.
however, he wasn't a Rasta like Donald Manning, and didn't want to
sing those crucial songs, he wanted to sing love songs. But, he went
along, because that was what the group wanted. His songwriting was
'tailored' to the fans, whereas Donald's was tailored to Jah.
> Bernard
>Collins is not even aware of the album 'abyssinians dub' released by some
>French label. That already tells you the story
This is a lie. I personally know Bernard is very aware of the dub
album. He is also aware of the Heartbeat dub album. Are you? Bernard
is a savvy businessman who keeps up with things.
>Infact, when I heard the tape
>from the Sierra Nevada Music festival of the Abyssinians concert, I was
>terribly disappointed. Because Bernard was not singing. It sounded horrible.
Don't agree -- I have a video of that show, and it was pretty good,
not great, but very good. They had travelled a lot, and may have been
a little tired. The audience particularly loved the nyabhingi part.
>Tonight I got a chance to listen to some of the cuts from Bernard's upcoming
>album (Only 100 released as a pre) and what can I say except that his voice
>as well as his lyrics is still strong as it was in the seventies. An added
>bonus is his accompanied on harmony by George Henry(the original harmony
>singer on the cut 'declaration of rights').
Hmm, I'll need to check that fact about George Henry. I'll get back to
you on that. If Bernard has managed to distribute the limited release
to the little town of chico, I hope he's gotten them to major
reviewers. What label? Who to contact? I'm sure others here on RMR
will be interested in getting advance copies to review, and Bernard
would welcome the exposure.
> I can't wait for his album to be
>picked up by heartbeat or some other respectable labels. This album is
>crucial. Sanjay
I can't wait to hear it either, Bernard is a wonderful singer. Pray
tell, what is your definition of a respectable label? I hope you
aren't putting down TABOU1 by inference, because you'd only be showing
ignorance to the wonderful releases they have made available.
For a true view of the roots of the Abyssinians, check out my
interview with Donald Manning at the Jammin Reggae Archives.
go to:
www.niceup.com/writers/anya.html
Also check out my music page for some great photos, both old and new
of the Abyssinians. Real rarities.
**********************************************************
Anya {{{*_*}}} http://extra.newsguy.com/~herblady
Bob Marley sez -- "Ya gotta lively up yourself"
**********************************************************
"Nature and Nature's law lay hid in night;
God said "Let Tesla Be" and all was light."
**********************************************************
Rastapoodle
wrote:
>On Mon, 12 Oct 1998 22:04:25 +0100, Guillaume Bougard
><bj...@club-internet.fr> wrote:
>
>>By the way, you might want to check out Cat Coore's solo album "Uptown
>>Rebel", released on TABOU.1: it features a DJ named Sanjay who has real
>>talent with positive words, unlike you...
>
>radio host. I know because I've heard his show (a brilliant tribute to
>the late Hugh Mundell) and have been in contact with him for years.
>Sanjay has talent, and his own opinions.
>_____________________________
>Message generated by Joshua B
The guy wrote a nasty post attacking the man's record label. Don't try
to act like a disinterested third party. So he has a good show and
plays your label's CDs -- big deal. He still wrote an innacurate,
libelous post -- still "you will defend him any day". Says a lot
about you.
RDNA33
sd...@ecst.csuchico.edu
bj...@club-internet.fr wrote:
>
> I created TABOU.1, the some French label you mention. I spoke with
> Bernard months ago and I informed him about the album, even mailed him a
> few copies, so your information is clearly not correct.
Forgive me for not knowing your labels' name. I am aware of your releases. I
usually only collect vinyls. However, I only mentioned 'some French Label'
due to the fact that I could not remember the actual name of your label at
the time. It is entirely possible that Bernard may have been aware of your
release and may have even received some copies as you mention, but then
someone is lying.
> As to your mention of Heartbeat or some other respectable label, it
> implies that TABOU.1 is not respectable. This is a truly insulting
> remark and you should be more careful when you mention a name and put
> the adjective respectable next to it...
I am a professor of mathematics. The logic behind your claim is not correct.
I did not say that your label is not respectable. Heartbeat did a wonderful
job with 'Satta Massagana' and the dub album(minus one dub cut) as a major
release in the US. I had a bootleg album of Satta prior to the release and I
even talked to Josh about the cruciality of the album before the cd format.
Today the Abyssinians name is familiar with all reggae fans primarily due to
exposure. There are many respectable labels. But since Heartbeat did a great
job, I would love to see Bernard's new album picked up by them. But if you
want to do it or whoever, I Will be promoting to the maximum.
> I have been around for lesss time than HB, but I can tell you one thing,
> just because I'm from a far away land does not mean I'm not respectable,
> and just because the label you mention is based in the US does not mean
> it is respectable. seen
I agree with you. I never said your label is not respectable. I would love to
own many reggae vinyls that was put out by French labels.
> By the way, you might want to check out Cat Coore's solo album "Uptown
> Rebel", released on TABOU.1: it features a DJ named Sanjay who has real
> talent with positive words, unlike you...
Although I respect Cat's music his voice does not do anything for me. But I
do like Pablo Moses and I have almost all of his crucial material.
> Guillaume Bougard
Donald Manning is wonderful. So is Carlton Manning. I have 2 Carlton's albums
as well as Tetrack albums But I am sorry ....Bernards voice is what gives me
the chills. From listening to his album in this small town of Chico (don't
ask me how I got it) his voice is still powerful and lyrics righteous. With
respect Sanjay
sd...@ecst.csuchico.edu
herb...@newsguy.com (Rastapoodle) wrote:
Sierra Nevada Music festival of the Abyssinians concert, I was
terribly disappointed. Because Bernard was not singing. It sounded horrible.
> Don't agree -- I have a video of that show, and it was pretty good,
> not great, but very good. They had travelled a lot, and may have been
> a little tired. The audience particularly loved the nyabhingi part.
It is a matter of opinion i suppose. But when you compare to the tapes from
1989 sunsplash and 1990 germany, it really is bad. Not having Bernard was the
reason. i can name many other groups who's reduced to duo or single from
their trio harmony vocal group....and they don't sound the same. It is like
listening to the Heptones without Leroy Sibbles.. ironically the man who
wrote the bass lines for declaration of rights and satta massagana...but to
my knowledge never given credit to.
> >Tonight I got a chance to listen to some of the cuts from Bernard's upcoming
> >album (Only 100 released as a pre) and what can I say except that his voice
> >as well as his lyrics is still strong as it was in the seventies. An added
> >bonus is his accompanied on harmony by George Henry(the original harmony
> >singer on the cut 'declaration of rights').
Yes I did and it is a gem for this year.
> Hmm, I'll need to check that fact about George Henry. I'll get back to
> you on that. If Bernard has managed to distribute the limited release
> to the little town of chico, I hope he's gotten them to major
> reviewers. What label? Who to contact? I'm sure others here on RMR
> will be interested in getting advance copies to review, and Bernard
> would welcome the exposure.
>
He has pressed 100 copies as a pre to my knowledge ant there is no label yet.
Unless you know him personally I am not sure how I can help you. respect,
sd...@ecst.csuchico.edu
herb...@newsguy.com (Rastapoodle) wrote:
> On Tue, 13 Oct 1998 03:39:07 GMT, jos...@reggaesource.com (Joshua B)
> wrote:
> >On Mon, 12 Oct 1998 22:04:25 +0100, Guillaume Bougard
> ><bj...@club-internet.fr> wrote:
> >
> >>Rebel", released on TABOU.1: it features a DJ named Sanjay who has real
> >>talent with positive words, unlike you...
> >
> >radio host. I know because I've heard his show (a brilliant tribute to
> >the late Hugh Mundell) and have been in contact with him for years.
> >Sanjay has talent, and his own opinions.
> >_____________________________
> >Message generated by Joshua B
> The guy wrote a nasty post attacking the man's record label. Don't try
> to act like a disinterested third party. So he has a good show and
> plays your label's CDs -- big deal. He still wrote an innacurate,
> libelous post -- still "you will defend him any day". Says a lot
> about you.
>
> **********************************************************
> Anya {{{*_*}}} http://extra.newsguy.com/~herblady
I am sorry herblady, but this kind of misunderstanding is not needed. Don't
put Josh down for defending me. Yes he knows me well and if he were to
criticze me I would take that with dignity. But you attacking him says a lot
about you where infact Josh has worked very hard all these years promoting
and taking care of our needs. You may want to read my other posts for more on
this subject. This is not about labels. It is about my opinion of Bernard's
voice and lyrics mixed with the other members making the Abyssinians my top
ten. Try listening to any Heptones albums without Leroy Sibbles and perhaps
you will understand. Respect, Sanjay
sd...@ecst.csuchico.edu
Have you seen them this year. If so, you can give us your views regarding the
comparison, especially not having Bernard Collins in the lineup. thanks
Guillaume Bougard
>
> On Mon, 12 Oct 1998 22:04:25 +0100, Guillaume Bougard
> <bj...@club-internet.fr> wrote:
>
> >By the way, you might want to check out Cat Coore's solo album "Uptown
> >Rebel", released on TABOU.1: it features a DJ named Sanjay who has real
> >talent with positive words, unlike you...
>
> I will defend Sanjay from KZFR any day. He is an incredibly dedicated
> radio host. I know because I've heard his show (a brilliant tribute to
> the late Hugh Mundell) and have been in contact with him for years.
> Sanjay has talent, and his own opinions.
> _____________________________
> Message generated by Joshua B
> http://www.reggaesource.com
Josh, when I see the lies this guy is spreading, it makes me wonder.He's
entitled to his opinions, but lying is lying, I grant him the benefit of
the doubt because he does not know me, but let me tell you 1 thing: I
sent copies of the Satta Dub CD to Bernard Collins, he called me about
it, other people have spoken to him about me and this project, so Sanjay
is clearly misinformed and the rest of his post sounds like propaganda
for HB, the Oh Sooooooooooo Respectable company..... I'll leave it at
that
Guillaume Bougard
you said things that were totally inaccurate, so just admit it, and
don"t try to deflect attention from your mistakes by counterattacking
this person. Instead of bickering, why don't you give me your mailing
address so I can include it in the TABOU.1 mailing list and so you can
play my stuff on your show (you'll see itis very nice and respectable,
just ask Pablo Moses, Cat Coore, Bunny Rugs, Sly & Robbie, Donald
Manning, U Brown, Tony Robinson and so forth), maybe by making myslef
known to you you will be more positive.
All I care about is putting out great music, pay tribute and money to my
artists.
sd...@ecst.csuchico.edu
Guillaume, I am sorry for hurting your feelings as well as the integrity of
your label. I am not trying to deflect attention from counterattacking nor am
I trying to big up Heartbeat records. it saddened me when I got the
information regarding Bernard's knowledge regarding the matter. There is a
lot of politics when it comes to music industry and I hate being part of it.
The Abyssinians fall in my top ten groups and i have consistently promoted
them from the beginning of my DJ years including the album 19.95 plus tax. I
happen to love lot of the cuts. It is sad to me that not everyone can get
along and maybe I am too hardcore when it comes to harmony. It does not mean
that the group is not crucial anymore. I terribly miss Bernard's voice in the
new lineup and when I heard his solo album I was taken back to the early
abyssinians days. As a DJ i am happy promoting music that I love. I wish your
label a lot of success and if you want me to be a part of this I will be
happy to promote. I would love for the Abyssinians to come to Chico with or
without Bernard. It still is a part of history....but having him there would
be extra special. I still love Culture,Wailing Souls,Itals,Maytones,and many
other groups that have reduced their numbers to one or two from three or four
but yes..I loved them more before if that makes any sense. with respect
Rastapoodle
here, for sure!
------------
Just spoke with Donald Manning, and what an interesting set of details
on this history I did receive -- let me share them with you.!
To answer your question quickly, yes, Leroy Sibbles played bass on
both Satta Massagana and Declaration of Rights, and he sang on
Declaration of Rights, too. Bet you didn't know that. Ricahrd Ace was
the keyboardist for both. Someone asked in an email if Bagga Walker
played on the songs. No.
Now the interesting story -- Donald says that Satta Massagana
completely originated at 25 Baker Street, where the Mannings lived.
(For details how Carlton wrote the opening lyrics, see the interview I
did at the Jammin Reggae Archives). At night, Leroy Sibbles, who
worked with Carlton Manning at Coxsone's Studio, would drive to the
Mannings house to visit and work on music. Donald was the only Rasta
in the group, and was studying Amharic, and all of the phrases in
Amharic were written by him (details on some innaccuracies in the
interview, also).
Well, they went into Coxsone's Studio to record Satta Massagana
(without Coxsone's knowledge), and Coxsone walked in and found them,
and grabbed the tape. Just took it right away from them. They had to
pay £90 to get it back. That was to have been the money for the
musicians, so the musicians never got paid.
Bernard never wanted to pay the musicians anyway, or even record the
song, so Donald, Linford and Carlton took it upon themselves to
initiate the project. Bernard would't pay to press the record, so even
though his name was on Clinch, the Mannings took it upon themselves to
press it.
When it first came out in 1969, Satta was know by another name. It
wasn't until Donald, in Rastafarian righteousnes and wanting the song
to be heard by the world, renamed it Satta Massagana, well, I'll leave
the story here.... you can read the interviews to find out the rest of
this interesting story!
http://extra.newsguy.com/~herblady/abysdub.htm
**********************************************************
Anya {{{*_*}}} http://extra.newsguy.com/~herblady
Rastapoodle
access to the Web, so I went to the JamminReggae Archives and copied the
beginning of my interview with the following historical information: (anybody
else who needs it, email me and I'll send it to you).
-------------------
------------------------
Donald Manning: Satta Massa Ganna was the first song I do. Because at that
time I was the only Rastaman (in the Abyssinians), and in that song I was
talking about God the "King of Kings and Lord of Lords", is because I was
reading about those things. It come out of me. That was my inspiration. My
older brother Carlton him teach me to play the guitar, so what I learn is
because of Carlton my dear brother. And my smaller brother (Linford) who
sing with me in the Abyssinians used to sing with Carlton as Carlton and the
Shoes. So it's a far far back where I'm coming from.
Q; And you recorded Satta in 1969 at Studio One?
DM: Yeah but we didn't do it for Coxsone Dodd , we do it for our own Clinch
label which was between Donald Manning, Linford Manning and Bernard Collins.
We did that record for ourselves, it cost us ninety-one pound to do it. My
brother Carlton was playing guitar at Studio One there, and get together with
some of the musicians and bring them around my house, because then I was
living most ten to fifteen minutes walk from Coxsone Dodd studio. So we get
together, and Carlton tell each of them what they was going to play. On the
song I play bongo drum, I play bass (drum), Bongo Herman play repeater
(drum), and Bongo Les play funday (drum). Leroy Sibbles play bass and Richard
Ace play piano. Fay play the drums and Don D Junior was on the trombone. Me
and Linford was singing the harmony and Bernard sang the lead.
So we undermine Coxsone at that time, because Coxsone never know we was
going to record the song there. And when we did the record in the studio
Sylvan Morris (sound engineer at Studio One) ask what is the name of this tune.
I say; "Satta Massa Ganna", and Bernard Collins say: "No. Far Far Away". And
Sylvan Morris say: "What's the name of the group?", and I say "Abyssinians".
And Sylvan Morris write it down. So the song went out as "Far Far Away" by
the Abyssinians.
First, it never make no headway until 1970 it start pick up
and 1971 when it start selling. So it's two year from when we put the song
out (to when) it start selling. We name Satta Massa Ganna now and it start
selling. It never sell as "Far Far Away". The second song we sing was "Yim
Mas Gan" and then "Declaration of Rights" and then we did a lot of songs from
there.
-------
ark
>I still love Culture,Wailing Souls,Itals,Maytones,and many
>other groups that have reduced their numbers to one or two from three or four
>but yes..I loved them more before if that makes any sense. with respect
>Sanjay
I just wanted to sat that I agree with you. While current versions of
these groups may still make some OK music, the recordings of the
original line-ups are impossible to top IMO. I saw the Wailing Souls
awhile ago and was terribly disappointed to see what remains of that
group, vry little of the original vibe is there at all. As far as the
Abyssinians I agree with you that without Bernard it is not the same
group.
Al
William Just
In a previous article, bj...@club-internet.fr (Guillaume Bougard) says:
>>
>> I know some of you will disagree with my claim but he is the real reason why
>> the Abyssinians as a group is so crucial and righteously vital. Bernard
>> Collins is not even aware of the album 'abyssinians dub' released by some
>> French label. That already tells you the story. Infact, when I heard the tape
>> from the Sierra Nevada Music festival of the Abyssinians concert, I was
>> terribly disappointed. Because Bernard was not singing. It sounded horrible.
>> Tonight I got a chance to listen to some of the cuts from Bernard's upcoming
>> album (Only 100 released as a pre) and what can I say except that his voice
>> as well as his lyrics is still strong as it was in the seventies. An added
>> bonus is his accompanied on harmony by George Henry(the original harmony
>> singer on the cut 'declaration of rights'). I can't wait for his album to be
>> picked up by heartbeat or some other respectable labels. This album is
>> crucial. Sanjay
>Sir,
>
>I created TABOU.1, the some French label you mention. I spoke with
>Bernard months ago and I informed him about the album, even mailed him a
>few copies, so your information is clearly not correct.
>
>As to your mention of Heartbeat or some other respectable label, it
>implies that TABOU.1 is not respectable. This is a truly insulting
>remark and you should be more careful when you mention a name and put
>the adjective respectable next to it...
>
>I have been around for lesss time than HB, but I can tell you one thing,
>just because I'm from a far away land does not mean I'm not respectable,
>and just because the label you mention is based in the US does not mean
>it is respectable. seen?
>
>By the way, you might want to check out Cat Coore's solo album "Uptown
>Rebel", released on TABOU.1: it features a DJ named Sanjay who has real
>talent with positive words, unlike you...
but does he do any grateful dead covers?
--
one love
rasta4I
jah bill
William Just
In a previous article, sd...@ecst.csuchico.edu () says:
>com!not-for-mail
>From: sd...@ecst.csuchico.edu
>Newsgroups: rec.music.reggae
>Subject: Re: Bernard Collins is the real Abyssinians
>Date: Tue, 13 Oct 1998 19:34:35 GMT
>Organization: Deja News - The Leader in Internet Discussion
>Lines: 40
>Message-ID: <700a0c$boq$1...@nnrp1.dejanews.com>
>References: <6vs2r3$va9$1...@nnrp1.dejanews.com> <36226E...@club-internet.fr> <3624c90a...@news.mindspring.com> <362332c...@news.mia.bellsouth.net>
>NNTP-Posting-Host: 132.241.171.36
>X-Article-Creation-Date: Tue Oct 13 19:34:35 1998 GMT
>X-Http-User-Agent: Mozilla/2.0 (compatible; MSIE 3.02; Windows NT)
>X-Http-Proxy: 1.0 x5.dejanews.com:80 (Squid/1.1.22) for client 132.241.171.36
>
>In article <362332c...@news.mia.bellsouth.net>,
> herb...@newsguy.com (Rastapoodle) wrote:
>> On Tue, 13 Oct 1998 03:39:07 GMT, jos...@reggaesource.com (Joshua B)
>> wrote:
>> >On Mon, 12 Oct 1998 22:04:25 +0100, Guillaume Bougard
>> ><bj...@club-internet.fr> wrote:
>> >
>> >>By the way, you might want to check out Cat Coore's solo album "Uptown
>> >>Rebel", released on TABOU.1: it features a DJ named Sanjay who has real
>> >>talent with positive words, unlike you...
>> >
>> >I will defend Sanjay from KZFR any day. He is an incredibly dedicated
>> >radio host. I know because I've heard his show (a brilliant tribute to
>> >the late Hugh Mundell) and have been in contact with him for years.
>> >Sanjay has talent, and his own opinions.
>> >_____________________________
>> >Message generated by Joshua B
>> The guy wrote a nasty post attacking the man's record label. Don't try
>> to act like a disinterested third party. So he has a good show and
>> plays your label's CDs -- big deal. He still wrote an innacurate,
>> libelous post -- still "you will defend him any day". Says a lot
>> about you.
>>
>> **********************************************************
>> Anya {{{*_*}}} http://extra.newsguy.com/~herblady
>
>I am sorry herblady, but this kind of misunderstanding is not needed. Don't
>put Josh down for defending me. Yes he knows me well and if he were to
>criticze me I would take that with dignity. But you attacking him says a lot
>about you where infact Josh has worked very hard all these years promoting
>and taking care of our needs. You may want to read my other posts for more on
>this subject. This is not about labels. It is about my opinion of Bernard's
>voice and lyrics mixed with the other members making the Abyssinians my top
>ten. Try listening to any Heptones albums without Leroy Sibbles and perhaps
>you will understand. Respect, Sanjay
>
but you see, sanjay, it is you who misunderstand. its obviously all about
the poodle and her world. so you see, you really dont matter, in the grand
scheme of things, only she matters.
btw, i agree with you on the snwmf show by the abyssinians. and i was there.
but then again, i dont matter either. a shame really.
Carter Van Pelt
I just posted a press release from Bernard Collins. Then I found this
intense discussion about the Abyssinians a gwan.
I want to weigh in on this conversation, because I just was in Kingston
last week and did about 90 minutes of interview with Collins for an
upcoming Dub Missive article. The first thing everyone should remember
is that all of this history took place 30 years ago and EVERYONE's
perspective is cloudy because of time. I interviewed Donald last year
and the story of the group he gave me is not entirely consistent with
what Bernard says, but that's not because either of them is trying to
put something over on the other. They just remember things differently.
Donald and Bernard both said that the Mannings didn't sing harmony on
the Studio One cut of "Declaration of Rights," and George Henry, a once
great Jamaican footballer, was one of the harmony singers. He still
sings with Bernard.
I left my copy of Satta Dub with Bernard, who genuinely said he'd never
seen it. He gave me a copy of his new album in exchange. I also don't
doubt that Guillame mailed him copies, but the Jamaican postal system is
a great place to lose CDs.
Anyway, I hope to post the entire Collins interview on my site sometime
soon.
I will also say that Collins' Last Days album is excellent through and
through and really captures the essential feel of the Abyssinians. The
live production on the album sounds like a throwback to the good old
days. Check the press release for musician credits.
I wish the original trio was still together, but those days seem to be
gone.
Finally, it was a somewhat deceptive marketing scheme for Artists Only
to call their recent release "Reunion." The press sheet that came with
the release implied it was in fact a reunion of the group. The last
recordings of the original trio date from 1988/89.
So let's hope that Bernard's album finds a US release, because it
certainly deserves it, without disrespect to anyone.
Peace in the house,
Presidentially,
Carter
Rastapoodle
wrote:
>I want to weigh in on this conversation, because I just was in Kingston
>last week and did about 90 minutes of interview with Collins for an
>upcoming Dub Missive article. The first thing everyone should remember
>is that all of this history took place 30 years ago and EVERYONE's
>perspective is cloudy because of time. I interviewed Donald last year
>and the story of the group he gave me is not entirely consistent with
>what Bernard says, but that's not because either of them is trying to
>put something over on the other. They just remember things differently.
>
This is true. One thing I love, though, is the rich verbal traditon of the
African/Afro-Caribbean musicians. Their stories may not match, but, boy, can
they tell them. Every nuance, shade, whisper, look, conversation is stored in
their memory banks, and they share it freely.
>Donald and Bernard both said that the Mannings didn't sing harmony on
>the Studio One cut of "Declaration of Rights," and George Henry, a once
>great Jamaican footballer, was one of the harmony singers. He still
>sings with Bernard.
>I left my copy of Satta Dub with Bernard, who genuinely said he'd never
>seen it. He gave me a copy of his new album in exchange. I also don't
>doubt that Guillame mailed him copies, but the Jamaican postal system is
>a great place to lose CDs.
>
So true. Then, the darn thing probably got bootlegged! And there go Guillaume
and the Abys profits! poof!
>Anyway, I hope to post the entire Collins interview on my site sometime
>soon.
>
Great. Love to read it. Is this the first-ever interview Bernard has done for
the American press? I think so, like Donald's in the Beat was the first-ever
he'd done. These men have been so sadly ignored, and they have so much history
to tell -- conflicting versions aside.
>I will also say that Collins' Last Days album is excellent through and
>through and really captures the essential feel of the Abyssinians. The
>live production on the album sounds like a throwback to the good old
>days. Check the press release for musician credits.
>
I can't wait to hear it, Bernard's voice is wonderful, one of the richest in
regge. It's good ot know he got the CD together. Do you think he has good
distribution for it? That's always such a problem. BTW, the musician list is
awesome.
>I wish the original trio was still together, but those days seem to be
>gone.
>
Yes, due to personality conflicts and Linford turning born again Christian (he
never was a Rasta). He won't even play the old music. So sad.
>Finally, it was a somewhat deceptive marketing scheme for Artists Only
>to call their recent release "Reunion." The press sheet that came with
>the release implied it was in fact a reunion of the group. The last
>recordings of the original trio date from 1988/89.
Carter, a little clarification here, somewhat mired in semantics. You know that
Donald released that a couple of years ago as "$19.95+Tax" (that song is a
wonderful satire on American TV infomercials, so wry done with that rootsy
sound). The Artists Only picked it up and slapped the "Reunion" title on it,
which you point out is false and misleading.
However, the massive should still cherish the seven songs on it that are *the
last* songs ever recorded by the original trio. I know some folks who do not
care for the rest of the CD (not me, I like it all, and enjoy playing it
frequently), but they cherish the historical portion of the CD as the last
harmonies.
>
>So let's hope that Bernard's album finds a US release, because it
>certainly deserves it, without disrespect to anyone.
>
Oh, I just caught that part -- I had surmised it would have US release. Bernard
is a savvy businessman, from what I've gathered, and he's toured in Europe with
his (not disbanded) New Abyssinians, so he has contacts there. Don't you wish a
distributor like VP would pick up on this? Someone big, so it could really go
out with proper promo? Not to diss the others, perhaps they can join in this
thread....you US labels/distributors out there?
>Peace in the house,
>
>Presidentially,
You been elected? Is Clinton out? Did I take a nap and miss something? :-)
>
>Carter
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Anya {{{*_*}}} http://extra.newsguy.com/~herblady