Congoes

The Congoes - Heart Of The Congoes - Black Art - 1978

Ashanti Roy Johnson and Cedric Myton together with some assitance from Watty Burnett - The Congoes, was the other new vocal group who were attracting a lot of attention around 77/78. Produced by Lee Perry, this their debut album had more going for it than

Culture's debut. The Congoes harmonies were much higher, this suited the biblical imagery of the songs perfectly. Scratch took these two elements and added his production skills to them - creating a vivid and powerful background for them.

The Congoes - Swinging Bridge - Congoes

'Heart Of The Congoes' is a true classic. When Blood and Fire reissed the album, they gave it the full works, and it truly deserved it. The problem this group have had since the release of their debut in 1977/78 is how to follow it. Every album since then as some serious lyrically problems. But at long last - they have done it! And album to match 'Heart Of The Congoes' This set as got everything, great rhythms, great lyrics - and some very strange harmonies - that make the Congoes what they are. It really sounds like they have spent some time on this album. And its great to hear that are now on the road again - if they are singing songs from this set - there fans will love it. Lets just hope the next set maintains the very high standard found on this, this is what reggae music needs more of.