Gaylads

The Gaylads, Maurice Roberts, Winston 'Delano' Stewart, Horace 'BB' Seaton

Horace ‘BB’ Seaton, Maurice Roberts, Winston ‘Delano’ Stewart formed the Gaylads in 1962 possibly 1963. They recorded for Coxsone at Studio One – staying with the label until 1968. After that they recorded for a whole heap of producers, a single here and a single there. Delano Stewart  went solo to make an album for Sonia Pottinger in the late sixties. 

Around the same time the group then joined Leslie Kong’ Beverley’s label.  In 1970, BB formed the Conscious Mind Band, and started the Soul Beat label. Eventually going solo – and releasing his debut album ‘Dancing Shoes’ on Caroline, a Virgin Records subsidiary label. It was also the first reggae album on the label. The Gaylads carried on without BB, and now included the Thaxter Brothers (Hopeton & Randall) becoming ‘Righteous Foundation’ and recording for Jack Ruby. 

The same group went on to work with Roy Cousins and the Wambesi label. Changing there name back to The Gaylads and Releasing an album ‘Understanding’ on United Artists produced by Roy Cousins. By 1992 they changed there name again to Psalms – and recorded an album ‘Upfront’ for Bunny Wailers released on Solomonic. 

The Gaylads early material is best found on the album ‘Ska Days 62-67’ released on Soul Beat by BB Seaton. Featuring some 26 tracks. 

Brown Skin Gal – Coxsone - CS Dodd – 1964

A careful blend of Doowop and Mento style lyrics. Very few acts could pull this off, but in the Ska era – the whole idea was about experimentation. If it wasn’t Prince Buster bringing in the Nyahbingi drums or hand clappers. It was letting Lloyd Knibbs loose on some Pocomania inspired drum pattern. It got the Gaylads noticed, even if it was only in Jamaica, because this tune and a good few more never gained release in the UK.

Charley Marley – Roland & Powie – CS Dodd – 1964

Another tune from the mento era – but now with a powerful Skatalites ska rhythm track behind it. 

This is such a well know little rhyme in Jamaica, it’s amazing to think that tune is the only cut of it in reggae. I suppose for a long time – it was an era that was not popular with the image that Jamaica wanted to project. Mento was part of the old colonial days. Ska and everything that came after it was something new and fresh. Revolutionary. 

Emanuel Road - 1964

No sign of this tune ever being released a single, but if its here it must have been. And it yet another old Mento giving a good relick in a Ska style. Emanuel Road or the lyrics of the song became very popular in the Dance Hall Style era. It really does look like Coxsone thought it would be a good idea to relick the whole Mento era with one group, In a Ska style. Tourism was booming in Jamaica and having an album like this in catalogue would make a lot of sense. Because eventually a lot of these singles were gathered up for release on albums by Gaylads for Studio One.

River Bed - 1964

Another song with roots in the mento style. Not as well known as the others, but it still works very well, with a great ska rhythm behind it.  It doesn’t look like it was released as a single either. Yet BB must have thought a great deal of it, for it to be included on this excellent set. Which not only contains many releases from The Gaylads, but also contains music from BB alone, BB & The Astronauts, and Winston and Bibby. If only more artists released albums like this, it would make Reggae music’s history a lot easier to understand.

Africa – Studio One - 1967

More minor chords this time it’s a set of lyrics that have been around from time. Although it’s very possible that The Gaylads were the first to sing them. The production features some excellent production work, and is also another great Ska tune. Although it’s closer to Rock Steady in tempo. In later years Coxsone would release music years away from when it was recorded. So this one could have been recorded a year or so earlier than when it was released. Sooner or later, the Gaylads moved into the Rock Steady era.

Another song with roots in the mento style. Not as well known as the others, but it still works very well, with a great ska rhythm behind it.  It doesn’t look like it was released as a single either. Yet BB must have thought a great deal of it, for it to be included on this excellent set. Which not only contains many releases from The Gaylads, but also contains music from BB alone, BB & The Astronauts, and Winston and Bibby. If only more artists released albums like this, it would make Reggae music’s history a lot easier to understand.

Don’t Say No – Studio One - 1966

Having had a big hit with ‘Lady With The Red Dress’ (which sadly isn’t on this collection), the Gaylads return to the theme for this one. Which features some nice piano touches, and also a rhythm  guitar well forward in the mix. Changing things up for the sake of it, is not the Jamaican way. If an artist is doing well, selling records – nothing would change until – something came along that was better. That sold better!!!

Africa – Studio One - 1967

More minor chords this time it’s a set of lyrics that have been around from time. Although it’s very possible that The Gaylads were the first to sing them. The production features some excellent production work, and is also another great Ska tune. Although it’s closer to Rock Steady in tempo. In later years Coxsone would release music years away from when it was recorded. So this one could have been recorded a year or so earlier than when it was released. Sooner or later, the Gaylads moved into the Rock Steady era.

Slipping And Sliding

A rhythm and a set of lyrics that sounds very close to some Wailers tune – which I cannot recall at the moment. No disrespect to the Gaylads either. The whole of Jamaican music bounces ideas around – and as done so from the very early days. Thankfully ideas are not copyrighted!! And for every idea that originated in Jamaica, another one came from outside of Jamaica. Such it is with music – there are no barriers.

The Gaylads – Fire And Rain – Beverley’s

In 1969, after working with Coxsone for some six years. The Gaylads departed for Leslie Kong’s Beverley’s label. It makes perfect sense. The UK pop charts were filling up with Beverley’s productions from Jimmy Cliff, Desmond Dekker, The Maytals, The Pioneers. The label was doing something right.  The label was unable to get the group into the pop charts, but they came close with ‘It’s All In The Game’  this tune appeared on the Fire And Rain LP – along with ten more.  Over the years the album as been re-issued with the lastest version released by Doctor Bird in the UK containing all the tracks they made for the label some 15 tracks.

There’s A Fire – Beverley’s 1969

Was there first release on the label. And what a tune it, it’s got the lot a great bassline from Jackie Jackson, Winston Greenan does great work on the drums, you have superb organ work from either Ansel Collins or Winston Wright. While the musical glue that fills in all the gaps comes from Rad Bryan on rhythm guitar and Hux Brown on lead guitar. The Gaylads rise to the occasion with a great song and some incredible harmony work. Tunes like this made this era so special. Truly great music it really didn’t matter if it was a hit or not!!!

That’s What Love Will Do – Beverley’s 1969

It was followed by this tune, which strangely did not make it onto the original album.  It’s a cover version of an Impressions song. However good the original is, it does not have a rhythm track like this!!! Once again with the Beverley’s All Stars in full flow. Making great music in the only way they can. When you think back, there was no chart success for any of the soul influenced vocal groups from Jamaica. The Maytals and the Pioneers ran things.

This Time I Won’t Hurt You – Beverley’s – 1969

Another track missing from the album, and yet it gained release as single in Jamaica and England. And what didn’t hit then would certainly be considered to be a hit today – with nearly 2 Million views on Youtube!!! A little bit faster than the other tune.  Superb harmonies – and a truly great song and this one sounds like it came from the pen of BB. 

The Last Time – Beverley’s 1969

Why this tune isn’t more well known is beyond me. My only conclusion is that back then, the more rootsy material from the likes of The Maytals and The Pioneers was considered to be reggae, anything the music did at the time was wrong. That is the social background that very people understand now. So a group like the Gaylads singing reggae music with superb soul influenced harmonies wasn’t going to be given much of a chance. “If we want to listen to soul, we will listen to music coming from Motown”  Of course the Rootsy music was quickly dismissed to be replaced by ‘Pop Reggae’ The power that be were back in control.

It’s All In The Game – Beverley’s 1970

What a beautiful tune, noted reggae writer John Williams – told me there are two versions of this one with strings and one without. Well I’m listening to the one without strings, and I cannot understand how this one did not chart. With or without strings. Listen to the Hux Brown picks his guitar on this, he plays just around the bassline of Jackie Jackson. The rest of the rhythm merges into this like it was a mould. Beautiful harmonies from The Gaylads- and a beautiful song given full justice by the group and production.

Fire And Rain – Beverley’s – 1970

A great song from a great singer/songwriter James Taylor. His other big tune ‘You’ve Got A Friend’  is also very popular with the reggae fraternity. Not sure why the production on this is uptempo, when a slower tempo closer to the original would have worked better. However it must have sold well enough for it to be the title track of the album. Reggae music was still looking for acceptance back then – cover versions was one way of getting it. And much preferable to ‘Stringing’ everything up. 

Soul Sister – Beverley’s – 1970

In the sixties in America, the Black Rights movement came forward. Allen Toussaint’s ‘Soul Sister’ was one of many tunes that reflected that. Allen’s tune was a big hit for the man. BB Seaton took the same title but came up with a totally different song along the same ideas. Being a fan of both BB Seaton and Allen Toussiant, if I were asked to choose I think I would say BB’s song is better. 

“God loves you Soul Sister, and I love you too” The production is superb, every lick of the drum and guitar – and every bassnote is perfection. 

Tell The Children The Truth – Beverley’s 1970

Another great song from BB. Back then the man was on a roll, as far as truths and rights were concerned. BB had written ‘Freedom Street’ for Ken Boothe. And this one as got all the power of that. He’s got something to say and he’s determined to say it. Six of the tracks on this album concern themselves with reality. And very few singers/groups from that time – could put together a song list like that. 

My Jamaican Girl – Beverley’s - 1971

One of the most and well known songs from the Gaylads is this one. It’s got a memorable 

trombone solo at the start of the tune, and keeps on getting better. It’s the chorus that will get you in the end. You want to get the crowd singing along with you at a reggae show, do this tune!!! It’s also got a very simple but deadly bassline. A good bassline is always a plus on a reggae tune. I’m pretty sure there is another version of this produced by BB himself for Soul Beat. Perhaps it’s a remix of this one.

Gaylads – Over The Rainbow’s End 68-71 – Trojan – 1995

Trojan released this 26 track set which nicely rounds up a lot of tracks from other producers like Sonia Pottinger. 

Hard To Confess – Sonia Pottinger – 1968

A massive and much loved tune from the Gaylads. It’s so strange I always thought this was a Heptones tune!!! It’s just when you hear something, that makes a difference. A lot of reggae singers have a unique ability to put so much into a song, you can’t imagine anyone else singing it. John Holt’s ‘A Love I Can Feel’ springs to mind. Even though it’s 1968 and the reggae era, you have a whole heap of Rock Steady in this track. 

Over The The Rainbow’s End – Sonia Pottinger – 1968

Pure Rock steady this time, no doubt about it. Some highly complex harmony work here as well. When the Gaylads are in form like this – very few other reggae groups can touch them. Considering these two tune – big hits in reggae – it’s a surprise that Sonia Pottinger did not record an album or more tracks with the group. After all she did record and release the Delano Stewart album. And reggae groups were very popular at the time.

ABC Rocksteady – Sonia Pottinger - 1968

The Nursery rhyme thing did not start in the Dance Hall era, it was popular in the Ska era. And this one – of course is Rock Steady – and is about as basic as you can get in lyrics. The reason the tune works is the Harmonies. Very few singers on the planet could get away with something like this. Incredibly BB cut the tune again for Beveley’s under the name of the Rockstones and called it ‘ABC Reggae’ Waste not want not, must be Bibby’s motto.

I Need Your Loving – Sonia Pottinger – 1968

Yet another one in the Rock Steady style, I’m beginning to wonder if this was the start of an album recorded in the Rock Steady era for Sonia Pottinger . And then got parked, but Sonia knowing the tracks were good tracks. Decided to release them as Singles. In fact the same applies to Ken Boothe and The Melodians rock steady music released in the Reggae era. A simpler explanation could be that she didn’t think the ‘Reggae’ was not going to last. Trying to work out why reggae producers is no easy task.

Joy In The Morning – WIRL – 1968

West Indies Record Label is a funny old label, everyone and I mean everyone Coxsone, Prince Buster, Leslie Kong, Bunny Lee, Lee Perry – even Chris Blackwell had releases on the label. The Gaylads only had two, and this is one them. Yet another Rock Steady tune. For lovers of Rock Steady it must have been great to hear such amazing tunes coming out in 1968. But knowing how reggae fans react to anything old – when something new is around. It could have caused problems for the group. 

She Want It – Dave Barker & The Gaylads – Sonia Pottinger – 1970

A very strange tune. I wonder why Dave Barker joined the Gaylads for one tune.  Someone must have been missing from the Gaylads at the time time. Also it’s yet another Rock Steady tune – released in 1970. By then Reggae era itself was close to ending!!! It’s impossible to describe now how important it was to be up to date then. No matter how good the tune, if it sounded old – it would not sell. As an example, Jammy in 1985 scrapped a load of albums he was about to release when the Ragga/Digital era. He knew they just would not sell.

Wha She Do Now – Lynford Anderson – Trojan – 1969

Andy Capp, fresh and hot as bread – with two big hits ‘Pop A Top’ and ‘The Law’  was a good person to have at the control board, if you wanted an hit. And this must have done well for the group back. It’s reggae but nothing like you would hear from Beverley’s. Studio One or Treasure Isle. This is the kind of reggae – that is raw. And in many respects it’s better for it.  It’s the kind of sound that Lee Perry loved, only Andy Capp loved it a little more.

Give It Up – Vincent Chin – Randy’s – 1970

The story of reggae gets very confusing when it comes to Randy’s. The Studio was open, but it was blocked booked by Johnny Nash’s company JAD. Yet releases did come on Randy’s label at the time. Vincent Chin was running things then, and he was getting a good sound. This is when the Gaylads joined the label, and it seems that BB Seaton actually got involved in production work for the label.  Once it that’s raw sound. Very popular at the time. Yet only Lee Perry could turn that into pop charts success.

Room For Rent – Vincent Chin – Randy’s

Another Vincent Chin production from that era, but one that never seems to have gained release. It was probably issued on a blank label – a pre-release that never went any further than that. When it comes to the reasoning behind what gets released and what doesn’t – Jamaica music becomes very confusing.  For this is not a bad tune at all, Its got the same kind of vibes present on ‘Give It Up’ and it’s got horns. Always good to hear some horns on a reggae rhythm.

If You Don’t Mind (I Wear My Slanders) – Lee Perry – 1969

A great tune with old Scratch at the controls, probably recorded at Randy’s it’s got the feel of the other tunes. And Perry was having success with vocal groups like the Bleechers at the time as well. If you anyone could get them into the charts – After Leslie Kong, It would have been Perry. This tune is a little slower as well, which suits the group very well. A great song – all about standing up for your rights. Not an easy thing to do in Jamaica at the time.

You Had Your Chance – Lynford Anderson – Trojan – 1969

A truly great tune from the Gaylads and Lynford Anderson. This one embraces all the production

values of Beverley’s with Hux Brown way out front – picking away in fine style. But it drops the Mento guitar style in favour of a single rhythm lick. More rock steady than anything else. But the rhythm is pure reggae – a wonder to behold. A masterclass in production. Knowing Andy Capp’s love of version, I wonder if he gave this a relick somewhere along the way. 

Can’t Hide The Feeling – Gaylads – Big - 1971

Fans of Braden’s Beat – on BBC 1  who at the time featured a young Ester Ranson will recall this tune being mentioned. According to Bibby who should know. Leslie Kong gave him the tune. Bibby released it on Soul Beat in Jamaica. Somehow Rupie Edwards then got involved in the UK release and it ended up on Big a Trojan subsidiary label – and on Bullet as ‘My Love’) a Pama subsidiary label.  The BBC found all of this amusing. But the end result was that – a great reggae tune got some fantastic publicity on nationwide TV!!!

Love Me With All Your Heart – M Roberts – Third World – 1975

By the time this tune was released Bibby was in the UK. Working on a solo career. Yet the same high production values and harmonies are found on this excellent production from Maurice Roberts.  I’m not sure when the Thaxter Brothers joined the Gaylads, but it could have been around this time.  The tune as got one of those rhythms – that had a little bit of every production style going at the time. Kinda flyers with a Horn Riff. But not Rockers.

Ethiopian Zion – Jack Ruby – Island – 1976 (As Righteous Foundation)

When Jack Ruby came onto the scene around 1974 with Burning Spear – he became a hitmaker up there with Bunny Lee and Lee Perry at the time. Everyone wanted to work with him. His camp quickly grew to include Justin Hinds, Delroy Wilson, Big Youth, Tyrone Taylor. He had a lot of popular tunes. The Gaylads also linked up with Jack, but decided to change their name to Righteous  Foundatiion. It kind of fitted in with the more militant mood of the time. This tune one of three –they did for Jack, is a great work – and being on Island – should have helped – it didn’t. But it’s still a great tune.

Stop Making Love –  Gaylads - DEB - 1978

Recorded originally for Coxsone back in the Rock Steady era. This version produced by the group themselves – is just as good – and equally popular.  Produced in the Rockers style, it’s got all the little licks that made the Rockers style so popular. Anything on DEB, Dennis Brown’s label was selling well at the time. Dennis was in the pop charts at the time, with more or less the same kind of sound. It would be interesting to know where this was recorded. It don’t sound like Joe Gibbs, and it’s not Channel One, but it’s got a good sound.

Gaylads – Understanding – Wambesi – 1979 - LP/CD

Originally released in the UK on Ballistic in 1979. Roy Cousins asked permission from Bibby to produce and release this set. The line up here then is Maurice Roberts and the Thaxter Brothers. This album builds on the success of these latter releases from The Gaylads. Released at the crossover point from Rockers to Dancehall – its got both sounds in equal measure. 

Love And Understanding – Roy Cousins - Wambesi – 1979

A beautiful tune – with a really nice rhythm, that brings to mind rural Jamaica, rather than the big city. This was a big change of style for the Gaylads, because they were into the close harmony work of Black America, but if you go back to the roots of the group when they sung a whole heap of Mento tunes for Studio One.  The influence was there. And in the context of what was going on in Jamaica with vocal groups. The success of Culture, The Congoes and a few more it makes a lot of sense.

Little Candle – Roy Cousins - Wambesi – 1979

Another great tune with a great message. Lighting a candle instead of cursing the darkness always makes a lot of sense to me. This tune takes that idea and expands upon it considerably and with great style. The Gaylads are singing about the little things in life – that make life worth living. Too many people on this earth have been pushed into the darkness/poverty – with no hope of escape. There are not many solutions to these problems, but what must be done Now, is to stop making matters worse!!!

Love Is Gone – Roy Cousins - Wambesi – 1979

Back to the love songs for this one. And here all the harmonies are on display. Creating a mournful feeling that fits in very well with the song. I’m assuming it’s Maurice on lead vocals on this set, with the Thaxter Brothers providing the harmonies. No producer can release everything on single, but it’s a surprise that this one never made it onto a single. That’s how good this is. A great rhythm as well, with some lovely organ touches.

May Be For Long – Roy Cousins – Wambesi - 1979

Another great reality tune. And one that ties in with ‘Little Candle’ . Where hope for the future gets pushed into the darkness. The response this time is “It May Be For Long”  but not forever. Such is the very nature of the world, and of reggae music. The struggle continues for millions of people worldwide. And so it is with reggae music. Despite all the setbacks over the decades its still going. Lots of things still need to be put right.  But the music stands firm, providing hope and inspiration for those who wish to listen.

I.N.R.I. - Roy Cousins – Wambesi – 1979

I’m sure a number of people have looked at this title – and wondered what it meant. Myself included well it means “Iesus, Nazarenus, Rex Ludaeorum” Or Jesus Of Nazareth, King Of The Jews” The good book once again providing inspiration for reggae singers, as it’s done from time. It’s also got an uptempo Rockers rhythm. Which suggests that that this album was started probably in early 1978. It took a lot of time and planning to release an album, and money. And although this album gained released in the UK on Ballistic, with marketing from United Artists. This does not mean that big sales follow.

Peculiar Man – Roy Cousins – Wambesi – 1979

Coxsone released this originally on Studio One in late sixties. This recut is a good one. A nice rockers rhythm suits the song. Which is strange to say the least. It’s not baffling in the usual sense. Say for example ‘Carry Go, Bring Come’ from Justin Hinds and the Dominoes. Where the song is sung in a country style. This time, it’s just the lyrics. The actual song is sung in a nice vibes with good harmonies from the Thaxter Brothers. 

On the CD issue of this album, Roy as included tracks from deejay Baba Dread. Who does a good job in niceing up some of the tracks in a late Rockers style.

As the seventies turned into the eighties. The Gaylads went to work with a number of producers. Releasing one off singles for Sly & Robbie – ‘Went To A Dance’. Tuff Gong, ‘Diplomacy’ and ‘Yu Too Follow Fashion’ the latter featured Bibby back in the lineup. And ‘It’s A Dream’ for Dennis Brown.