General Trees

"General Tree – Everything So So – Black Scorpio - 1986

A more traditional approach to deejaying can be heard on 'Everything So So' by General Trees. This style as always relied on good interesting topical lyrics and always will. Its rapid and needs perfect timing, Over a version of Alton Ellis's 'Mad Mad' Tree begins.'Now hold tight all mini bus people – mini van people control Jamaica -one driver a dozen conductor.” And then launches into a chorus of 'Where have all the Jolly bus gone,a long time ago – I don't know.” More life style lyrics can be found on the story of the 'Peanut Vendor' which includes shouts of the said vendor in the background. The whole LP is crisply produced by Jack Johnson (Jack Scorpio) and places Trees amongst the greats. "

"General Tree – Ghost Rider – Sunset - 1985

When we reach the 'Ghostrider' set its attrac￾tion over the showcase album is that it has the two great tunes mention above from the showcase, as well as a remarkable duo with Cultural Lee that picks up on some old R&B tune and then transforms it with the help of the 'Lecture' rhythm into a great combination style MC work. Sometimes its easy to forget where the music's roots are. But this is a wonderful reminder. A truly outstanding work. Its like a throwback to the early sound system days. Perhaps it was originated then by the likes of King Stitt or Sir Lord Comic.Whatever its a great tune and ona great album."

General Trees – Heart Mind & Soul – Black Scorpio - 1985

General Tree's second and third albums for new producer Jack Scorpio owner of the Ja Sound System Black Scorpio. Offers a unique choice to the listener in that 'Heart Mind & Soul' on Black Scorpio is a showcase album. While the other 'Ghostrider' on Harry J's Sunset label is a ten track affair. Two tracks are taken off of 'Heart Mind And Soul' and the are the title track and 'Ghostrider'. But this showcase is a big attraction in that it contains the story of the 'Monkey and The Ape'. This was a big hit for the General earlier in the year. The dubs are good as well."

General Trees – Kingstonian Man – CSA - 1988

Surely with the release of this LP his first in the UK, Trees will get a breakthrough of some sort. He well deserves it. His last album 'Everthing So So' had more than enough good music on it, and this set also for Jack Scorpio is just as good. This time Jack's gone in for a crisp digital production from the now freelance Steely and Clevie. The result recorded at Dynamics and Aquarius is very Jammys in sound. If the General were a lesser DJ thisn may have been a problem but Trees is not a average DJ his lyrics deal with real life and its problems and joys. Is vocal style is sharp and to the point. He also as one of the best camaflage suits I've ever seen. General Trees in fine style in every sense."

"General Trees – The Younger Horseman – Sunset -1985

The name of General Trees came to my attention via Jack Ruby's Hi Power. When Jack brought his sound over to the UK in late 1983 at the time it seemed like Jack was go￾ing to release an album by the General. But what we have here is 'The Younger Horse￾man' produced by that talented duo Myrie and Marshall for their Sunset label. Like all the music on their label its well hard. A fine selection of rhythms are present for the General. And his response is to produce a varied set of lyrics delivered in his own ruff and gruff manner. Impact is made on the album with the painful tale of extraction on 'Mi Teeth' – what did Lone Ranger say about Dentists!!!"