Headly 'Deadly' Bennett

Deadly Headly – 35 Years From Alpha – On U

Teaming up sax man Deadly Headly with singer Bim Sherman was a great idea.

Bim's voice was one of the most delicate in reggae music and is sadly missed – Deadly's sax playing is deep and gruff.

What is truly surprising is the choice of rhythms for the projects. Usually the On U sound was a very high tech – Roots Radics sound.

For the most part on this album, its 'Rockers' rhythms some of which sound like they come from Bim Sherman productions.

Which may indicate that this was album started by Bim – and that got finished off by the On U team.

It makes no difference – because its a great set. As stated Deadly Headly style was deep – the Tenor sax possible even the Baritone.

Most sax work that is heard on reggae music tends to be mellow – the Alto Sax – Roland and Tommy. Tommy McCook liked the Tenor sax – but this kind of style heard on this album is not heard enough.

A lot of the playing comes from the choice of material – and if you wander into the MOR style of rhythm – the melodies tend to go with that.

This album is one for the Rockers!!!