Marcia Griffiths

Marcia Griffiths - Sweet Bitter Love - Trojan - 1974

Around the time of this release Marcia was working with Geoffrey Chung, he had already had a massive hit with Lorna Bennett 'Breakfast In Bed' and was working the same magic with Sharon Forrester. Although what happened next - and the Sharon Forrester album is a story in itself. Somewhere along the way Lloyd Charmers ended up in the production chair for this the debut album from Marcia. Lloyd had just hit big with Ken Boothe, but he was not Geoffrey Chung. The choice of material here is far too obvious - and the arrangement and production is simplistic. Marcia is relegated to just singing - this album is not about her at all. Marcia is not a songwriter, but she's a very good singer. We can only ever guess what Geoffrey had in mind for the woman - yes there would have been some covers - but they would have been done with imagination.

Marcia Griffiths - Naturally - Sky Note - 1978

The success of the I Threes took away from the music three great female reggae voices, Marcia Griffiths, Judy Mowatt and Rita Marley. All three woman's careers were overshadowed by their involvement in the I Threes. The result was that when they did release a solo album (and they all did) it was expected to have a I Threes sound. 'Naturally' is Marcia's determined effort to maintain her independance, and is a truly great work, brought about by a very thoughtful selection of material and production.

Marcia Griffiths - At Studio One - Studio One

Nothing like a bit of friendly rivalry to focus the mind, when Duke Reid started having some really bit hits    with Phyllis at Treasure Isle, it wasn’t long before he got Marcia with the help of Bob Andy with regards song writing into the reggae charts.

‘Feel Like Jumping’ with its 54-46 bassline was the first - the Jackie Mittoo arrangement or re-arrangement is great, and they even throw in    a little deejay sound effect to keep the dance fans happy.

When the 54-46 rhythm hit big again in the dancehall era, it was this cut from Marcia they was playing. Usually the sound systems go for the hit, but not this time.

The whole album is full of great reggae tunes. ‘Mark My Word’ still    sounds    really good. Written by Bob Andy.

The Studio One recut of the Johnny Nash ‘Hold Me Tight’ could be a bit tighter! But its still got a vibe.

‘Melody Life’ yet another Bob Andy song also carries the swing. With such fine work from Marcia, Bob and Jackie Mittoo, and with such little reward. It shouldn’t have been a surprise when Bob and Marcia departed to Harry J and took the pop charts by storm.