Tyrone Evans
Tyrone Evans started out in The Paragons, alongside Bob Andy and
Howard Barrett, early recording were made with Duke Reid, before
moving to Coxsone. And then back to Duke Reid.
When Bob Andy left the group to follow a solo career, John Holt, came
in took on the role of lead singer. It was this line up that recorded
the classic Treasure Isle set 'On The Beach' which included the group
biggest hits
'The Tide Is High', versioned by Blondie in a pop reggae style,
becoming a massive worldwide hit. Plus 'Only A Smile', and 'Happy Go
Lucky Girl'.
During this time, Tyrone also cut a tune for Coxsone 'I Don't Care'
with Bob Andy. The Bassie's also recorded for Studio One is more well
known, but Bob and Ty's is the first cut. A little later Tyrone also
worked for Leslie Kong's Beverley's label.
By the late seventies he was back at Studio One - Coxsone releasing
the magical 'How Sweet It Is'. The success of this tune, plus the
great interest in The Paragons due to Blondie big hit, seemed to
encourage him back into the business.
First the Paragons reformed recording a couple of albums. One for
Island, and one for Bunny Lee. Neither set brought any great success
and Tyrone resumed his career in New York City at the studio of Lloyd
Barnes - Wackies.
'Sings Bullwackies Style' is a fantastic album debut album. Full of
great love songs and reality messages. Tyrone put his heart and soul
into this work and it showed.
By 1983 Tyrone was back in Jamaica working with Winston Riley. By now
he was recording under the name of 'Don Evans' which also provided the
title of his excellent album on Techniques. It was another great work
and was one of the best albums of 1983.
It would have been nice to see the man working with either Lloyd
Barnes or Winston Riley again, but his next album 'Satisfaction' was
co-produced with and lacked the direction of his previous sets.
Since that time he has been working with Lloyd Barnes on a number of
projects which remain unreleased. Tyrone passed away in New York City
on the ....He had been suffering from cancer. Small Axe sends its
sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Tyrone Evans - Sings Bullwackie Style - Wackies
'Sings Bullwackie Style' is Don Evans or Tyorne Evans debut album, it
is also one of the music's best productions outside of Jamaica. Only a
few people it seems checked this album when it first came over from
New York. And the fact that it didn't have a sleeve didn't help. The
detail as now been corrected. Don is in great voice and form here.
Singing songs of love and reality. Listen out for 'History' 'Sparkle
Of My Eyes' and 'I Gave You Love' all truly wonderful songs. A classic
album.
Don Evans - Don Evans - Techniques - 1983
Don started with The Paragons, where he was quiet happy to sing
harmony. When the group broke up he wasn't heard from again until The
Paragons reformed for Sly & Robbie & Island Records. After recording
for Wackies he went onto work again with Coxsone. Where apparently he
recorded an album. Then producer Winston Riley entered the picture,
and announced he had recorded an LP with him, and here it is. An album
that shows Don to be not only one of the great singers in reggae
music, but also one of it's best songwriters.