Justin Hinds – Showcase

Peckings

Chris and Duke Peckings, the Peckings brothers, have built a reputation for releasing both old and new music from various artists. Their first notable success came in 2004 with the release of Bitty McLean’s highly anticipated comeback album titled On Bond Street, Kgn, JA. This album, which featured Bitty singing over overdubbed Treasure Isle riddims, achieved incredible worldwide success. Now, nearly two decades later, the London-based brothers have an extensive catalogue with a collection of noteworthy but often difficult-to-find releases. In a tribute to the late and great Justin Hinds, along with his backing vocalists The Dominoes (Dennis Sinclair and Junior Dixon), the Peckings brothers have released a Showcase LP. This LP showcases six original vocal cuts that were recorded at Duke Reid’s famous Treasure Isle studio, followed by a dub or instrumental version.

Justin Hinds

Born in Steertown, St Ann Parish, Jamaica, Justin Hinds kickstarted his musical journey by performing at bars and on the beaches of Ocho Rios. Eventually, he made his way to Kingston where his exposure to Rastafari greatly influenced his music. Although Coxsone Dodd rejected him, Hinds found success after signing with Duke Reid’s Treasure Isle Records. Teaming up with his backing vocalists The Dominoes, their first recording in late 1963, Carry Go Bring Come, was a massive hit that dominated the Jamaican chart for two months, just before The Wailers’ breakthrough hit Simmer Down. Throughout the 1960s, Hinds was one of the most prominent figures in Jamaican music. Over the next few years, he released several singles like King Samuel, Jump Out Of The Frying Pan, The Ark, and Rub Up Push Up. He immersed himself in the world of rocksteady in 1966 and succeeded in gaining popularity in Jamaica with multiple hit songs such as The Higher The Monkey Climbs, No Good Rudie, On A Saturday Night, Here I Stand, and Save A Bread. Hinds ended his artistic collaboration with Duke Reid in 1972, but was present when the producer died a few years later.

Side A

Side A immediately establishes the atmosphere with the captivating social commentary track Sufferation, with backing from Tommy McCook & The Supersonics, the in-house band of Treasure Isle. This enchanting song was eventually released on a limited edition 7″ vinyl by Trojan Records in 2012 as part of their collection of unreleased and rare tracks. It later resurfaced as the AA side of a 7″ single from Archive Recordings/Peckings Records. The instrumental version, titled Treasure Isle, is credited to the Duke Reid All Stars, who are, in fact, Tommy McCook & The Supersonics. Following this, the listener is treated to the magnificent early reggae track Say Me Say, released in Jamaica and the UK in 1970. When listening to Justin Hinds’ vocal and lyrical delivery, one can definitely sense a connection with Carry Go bring Come. Gus Organ’s Say Me Riddim follows it, which is a well-crafted new organ interpretation of Say Me Say. Additionally, the last instrumental on this side is Here I Stand Horns, which features Dean Fraser on his saxophone, playing along with the same riddim from the previous track. On the A side, we also have the delightful rocksteady piece Here I Stand, originally released as a 7″ single on the Dutchess label in 1967. It is truly a treasure that soothes the listener’s ears.

Side B

Side B of the album brings the ska era back to life with the vibrant track Over The River. This catchy lovers song, featuring Tommy McCook & His Skatalites, was first released in 1964 on Treasure Isle. Surprisingly, after the vocal version, a dub rendition follows. Wonder who dubbed this one as it wasn’t common practice in the early 1960s. Regardless, it’s an enjoyable listen. Transitioning to rocksteady, we have the beautiful harmony vocal The Little You Have (That You Have), originally released in 1967. Patrick Tenyue, also known as Aba Ariginal and formerly a member of Matic Horns, adds his trumpet skills to the original riddim track. Throughout his career, Justin Hinds recorded several versions of the highly popular song Carry Go bring Come, which refers to gossiping in Jamaican slang. Here, the listener is treated to the rocksteady version, a timeless classic from 1967, followed by the delightful instrumental piece Soul Movement, led by a captivating organ.

Although we prefer the original versions to the three ‘new’ tracks with contributions from Gus Organ, Dean Fraser, and Patrick Tenyue, all tracks featured on this album are quality recordings.

Over The River