Top Of The Box » Reggae

Gregory Isaacs – Night Nurse – Live 1983

John Williams — Sat, 29 May 2010 09:14:48 +0000

Here is a classic reggae tune from one of the masters of the craft, Gregory Isaacs performs Night Nurse on home turf at the Reggae Supersplash in Montego Bay, Jamaica back in 1983.

He is being backed by the more than adequate Roots Radics on this performance, ensuring a top quality vocal and sound, unlike the video clip! But listen anyway, its worth it.

Gregory Isaacs – Night Nurse – Live 1983

Jimmy Cliff – Many Rivers To Cross – Live

John Williams — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:06:34 +0000

I’m not sure when this clip was recorded, but it features a beautiful acoustic version of Many Rivers To Cross performed by Jimmy Cliff with Jools Holland playing some wonderful piano to accompany the smooth vocals of Cliff.

Jimmy Cliff first recorded the track for his 1969 album, simply called, ‘Jimmy Cliff.’ Many Rivers To Cross also featured on the 1972 soundtrack album The Harder They Come, Cliff also starred in the film.

Jimmy Cliff – Many Rivers To Cross – Live

Dave & Ansil Collins – Double Barrel

John Williams — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:57:39 +0000

Reggae became synonymous with the Skinhead fashion around 1969, and although the fashion soon passed the music lived on.

This track is from 1971, it was anumber one hit for Dave & Ansil Collins called Double Barrel, and at school, an absolute must have!

Dave & Ansil Collins – Double Barrel

UB40 – Food For Thought

John Williams — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 07:00:21 +0000

This single from 1980 was exceptional, it really is a shame that the band chose to go down the more commercial route by covering old hits.

It was such a promising start.

UB40 – Food For Thought

Bob Marley & The Wailers – Stir It Up

Terry Lane — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 07:00:12 +0000

Bob Marley & The Wailers – Stir It Up, The Old Grey Whistel Test, 1973

In 1973, The Wailers came to the UK to promote their debut album on the Island record label, Catch A Fire. The band were at the forefront of the Jamaican reggae scene born in the 1960’s. The Wailers made their first live UK tv appearance on The Old Grey Whistle Test, more renowned for introducing prog rock and heavy, less commercial rock music.

Therefore it must have been a great shock to many viewers to watch The Wailers – Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer and brothers Carlton and Aston “Family Man” Barrett on drums and bass respectively for the first time.

The Wailers, as they were called back the, were a very tight, colourful combo and this version of Stir It Up remains my favourite. The live performance starts with Peter Tosh’s chugging guitar and also includes his perfect backing vocals to Bob Marley’s lead.

Peter Tosh And Mick Jagger – Walk And Don’t Look Back

John Williams — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 07:00:04 +0000

This is a great track that you don’t hear much, which makes it all the better.

Mick Jagger dancing like a prat, probably just had a big fat one, performing Walk And Don’t Look Back with Reggae icon, Peter Tosh. It is around 1978 I think.

Tosh was sadly murdered in his home in 1987.