The Viceroys are another of Jamaica’s vocal groups that deserve a wider audience.Built around lead vocalist / song writer Wesley Tinglin ( b.1947,Jamaica ) they worked through the Rocksteady period but found their feet in the Roots 1970’s period in Reggae’s history.Various lineup and name changes may have hindered their success on the bigger stage,but they have released some classic cuts as we find here some unreleased gems that have not seen the light of day until now....

Like many of the Vocal / Harmony groups that has sprung up in Jamaica they began their career working at Coxsone Dodd’s Studio One label around 1966.The line up released their recordings under The Voiceroys monicker producing such hits as 'Love and Unity' (1967),'Fat Fish'(1968) and one of their most known tracks 'Ya Ho' (1968).They briefly moved over to the Morgan's label and cut two fine tracks 'Lip and Tongue' and 'Send Requests',before joining Winston Riley as part of The 'Inturns' and seen some cross over success with the 'Mission Impossible' track in the early 1970's.A return to the Studio One camp produced two classic cuts in 'The Struggle' and 'Slogan on the Wall'.Under a slightly different guise the 'Interns' with producer Phil Pratt saw the release of their 'Detour' set.
After this period the group name would finally settle to be The Viceroys.Although the main stay was always based around Wesley Tinglin, the backing harmonies would
change between Linval Williams and Daniel Bernard and later to include Neville Ingram and Norris Reid.This latter line up released the well received 1982 set 'We must Unite',and followed it in 1983 with the equally enticing 'Brethren and Sistren' set.

This set here represents the groups roots feel they undertook in the early 1970's,and features some fantastic numbers that sadly have got over looked in the tests of time.
'Sometimes' and the cut 'Depression' show an honesty in their lyrics that is both profound and real.'Live Come See', 'Baldhead' and 'See Dem A Come Deh' sound as great as some of our favourite tracks that were recorded in Kingston Town in those Dread 1970's, that sends you back to those times when played.The band even touch on a Motown sound for their 'Railroad Man' cut. 'Baby I Love You','What the World Needs Now', and 'You' showcase the groups vocal harmonies in fine form with the added bonus that the tunes are backed up by the cream of Jamaica's musicians,the Barrett brothers,Sly Dunbar,Boris Gardiner to name but a few.We have included an alternative take to 'Sometimes',the first version was recorded at Channel One Studio's and carries a great horn line where as the second version cut at Randy's Studio 17 has a heavier skank feel without the horn line,both sound great so we thought we should include both.Also found was a nice dub to the 'What You Make It' track for your listening pleasure.

We hope you enjoy these lost treasures as much as we have in putting them together,may they reach that wider audience they richly deserve......

Musicians include;

Carlton Barrett,Sly Dunbar,Roy Wade;Drums
Aston 'Familyman' Barrett,Robbie Shakespeare,Boris Gardiner;Bass
Gitsi Willis,Jackson Jones,Steve Golding;Guitar
Rubeck,Snapping,Allah; Piano & Keyboards
Bobby Ellis,Lloyd Deslandes,Marquis;Horns

Recorded at; Channel 1,Randy's Studio 17, Treasure Isle
And King Tubby’s
Under license from Clive Jeffery