By the close of the 1960s, a number of dynamic independent record producers were beginning to make their mark on Jamaica’s fast developing music scene. Chief among these initially small-time music-makers were the likes of Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, ‘Edward ‘Bunny’ Lee and the man whose music provides the focus of this 2CD collection, Winston Holness AKA ‘Niney’.
As the 70s dawned, the ingenuity, innovation and determination of these three talented individuals saw their influence grow at such a rate and to such an extent that by the middle of the decade, their hit-rate matched and often exceeded that of such long-established major operators as Byron Lee of Dynamic Sounds, Studio One’s Coxson Dodd, and the Khouri family who controlled Federal Records.
But while the music and careers of both Perry and Lee have been rightly celebrated by numerous writers and on seemingly countless compilations over the past few decades, until now, the achievements and influence of Niney have been largely overlooked.
This collection is the first in a series of sets that aims to put the record straight and present the very best of his output during key parts of his music career, commencing with the initial independent productions that provided the launchpad to a long and illustrious career in music.
Featuring numerous hits, including the ground-breaking ‘Blood & Fire’, ‘Message To The Ungodly’, ‘Hiding By The Riverside’, ‘Beardman Feast’, ‘Rasta Bandwagon’ and ‘When Jah Speak’, the 2CD set presents 20+ tracks that have remained largely unavailable for over half a century.
A must for fans of early reggae sounds, ‘Lightning & Thunder’ also presents a fascinating opportunity to the as-yet uninitiated to enjoy and experience some of the earliest authentic dub and roots tracks ever recorded. This is where it all began!