Derrick Harriott
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Jamaican singer, writer, producer, arranger, bandleader and label owner Derrick Harriott wore so many hats (and all of them very well) that it is difficult to get a real grasp of the full sweep of his contribution to the island's music in a single disc, and even a box set would probably miss some things. This compilation from Trojan concentrates on his vocal rocksteady releases, and it includes his most famous release as a singer (and as a writer), the beautiful, sad, and wry "The Loser," as well as the doo wop funk of "Eighteen With a Bullett," two Norman Whitfield compositions ("Slave" and "Message From a Black Man," both originally recorded by the Temptations), and a compelling version of Smokey Robinson's "Since I Lost My Baby" (also originally done by the Temptations). Harriott had a gorgeous, soaring falsetto and his soulful phrasing drew heavily on American R&B, and his frequent covers of songs by the Temptations, the Impressions, and others anticipated lovers rock. But he was much more than a skilled singer. He was also adept at production (he was the first Jamaican star to completely control his own productions and career, even starting his own label, Crystal Records, in 1962), and his impact on the Jamaican music industry stretches far beyond his vocal contributions. Still, he was a delightful singer, and listeners looking to find a sort of greatest hits that reflects that side of Harriott's immense and diverse talent shouldn't hesitate to pick up Songs for Midnight Lovers. Steve Leggett, All Music Guide Tracks:
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Derrick Harriott|
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