The debut album from Wayne Smith, the voice of dancehall’s pivotal transitional recording, “Under Mi Sleng Teng.”
The early 1980s were the pinnacle of the ‘youthman’ style of reggae vocal, associated with the generation from Jamaica’s Kingston 11 area, including Waterhouse, where producer Lloyd James built what would become a legendary studio at 38 St. Lucia Avenue.
Then known as “Prince Jammy,” he, along with keyboardist Noel Davey and Wayne Smith, would go on to revolutionize Jamaican reggae/dancehall music via the mega hit, “Under Mi Sleng Teng” in 1985. In 1982, the underground classic, Youthman Skanking, hit the streets via a series of singles and an LP on London’s Black Joy label.
Released just three years prior to “Sleng Teng,” the sound couldn’t be in more stark contrast. This was the heavy, roots reggae sound of the dancehalls of the era. In every sense, this was ‘dancehall’ music in 1982.
The musicians on these sparse sessions included the High Times players, including guitarist Earl “Chinna” Smith, keyboardist Tony “Asher” Brissett, drummer Basil “Benbow” Creary and bassist Christopher Meredith.
The original vinyl LP of Youthman Skanking has been a highly sought-after collector’s item for decades. This is the definitive remastered edition, meticulously restored from two different reel-to-reel transfers.Album release date:20 August 2024
