By Howard Campbell—
Rocksteady greats, The Melodians, released their latest album digitally on Friday. Titled The Return of The Melodians Ska—Rocksteady—Reggae, it is the first collection of songs featuring a new line-up that came together in 2014.Founder Trevor McNaughton is the sole surviving original member in the current group which also includes Winston Dias and Taurus Alphonso.
Most of the songs are produced by Willie Lindo. Their reworking of Little Nut Tree is produced by Danny Breakenridge.
Sweet Sensation and You Don’t Need Me are also fresh takes on songs that helped make The Melodians a force during the rocksteady era. They also cover The Drifters’ I’ll Take You Where The Music’s Playing and The Jamaicans’ Things You Say You Love.
The trio performed at the April 26-28 Skamouth music festival in Great Yarmouth alongside The Gaylads, Winston Reedy of The Cimarons and Dennis Alcapone.
McNaughton was pleased with the response to their performance.
“I think it can open a lotta doors for us. I think wi finally getting where wi want with the harmonies,” he said. The Skamouth festival is co-promoted by Tom Fahy and Christine Staple. Backed by the eight-piece Paradigms Band, The Melodians performed on the second night of the three-day festival.
Formed in 1962, The Melodians started out with Brent Dowe and Tony Brevett. Dowe died in 2006 and Brevett in 2013.
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