The Roots Reggae Library brings to you Reggae music in unique collections. This edition features all the material of The Tartans. This collection is unique because the music is rare and none of the songs have ever featured on albums.
The Tartans were a Ska and Rocksteady group that consisted primarily of Devon Russell, Prince Lincoln Thompson, Cedric Myton, Lindburgh Lewis. Others would occasionally join, such as Lloyd Robinson. Sometimes The Tartans would be called Devon and the Tartans. They formed in 1967 and recorded until 1969. The Super Tartans is a different combination, which does include Devon Russell. Their songs will not feature here. As usual, the Roots Reggae Library sticks to a single name, The Tartans. The Tartans have also sung background vocals for artists such as Tony Thomas. This music is not included, as it is of a different genre, and the Tartans are barely a distinctive sound on the tracks.
I have made two albums containing as many singles as I could get my hands on. It is likely that more material remains in the vaults. Cedric Myton has expressed his intention to bring out some of his earlier work with The Tartans at some point. Until that happens, we have the following two albums.
The first of two albums composed on the Roots Reggae Library lends its album cover from a collection album with songs from several artists. That album is named after one of its prominent tracks, a song from The Tartans, 'Dance All Night'. Those who know more about the material of Cedric Myton and Lindberg Lewis with The Congos will be familiar with this song. It is an earlier version of the song that appears on their Face The Music with a similar title. On Dance All Night we hear the song carrying an recognizable beat for the period prior to Reggae. A similar piano tune opens 'What Can I Do', asking what to say and do, adding to the rude boy theme which was so influential in Ska, Rocksteady, and early Reggae. "I feel it, and I know it, it's 'Coming On Strong'", even though they know that only "fools fall in love", as The Drifters sung in 1957. Continuing the rude boy theme, singing that it's no good, and 'It's Not Right' to be shooting and looting and to act tough. Announcing a number of intentions musically in 'Real Gone Sweet', we hear Russell on the lead vocals. Reaching halfway of the album we hear a track that is different from what we have heard so far, introducing the love theme in the group. The Tartans chant 'Lovers'. A very happy opening sets in when 'Far Beyond The Sunset' starts to play. Again, a collective production of The Tartans, as their harmonies sound flawless. 'Rolling Down The Street' and "rolling down the town, and I can't get no help". Where much of Ska, Rocksteady and Roots Reggae would get well known because of the guitar riffs, many songs from The Tartans are based on piano melodies. I am not suggesting that is the reason they did not gain much popularity. They must have been appreciated within their musical circles, as they went on to have great Reggae solo careers. The felt ready for it during their Tartans period, as we hear 'I'm Ready'. And since they are ready, let's 'Do It', the last track on this album.
This album has an album cover which has been made by me personally. On it you see three LP's from songs that appear on this album, and rare colour pictures of Devon Russell, Lincoln Thompson, Cedric Myton, and Lindburgh Lewis. The title of the album is a reference to the first song on the album, 'Awake The Town', also called 'Wake The Town', in which The Tartans announce their presence. Their intention is to "sing the sweet soul music to make you dance all night", and to "come do Rocksteady". Another deep tune, and the deep voice of Devon Russell herald 'What You Gonna Do Now', with harmonies of the other members, a type of harmony which would be quit distinct in each of the members later solo careers. "Let them talk, all over the town". Looking into the future, hoping for a time to be satisfied and happy to say goodbye, 'A Day Will Come'. For now, let's take it easy though. A fast trembling rhythm for 'Make Up Your Mind', telling a girl to not think, take a run, and to have a little fun. The pain and sleepless nights one suffers when being alone, while in love, is described in 'Lonely Heartaches'. Even though we heard that 'It's Not Right' on Dance All Night, song number six on this album tells a girl that 'It's All Right'. The idea is to get on the floor and to get your feet moving. Knowing that it's all right, "come along, everyone, and dance right now", yes, 'Let's Have Some Fun'. The song is somewhat squeaky. 'Making Love' has the same cries but is easier on the ears. In the song, we are taken back to our school years. A very difficult to find song, 'Solid As A Rock', the title says it all. It goes for all the tracks of The Tartans that the audio quality is not always as good as the later Reggae that would be produced. Awake The Town ends with what Dance All Night had started. The popular hit of 'Dance All Night' had another, slower version, made as well. To most, it will come across as a completely different song.
Ska & Rocksteady Albums
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