VA - Niney The Observer Presents Dreadlocks Coming To Dinner: The Observer 7 Singles 1973-1975 (2024)

Two CDs. Having enjoyed his first major Jamaican hit in 1971 with the ground-breaking single 'Blood And Fire', Winston Holness aka Niney 'The Observer' set about establishing a reputation as one of the island's most accomplished and innovative record producers. Within two years of his breakthrough hit, he had built a strong fan-base both within the land of his birth and in the UK, having issued a series of popular singles featuring himself and a small but impressive roster of local artists that included Big Youth, Max Romeo, Delroy Wilson and U Roy. 'Guess Who's Coming To Dinner' comprises the very best of these works, commencing with Ken Boothe's hugely popular 1973 Jamaican chart-topping version of 'Silver Words'. Other highlights include Delroy Wilson's popular interpretations of 'Halfway Up The Stairs' and 'I Can't Help Myself' while there are also numerous early roots classics, most notably the title track, 'Rasta No Born Ya', 'Nice And Easy', 'Every Natty Want To Go Home'. Including 15 tracks that have remained unavailable on any format since their original release in the 70s, this 2CD collection demonstrates why Niney deserves to be ranked among the finest music makers to have first made their mark on the Jamaican music scene during the most creative period in the long and illustrious history of reggae music.