Rating:
Genre: Reggae
Release Date: 12/11/2007

Most of Byron Lee's output with his Dragonaires is smoothed out MOR-styled instrumental versions of various soca, reggae. and ska classics, the kind of thing tourists to Jamaica are likely to hear just off the boat, but as this carefully selected anthology shows, he could rise to the occasion when necessary and put aside his usual generic approach as a bandleader. Included here are some fine outings with Eric "Monty" Morris ("Oil in My Lamp," "Sammy Dead"), Mighty Sparrow ("Only a Fool," "Dragon Dance"), Toots & the Maytals (yet another version of "54 46 That's My Number"), and Keith Lyn ("Empty Chair"), as well as a moving and elegant bit of Jamaican ska doo wop from Stranger & Patsy called "Come Back" and a lovely, gentle take on Bob Marley's "Redemption Song." A bonus DVD featuring Lee & the Dragonaires in performance at the 2006 Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival is also included in the package, making this probably the best possible introduction to the high points of Lee's music.

~Steve Leggett, All Music Guide

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Byron Lee - Executive Producer
Byron Lee - Interviewee
Christopher Chin - Executive Producer
Byron Lee & the Dragonaires - Performer
Paul Shields - Editing
Paul Shields - Remastering
Paul Shields - Restoration
Deron D. James - Artwork
Deron D. James - Design
Chris Goins - Project Manager
Fidel Luna "Twice" - Editing
Fidel Luna "Twice" - Remastering
Fidel Luna "Twice" - Restoration
Fidel Luna "Twice" - A&R
Donald Clive Davidson - Liner Notes
Donald Clive Davidson - Compilation
Donald Clive Davidson - Editing
Donald Clive Davidson - Remastering
Donald Clive Davidson - Reissue Coordination
Donald Clive Davidson - Restoration

Sound System: The Island Anthology
    Steel Pulse / CD / 1997
Happiness: The Best of Michael Rose
    Michael Rose / CD / 2004
Peace & Harmony: The Trojan Anthology
    The Heptones / CD / 2004
The Essential Bob Marley and the Wailers
    Bob Markey & the Wailers / CD / 2005
Pressure Drop: The Definitive Collection
    Toots & the Maytals / CD / 2005
The Best of Delroy Wilson...Original Eighteen
    Delroy Wilson / CD / 2006
Radio
    Ky-Mani Marley / CD / 2007

Release Date: 12/11/2007
Genre: regg