Celebrating Jamaica series drops latest release
The fifth in Tad’s International Record’s compilation marking Jamaica’s Independence was released on August 7.
Titled Celebrating Jamaica 64, it contains 17 songs co-produced by Tad Dawkins and Tad Dawkins Jr.
Like previous collections, Celebrating Jamaica 64 salutes the country’s diverse musical heritage, including mento, gospel, rocksteady, roots-reggae, and dancehall.
“Every year we have the opportunity to showcase the incredible diversity of our musical landscape while reminding listeners of the timeless quality of these recordings,” the elder Dawkins told the Jamaica Observer. “The Celebrating Jamaica series has become something that music lovers look forward to annually, and seeing that anticipation continue to grow makes the project especially meaningful.”
Three of the songs from Celebrating Jamaica 64 were released prior to August 7. They are Duane Stephenson’s cover of The Melodians’ You Have Caught Me; Happiest Days by Vybz Kartel and Mavado; as well as World Peace by Brigadier Jerry.
Other tracks from the compilation are Grampa Entatain’s Khaki, done on the popular Hill And Gully rhythm, and the Kukudoo Medley, which salutes the revival/gospel singer who died in May.
Dawkins Sr launched his company in 1984. One of his early productions was an update of Dennis Brown’s Here I Come, which became the singer’s signature.
— Howard Campbell
