The Paragons – Return LP

Description

LP version. Radiation Roots present a reissue ofThe Paragons‘Return, originally released in 1977. One of the most important harmony groups in the entirety of Jamaican music, the Paragons have a long and complicated history. First formed in the ska years byBob AndyandTyrone Evansas the duo ofAndy And Ronnie, the group soon expanded to a quartet through the addition ofHoward BarrettandJohn Holt, the latter naturally assuming lead duties; following the subsequent departure of Andy, Holt, Evans, and Barrett made the Paragons the quintessential rock steady trio. They had an incredible run of hits forDuke ReidandCoxsoneduring the mid-to-late ’60s, and also issued some self-produced work, before Holt’s solo career skyrocketed, leaving the group on the back-burner. Then, in the mid-1970s, the Paragons reformed, cutting material for New York-based labels such as Clocktower and Clintones, which led to this intriguing album, which saw material recorded in Jamaica at Harry J forBunny Leemixed with work cut at Bullwackie’s studio in the Bronx; along with re-workings of classics such as “Left With A Broken Heart” and “Memories By The Score” is a whole range of new material, dealing with contemporary themes.