Johnny Osbourne – Truth & Rights
themusicologist is back in the saddle today with a remix of the Johnny Osbourne Downbeat Roots Classic ‘Truth & Rights’. Recorded in the late 70’s at Sir Coxsons Studio 1, although in truth it was, like much of Coxsons later output an overdub recorded over an early 70’s ‘golden age’ Studio 1 rhythm, a practice originated by Sugar Minott a few years earlier.
By the late 70’s Jamaica was on the edge and Kingston was to all intents and purposes a battlefield. The economy had collapsed due, (in part), to outside influence as well as infighting between the opposing forces of the JLP and the PNP. Without going into too long a narrative Jamaica, (and the Caribbean) was on the frontline of the Cold War. Manley was a ‘Socialist’ and Seaga was a ‘Capitalist’ and the war that erupted was instigated by outside pressure to destabilise the situation. The age of ‘Roots & Culture’, One Love and ‘Ites was almost over and the ‘Gunman’ style was on the march. Studio 1, (as a creative force), was too all intents and purposes finished and Sir Coxson was relocating to the relative peace and safety !!! of Brooklyn signalling the end of the mightiest of Jamaica’s Musical powerhouses…
The rhythm for this tune was originally recorded at Studio 1 in the early part of the 70’s and released as ‘Take a Ride’ (miscredited to Al Campbell). Johnny Osbourne’s Truth and Rights was, (to the best of my knowledge), never released as a 7 Inch and was only available on the LP, (along with other ‘golden age’ overdubs), anyway…before i digress here is my tribute version to one of the mightiest of the Studio 1 roots cuts…
All hail the Musicologist ! Fabulous as always, another sublime mix !
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cheers Donal
it was remixed in answer to a request from a knowledgeCat who wished that there was a heavyweight version. glad to say that it fulfilled his desire…
respect
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Love it, one of my all time killer tunes Boss sounds outernational !
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one of the greatest of the Downbeat cuts for me too.
thank you for taking the time to comment
appreciated.
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Welcome back sir. Of course we are all grateful for an occasional post from a very busy man (it seems) but don’t you think you are neglecting your musical audience just a teeny bit? On another note, I came across this book: http://kindofbook.com/blood-sweat-and-tea-real-life-adventures-in-an-inner-city-ambulance/
Interesting title don’t you think?
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yes i do think i am guilty of neglecting themusicologist tribe..i feels a fresh campaign in me bones though…spring is here and all that.
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Good to have you back, we are (I am) feeling somewhat neglected, but I am sure you have been busy, but I remember you said yourself “it’s all about the music” !
To change the subject, I found this book recently: http://kindofbook.com/blood-sweat-and-tea-real-life-adventures-in-an-inner-city-ambulance/
They’ve stolen your catchphrase, well almost.
Best Wishes,
Ian
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cheers Ian..
giving thanks for the welcome
i’m planning themusicologist comeback…taking it each cut at a time !!
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