Earl ‘Chinna’ Smith – the famed Jamaican guitarist who rose to prominence while working with the Soul Syndicate Band, Bob Marley & The Wailers, and others – has produced a Junior Byles tribute album. The eleven-track compilation, released on Friday, July 7th via Serious Reggae and DubShot Records, is an acoustic re-working of some of Byles biggest hits.
Titled, Still Beating Down Babylon, it features reggae giants Inner Circle, Freddie McGregor and Mykal Rose, as well as several emerging acts: Kai Wakeling, Matrujah, Delphine, Chiney KiKi, Marlon Brown, Color Red, Donovan Joseph, Likkle Nate and Itral Ites. Some of the songs presented on this LP are Curly Locks, A Place Called Africa, Fade Away, Beat Down Babylon etc., tracks that have made the name Junior Byles synonymous with 70s reggae music.
Smith explains his approach to the project in the following statement. “We didn’t do it like di originals, wi have some different arrangements. It’s jus’ like yuh writing with a guitar an’ bring in some instruments.” And as for what inspired the record, he said: “wi can do nuthin more than help dis artiste, because him a guh through him ting from di 70s. Wi jus’ happy wi get it done.”
In the late 70s Byles mental health had begun to decline, and he was subsequently admitted to Bellevue Hospital. Unfortunately his situation never improved and he was later diagnosed with prostate cancer. To that end, his long time friend and colleague, Earl ‘Chinna’ Smith, has taken this initiative to shine a light on Junior Byles and his plight.
Still Beating Down Babylon is available on Apple Music, Amazon, Spotify, iTunes, Deezer and all other streaming platforms.
MARIA JACKSON 27 MAGAZINE 