The Melodians, one of reggae’s great harmony groups, are back this summer with “I’ll Take You Where The Music’s Playing”, a cover of The Drifters classic.

The song was recorded for the trio’s 2017 album, “The Return of The Melodians,” which entered the Billboard Reggae Albums Chart. Featured on the song are group founder Trevor McNaughton, Winston Dias and Taurus Alphonso. McNaughton died in 2018.

“I’ll Take You Where The Music’s Playing” was re-recorded recently at the HeavyBeat studio of producer Willie Lindo. The new version has live drums by Lee Milio, who joined the group after McNaughton’s death. There are also live horns, Lindo on guitar, the legendary Robbie Shakespeare on bass and Lindo’s son Kashief playing keyboards.

Dias and Alphonso joined The Melodians after the deaths of original members Brent Dowe and Tony Brevett in 2006 and 2013, respectively. That edition performed throughout South Florida, Philadelphia, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom. Milo, who is from Montego Bay, has been a fixture on the South Florida reggae scene for 40 years. Fans in the region are familiar with his work for the Tishan band.

Formed in Greenwich Farm, Kingston, The Melodians are one of reggae’s storied groups. McNaughton, Brevett and Dowe had a series of hits at producer Duke Reid’s Treasure Isle studio during the rocksteady craze of the 1960s, such as “Little Nut Tree,” “Swing And Dine” and “Sweet Sensation.” Their biggest hit was “By The Rivers of Babylon,” produced by Leslie Kong.

Iba Mahr went into his catalogue and pulled out “Dollar Sign,” a song initially released in 2017 on the Body & Soul Riddim. He has created, and just shared, some stunning visuals that breathes new life into the record.

The video was uploaded to the singer’s VEVO channel on August 7th. Click here or on the image above to watch and remember to like, comment and share.

Veteran reggae artist, Winston ‘Flags’ Smith, is sharing a song from his upcoming album titled “One Fine Day.” The new single, which is called “The World Is On Fire,” was inspired by the current state of the world; specifically, the global pandemic, the economic collapse, racial injustice, police brutality towards African Americans, and the many protests and riots that followed.

The song, though forceful, was delivered with a bright, hopeful energy that can be felt through the speakers. It was recorded in Miami, Florida, which is where Flags is now based.

Song credits are as follows: David Simmons on drums, Anthony Crichton on Rock Guitar, Patrick Quest on Keyboards and Guitar; with harmonies by Shauna Dazzle Dixon.

When asked what he would like listeners to take away from this record, Winston ‘Flags’ Smith said the following: “The message is one of reassurance, never to forget that Mother Nature rules over the earth, because with all their military might and scientific knowledge the Super Powers that be can’t contain the spread of the small virus. The song also conveys a message that Jah has also opened the eyes of the oppressed to see that the wicked can never conquer.”