The Congos were formed by Cedric Myton (born 1947 St Catherine, Jamaica) and
Roydel ‘Roy’ Johnson (born 1943 Hanover, Jamaica), around the mid seventies, a
time when the Rasta message coming out of Kingston and other pockets of the
Jamaican Island was at it’s most prominent. Cedric Myton’s singing career began
back in the rocksteady era in Reggae’s musical story.
He formed the ‘Tartans’ group taking lead vocal duties alongside Devon Russell,
Prince Lincoln Thompson and Lindbergh Lewis. They cut ‘Dance All Night’ (1967)
and ‘Coming On Strong’ (1968). The line-up reduced to a two piece, Cedric and
Devon Russell, when tracks like ‘What a Sin Thing’ and ‘Short Up Dress’ were cut.
This line-up became the Royal Rasses, Cedric formed The Congos, on meeting
Roydel Johnson. Roydel previously sang as a member of Ras Michael and the
Sons of Negas, cutting such tracks as ’Go To Zion’ (1973). As we can see Cedric’s
and Roydel’s Rasta roots were firmly in place by the time they had formed The
Congos sometimes called ‘The Congoes’.
The Congos possess what all bands look for,that unique sound that draws the
listener to them.Lead singer Cedric Myton’s style and phasing, with his distinctive
Falsetto voice makes this just the case.Built on a foundation of classic rhythms and
with the aid of then Producer, Lee Perry, the groups statement of intent was laid
down with one succinct message. The Congos mighty 1977 ‘Heart of the Congos’
album, is quite simply one of the best reggae albums ever recorded.
Producer Lee Perry had wanted to record a classic Jamaican vocal group in his
newly built Black Ark Studio. The voice of Watty Burnett was added at the time to
cover baritone vocal duties. The studio after various changes in equipment etc.
was finally finding its way. A sound built in Lee Perry’s back yard in Cardiff Crescent,
Washington Gardens, Kingston, but existing until then in Mr Lee Perry’s mind.
The album they cut would be the defining group release to come out of The Black
Ark studios, when the vital elements, vibes, musicians, songs and singing would
gel to form ‘Heart Of The Congos’. Come the time of it’s release 1977, Lee Perry
was in dispute with Island Records and opted to release the record on his own
‘Black Art’ label. Without the high profile push of a major label, the record undersold
and caused a split between producer and band. Under different circumstances maybe
this album would be sitting in thousands of homes alongside the Bob Marley, Culture,
Burning Spear releases. Cedric Myton went on to release albums with the French
arm of the CBS label and Roy Johnson records and tours as Congo Ashanti Roy.
Cedric Myton the central force carries on the mantle of the Congos and we at
Kingston Sounds are proud to pick up the story with another set of vocal statements,
which sees Cedric cut some of his finest tunes. Helped along by another reggae
legend Brent Dowe, lead singer of the Melodians (Rivers of Babylon), over some
classic 1970’s rhythms. Yet again we find that magic formula of strong statements
working alongside classic rhythms making the balance work. The Rasta message
is still strong on modern classics like ‘King Rastafari Is His Name’, ‘Rasta Congo Man’
and the injustices of the world dissected in tunes ‘Some A Thief’, ‘Watch & Pray’ and
the prophetical, ‘Citizen Of The World’.
Once touched by magic it does not fade away, but resurfaces as it has with what
we believe to be some of the Congos most heartfelt and meaningful set of
songs...... Let the feast begin.
CD Track Listing
1. Gods Kingdom
(Lee/Myton) Copyright Control
2. King Rastafari Is His Name
(Lee/Myton) Copyright Control
3. Cockmouth
(Lee/Myton) Copyright Control
4. Some A Thief
(Lee/Myton) Copyright Control
5. Watch & Pray
(Lee/Myton) Copyright Control
6. Rasta Congo Man
(Lee/Myton) Copyright Control
7. Fat Cook
(Lee/Myton) Copyright Control
8. Citizen Of The World
(Lee/Myton) Copyright Control
9. Grandma Say
(Lee/Myton) Copyright Control
10. Take It To The Max
(Lee/Myton) Copyright Control
11. Rasta Weh She Want
(Lee/Myton) Copyright Control
12. Heaven Rejoice
(Lee/Myton) Copyright Control
13. Going To A Party*
(Lee/Myton) Copyright Control
14. The River Beng Come Down*
(Lee/Myton) Copyright Control
•CD Bonus Track
Vinly Track Listing
Side 1
1. Gods Kingdom
(Lee/Myton) Copyright Control
2. King Rastafari Is His Name
(Lee/Myton) Copyright Control
3. Cockmouth
(Lee/Myton) Copyright Control
4. Some A Thief
(Lee/Myton) Copyright Control
5. Watch & Pray
(Lee/Myton) Copyright Control
6. Rasta Congo Man
(Lee/Myton) Copyright Control
Side 2
1. Fat Cook
(Lee/Myton) Copyright Control
2. Citizen Of The World
(Lee/Myton) Copyright Control
3. Grandma Say
(Lee/Myton) Copyright Control
4. Take It To The Max
(Lee/Myton) Copyright Control
5. Rasta Weh She Want
(Lee/Myton) Copyright Control
6. Heaven Rejoice
(Lee/Myton) Copyright Control
The Congos:
Cedric Myton: Vocals
Brent Dowe: Backing Vocals
Musicians Include:
Carlton ‘Santa’ Davis, Sly Dunbar: Drums.
Robbie Shakespeare, Aston ‘Family Man’ Barrett,
Lloyd Parks, George Fullwood and Bagga Walker: Bass.
Earl ‘Chinna’ Smith & Husk Brown: Guitar.
Tarzan, Augustus Pablo & Winston Wright: Piano.
Winston Wright: Organ.
Deadley Headley, Tommy McCook, Vin Gordon& Bobby Ellis: Horns.
Zoot ‘Scully’ Simms: Percussion
Recorded at: Channel I, Harry J, Joe Gibbs and Randys Studio 17.
Voiced at: Joe Gibbs Studio
Produced by: Bunny Lee, Dub King and Nuton Williams.
Design by: LAC at Voodoo London.
Photography: Jah Floyd Archive.