The Mighty Diamonds are one of the most famous vocal groups to come out of the
Jamaican Reggae scene. Their perfect harmonies ride over the wholesome and
Garveyite influenced lyrics to such great effect that they will always envoke memories
of that time and place, but also like all great music never seems to date.
The Mighty Diamonds consist of Donald ‘Tappy’ Shaw (lead vocals),
Fitzroy ‘Bunny’ Simpson and Lloyd ‘Judge’ Ferguson providing those fantastic
harmonies. They began their recording carreer working with Producers Stranger
Cole and Rupie Edwards but found their breakthrough success with Producer
Joseph ‘Joe Joe’ Hookim at the legendary Channel One Studios recording ‘Hey Girl’
and covering two foreign tunes namely ‘ Country Living’ (The Stylistics) and
‘Stoned Out of Mind’(The Chi – Lites) which suited their vocal styles perfectly.
It was the Mid – 70’s and the strong militant sounds and vibes of that time translated
into the Diamonds music. ‘Back Weh A Mafia’ and the timeless ‘Right Time’ fitted the
mood of the moment in Kingston, Jamaica in 1975. The following year saw more hits
in the shape of ‘Have Mercy’ and the classic ‘I Need A Roof’. The vocal group also cut
tracks with other renound Producers of the time Joe Gibbs, Gussie Clarke and
Mr Tappa Zukie of which we focus this release on. Politically based tunes like the title
track of this release ‘Leaders Of Black Countries’, ‘Don’t Burn Your Bridges’ and
‘Rude Boy’ work alongside some fine covers Dennis Browns ‘No More Will I Roam’
and oddly ‘Who’s Sorry Now’. On listening these tunes work perfectly with the harmonies
weaving together and lifting the songs to another level. The group also leave some room
for a history lesson in the shape of ‘Morgan The Pirate’ and the thought provoking
‘Do You Want To Spend Your Time Wasting Time’.
Well waste no more and enjoy this set by one of Jamaicas finest vocal groups....
CD Track Listing
1 Morgan The Pirate
2 Leaders of Black Countries
3 Rude Boys
4 No More Will I Roam
5 Mother Winney
6 Please Be Fair
7 Mr Brown
8 Do You Want To Spend The Rest Of Your Life Wasting Time
9 Don’t Burn Your Bridges
10 Who’s Sorry Now
11 Leaders Of Dub
12 Pirates (DJ Version) Featuring Tullo T
13 Rude Boy Dub*
14 Mr Brown Dub*
15 Pirate Dub*
•CD Bonus Track
Vinly Track Listing
Side 1
1 Morgan The Pirate
2 Leaders of Black Countries
3 Rude Boys
4 No More Will I Roam
5 Mother Winney
6 Please Be Fair
Side 2
1 Mr Brown
2 Do You Want To Spend The Rest Of Your Life Wasting Time
3 Don’t Burn Your Bridges
4 Who’s Sorry Now
5 Leaders Of Dub
6 Pirates (DJ Version) Featuring Tullo T
The Mighty Diamonds:
Donald ‘Tappy’ Shaw
Fitzroy ‘Bunny’ Simpson
Lloyd ‘Judge’ Ferguson
Musicians Include:
Sly Dunbar, Santa Davis: Drums
Robbie Shakespeare: Bass
Tony Chin, Bingy Bunny: Rhythm Guitar
Earl ‘Chinna’ Smith: Lead Guitar
Ansel Collins: Organ
Gladstone ‘Gladdy’ Anderson, Noel ‘Skully’ Simms and Sky Juice: Percussion
Vin Gordon: Trombone
Bobby Ellis: Trumpet
Deadly ‘Headly’ Bennett: Sax
Recorded at: King Tubbys, Randys Studio 17 & Channel 1
Produced by: Tappa Zukie
Manufactured Under Licence from: Tappa Zukie