KSCD045

Leroy Smart the self proclaimed ‘Don’, carries much respect in the Jamaican musical
community. His attacking vocal style gives his lyrics and tunes that extra meaningfulness.

Born 1952, Jamaica, orphaned as a young child, Leroy was sent to Maxfield Park
children's home and educated at the famed Alpha Boys School. The school was
run by nuns who encouraged musical talent and would provide the world with the
cream of Jamaica’s artistic talent. Such legends as Don Drummond, Tommy McCook,
Johnny’ Dizzy’ Moore, to name but a few, all learnt their musical trade in this strict
environment.

Leroy’s first single ‘It Pains Me’ was cut in 1969, his first hit came in 1973 with
‘Mother Lisa’. Leroy worked with many Jamaican producers including Gussie Clarke,
but seemed to find his musical feet working with Bunny ’Striker ' Lee, with whom he
cut many of his greatest tunes. It’s from this period that we have compiled this album.
All great tracks cut over some of Bunny Lee’s greatest rhythms. ‘God Helps The Man’
also cut in 1973, and ‘Wreck Up My Life’ another big hit for Leroy. ‘Mr Smart’, ‘Pride
And Ambition’. ‘Jah Jah Forgive Them’ which ultilises Bunny Lee’s ‘Conversation’
rhythm, originally backing Slim Smith’s hit of the same name. ‘Man Is Great’, ‘Bad
Minded People’, and the timeless ‘Mr Richman’, telling the still prevalent story of
rich against poor. His distinctive vocal style and meaningful lyrics weaves like a
musical thread, that ties this great set of tunes together. Such was Leroy Smart’s
stature in his homeland Jamaica, that when the ‘One Love’ peace concert lineup
was put together for the 22nd of April 1978. The best of Jamaica’s Reggae stars
were picked to play alongside Bob Marley & the Wailers. Such greats as Dennis Brown,
The Mighty Diamonds, Peter Tosh and Inner Circle were chosen alongside the
Don himself, whose stage shows were always colourful and to say the least eventfull.

Mr Leroy Smart, the Don Tells it like it is…. every song a story in itself . Hope you enjoy the set.


CD Track Listing

1 God Helps The Man
2 Mr Smart
3 Pride And Ambition
4 Wreck Up My Life
5 Man Is Great
6 Jah Show Them The Way
7 My Heart And Soul
8 Mr Richman
9 Bad Minded People
10 It Makes No Sense
11 How Long
12 Natty Dread I Strong
13 Let Your Heart Be Pure
14 Look What You Do
15 It’s A Long Time, I’ve Been Waiting*
16 We All Are One*
•CD Bonus Track

Vinyl Track Listing

Side 1
1 God Helps The Man
2 Mr Smart
3 Pride And Ambition
4 Wreck Up My Life
5 Man Is Great
6 Jah Show Them The Way
7 My Heart And Soul

Side 2

1 Mr Richman
2 Bad Minded People
3 It Makes No Sense
4 How Long
5 Natty Dread I Strong
6 Let Your Heart Be Pure
7 Look What You Do


Musicians Include:
Sly Dunbar, Carlton ‘Santa’ Davis: Drums
Robbie Shakespeare: Bass
Earl ‘Chinna’ Smith: Lead Guitar
Willie Lingo: Rhythm Guitar
Winston Wright: Organ
Jackie Mittoo: Piano
Tommy McCook: Tenor Saxophone
Bobby Ellis: Trumpet
Deadley ‘Headley’ Bennett, Vin Gordon: Trombone

Recorded at: Channel 1, Harry J’s, Randy’s Studio 17, Dynamic and King Tubby’s
Mixed at: King Tubby’s
Produced by: Bunny Lee
Photography: Bunny Lee
Design: Gary @ Voodoo London
Manufactured Under Licence from E.Lee