Album Notes

This CD is collection of roots reggae from the heart and soul of The Folkes Brothers, original artiistes of 'Oh Carolina', pioneers of Jamaican music. Roots reggae, is the true and souldful Jamaican sound and movement. 'Oh Carolina' is the music and dance innovation that was the foundation for this uniquely Jamaican rhythm. Ska, rock-steady, protest reggae, dancehall emanate from the original beat of 'Oh Carolina'. No other single song in the history of Jamaica has been recorded more than 'Oh Carolina', recorded in 1959. 'Oh Carolina' is a flagship of Jamaica.

Before The Folkes Brothers, Jamaican popular music and dance, such as dinki mini and mento reflected adaptations of European square dancing, waltz and North American rhythm and blues infused with West African music and dance retentions. These were art forms of a people coming out of slavery and under colonialism, mimicking identities so far from their own. This simple song presented a distinctive identity through sound, words and dance, for a burgeoning people yet seeking to emerge from under post-abolition colonial British rule. 'Oh Carolina' now enjoys global appeal as it became an international hit in 1993, when performed by Shaggy.

On December 19, 1981, The Folkes Brothers were awarded a "Certificate of Appreciation", issued by then prime minister of Jamaica, Hon. Edward Seaga which recognized them as follows: "Recipient of Award for pop music development to The Folkes Brothers for pioneering effort in the cultural field of popular music in Jamaica. Your work began when our music heritage and creativity had not yet won the wide degree of acceptance it now enjoys nationally and internationally. We recognize your contribution as singers. The JCDC recalls its gratitude for your work in the enrichment of our national hertiage presented in recognition of the pioneers of Jamaican popular music. Signed Edward Seaga".

This album comes as most recent adaptations of roots reggae blurr the distintion between American hip hop and Jamaican dancehall. The Folkes Brothers here restore the distinctively unique Jamaican ethnic sound and lyrical quality; even as they tastefully reflect a contemporary feel that has global appeal. Moreover, as we witness the derogatory lyrics and degeneration of the ethnic Jamaican music form in today's dancehall/hip hop music. The Folkes Brothers beckon Jamaican artistes to maintain high standards as leaders of societies via their work in the performing arts. By so doing, The Folkes Brothers claim their role as godfathers of Jamaican music and stand ready to mentor today's generation of musicians through an emphasis on Jamaican history, identity and traditional values. As you listen to this CD you can now embrace a part of Jamaican and world history. Listen to the original artistes, as they soulfully render songs of love and romance, and be inspired with hope for the future quality of Jamaican ethnic sounds and lyrical value, and the implications this has for the world stage!