Trojan Files

Soon after forming in the late Sixties, the Chosen Few became widely regarded as one the most accomplished harmony groups on the Jamaican music scene, as demonstrated by a series of hits for local producers, Derrick Harriott and ‘Prince’ Tony. A subsequent collaboration with Florida-based ex-pat, Noel Williams aka King Sporty spawned the reggae-funk masterpiece, ‘In Miami’ featuring backing from leading soul outfit K.C. & the Sunshine Band. The enduring popularity of the quartet, comprising Franklyn Spence and the three Browns – Busty, Noel and Errol – was demonstrated by the release of three acclaimed long players between 1973 and 1975, all of which were issued in the UK by the country’s premier Jamaican music record company, Trojan Records. This trio of albums form the basis of this superb collection of classic soulful reggae sounds, which is further enhanced by 11 bonus tracks from the period.

This double-disc set from Trojan includes classic ska, rocksteady and reggae tracks from Desmond Dekker & the Aces, Jimmy Cliff, Lee Perry & the Upsetters, the Melodians, Toots & the Maytals, Bob Marley & the Wailers, Ken Boothe, John Holt and many others. Though there are quite a few Jamaican classics missing from this history of the music, all the tracks included are quite solid.