Rock A Shaka from Japan release a CD compilation of Dada Tewari’s ska and pre-ska sides titled “You’ll Never Know: Caribou Ska Collection” shortly. Tewari was involved in the Jamaican recording industry from it’s earliest days, releasing 78’s on the Caribou and Downbeat labels from the end of the 50’s. He continued to produce in the first half of the 60’s with ska 45’s on the same labels and another short lived label, Regal. Perhaps the most popular and well know of Caribou releases is the ska classic Bellevue Special by Don Drummond also released on a limited 7″ by Rock A Shacka.
The CD has a nice selection of tunes from Tewari’s early productions right through to the mid 60’s ska classics.
Tracklist:
1. Boogie Rock … Laurel Aitken
2. Omara Special … Rico
3. In The Mood For Ska … Lord Tanamo
4. Way Of Fortune … Pat & Roxie
5. Bellevue Special … Don Drummond
6. No More … Don Drummond
7. You’ll Never Know … Lord Tanamo
8. Please Take Me Home … Roy Panton
9. Things I That I Do … Pat & Roxie
10. Bellylick … Orville Alphonso
11. Up & Down … The Mighty Vikings
12. I Love You Truly … Lord Tanamo
13. Lock And Key … Lord Brynner
14. Inspiration … Orville Alphonso
15. Ska 65 … The Mighty Vikings
16. Smoke With Out Fire … Roy Panton
17. If You Were Only Mine … Lord Tanamo
18. Yvonne … Lord Brynner
Tewari’s Downbeat label started in 1953. He also had the Jamaican R C A label that put out a Tanamo EP in 1960.
Good to see that some pre-ska songs get rereleased on this cd!
I´m absolutely loving “Omara Special”. Rico at his best!
would like very much to get a copy. Please reply.
Hi Roy
Thanks for the message. I”ve sent a couuple of messages and will let you know if I get a response.
Tim