Candy McKenzie - Lee 'Scratch' Perry Presents Candy McKenzie (2011)

This 1977 album (47+ min.) by (the late) Candy McKenzie (from England) was recorded at the (in)famous Black Ark Studio by Lee Perry, during his Pipecock Jackxon (Perry's spelling) period. It's unknown if Scratch himself mixed this album to a point he was satisfied with, and Island Records shelved the album. McKenzie (who had sung background vocals on a few Jamaican records-including a couple for Bob Marley-recorded in England) was "discovered" by Island who felt she needed an experienced producer-so she was sent to Jamaica to record for Perry.

Musicians include (among a few others) Ernest Raglin, "Cat" Coore, Bunny Ruggs-guitars, Boris Gardiner-bass ,"Ibo" Cooper-keyboards, Keith Sterling-piano, Winston Wright-organ, a couple of drummers and percussionists, and backing vocals by several members of the band.

The music is in a Jamaican-disco style, with McKenzie's pleasant voice a stand out. Fans of that style will find some good music here. Others will hear it as another (small) piece of the Lee Perry/Black Ark puzzle. The track "Walking In The Sun" (written by Jeff Barry) is (arguably) the best song here. Others might come close, but "Walking..." brings everything that was good about McKenzie's voice and Perry's production into fruition.

Tracklist:
01. Candy McKenzie - Disco Fits (4:59)
02. Candy McKenzie - Someone to Love Me (4:31)
03. Candy McKenzie - Breakfast In Bed (3:50)
04. Candy McKenzie - Walking In the Sun (4:29)
05. Candy McKenzie - Jah Knows (4:54)
06. Candy McKenzie - Ice Cream (4:20)
07. Candy McKenzie - Sky at Night (4:36)
08. Candy McKenzie - Keep Him Strong (5:05)
09. Candy McKenzie - Tell Me a Lie (4:55)
10. Candy McKenzie - When the Big Day (5:41)