Leroy Smart - Mr Smart In Dub (2013)

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 in Jamaica and 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 worked with many Jamaican producers, but seemed to find his 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. Featuring lost to now dubs to many of his classic tunes, like ' Wreck up my Life’, featured here as ’Dub Wrecker’. ’God Helps the Man’ (Help yourself to Dub), Pride and Ambition (If I should Dub). Fittest of the Fittest (Dub for the Fittest) and the title track of this selection his self-affirming Mr Smart (Mr Smart in Dub). These work alongside lesser known cuts that he also puts his musical stamp on. ‘No Love’ (No Love In Dub). Which sees him working over the ‘Zion Gate’ rhythm, made famous by Mr Horace Andy. The ‘My Conversation’ rhythm originally cut by Slim Smith but made into Leroy’s own ‘Jah Jah Forgive them’ (For They Know What They Dub). All portrayed in his enviable style. Such was Mr 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 hielf, Mr Smart. Whose stage shows were always colourful and to say the least eventful.

Tracklist:
1.01 - Leroy Smart - Mister Smart In Dub (3:43)
1.02 - Leroy Smart - Mister Rich Dub (2:44)
1.03 - Leroy Smart - Help Yourself To Dub (2:57)
1.04 - Leroy Smart - If I Should Dub (4:04)
1.05 - Leroy Smart - Bad Minded Dub (3:14)
1.06 - Leroy Smart - Dub For The Fittest (4:49)
1.07 - Leroy Smart - Dub Wrecker (3:05)
1.08 - Leroy Smart - Stop The Dub Fight (2:49)
1.09 - Leroy Smart - For They Know What They Dub (3:41)
1.10 - Leroy Smart - No Love In Dub (3:38)
1.11 - Leroy Smart - Ghetto Dub (3:30)
1.12 - Leroy Smart - A Dub Slave (3:35)
1.13 - Leroy Smart - Underprivileged Dub (2:56)
1.14 - Leroy Smart - Keep Dubbing Everyday (3:58)