Pictured: Jackie Mittoo | Photo Credits: Daniel Caudeiron
Over the past few weeks, the folks at Gorgon Records have been re-launching parts of their catalog via YouTube. Delroy Wilson’s “Dancing Mood” and “Better Must Come,” as well as audio for Prince Fatty Meets the Gorgon in Dub have been released so far, to name just a few.
The latest installment, a compilation of some of Jackie Mittoo’s biggest hits entitled Drum Song, showcases Jackie Mittoo’s recordings with producer Bunny “Striker” Lee. Some of these songs are covers from Jackie Mittoo’s time with The Soul Vendors and Sound Dimension, which was the backing band for Coxsone Dodd at his 13 Brentford Road Studio, while others are from other sources.
Born Donat Roy Mittoo in St. Ann’s Parish, Jamaica, Jackie Mittoo was recording professionally by 1961 when he was only 13 years old. Just 4 Years Later, he was a founding member of the Skatalites. After spending much of the 1960s and very early ‘70s with Studio 1, Jackie Mittoo found his way to Bunny Lee, where he recorded these songs.
While Jackie Mittoo is responsible for a good number of foundational Reggae riddims, this album offers a small window into Jackie Mittoo’s impact on the Reggae landscape.