At the bottom of this page you can take the links
and download the full tracks from Uksounds.com
Accolades from luminaries from
the world of Reggae, sets you up pleasantly for the debut set from the
duo Francis and Franklin. The CD that has some profound messages and
rhythms that carry the most potent driving bass lines ever heard in
a long while. Stand Firm rhythm tracks, written and produced by the
dynamic Terry-Devine-King take you right back to the foundation -Live
instruments, solid brass arrangements and most importantly musicians
who simply exude excellence.
Songs that take you on the journey of life: MAMA WOI: those with experience
teach wisdom, listen and learn otherwise suffer the consequences: ZION
TRAIN: Hope and salvation 'sufferers sing the sweetest song' according
to the song...your song of deliverance...STAND FIRM: rocking steady
rhythmically staying firmly on track despite the fight...the journey
may be long but!!!EASY NOW: this is the feel good factor laid back and
boasty! Easy man don't rush me in plain Jamaican just cool!! Blazing
horn section to die for!! Stand firm laced with classic roots and culture
and taking time out to look for love. TAKE A CHANCE is just that: FRANCIS
and FRANKLYN in harmonising heaven lyrically provoking intertwined with
a horn section that takes you back to Skatalites/Earth Wind and Fire
and JB's all rolled into one awesome! Alton Ellis, Dave Barker, Niney
(The observer) Dennis Alcapone, they 'big up' this selection so enough
of the Chatty Chatty.
The name Francis and Franklyn might be new to you but the two artists
over the past three and a half decades together and individually have
helped to shape the course of Reggae and also dented the Pop world on
several occasions in various guises.
Winston (Francis) and AJ (Franklin) Spence have both been making hit
music since the late sixties. Since the stage debut as the seven year
old 'cobra boy' wonder contortionist and clinching the revered Vere
Johns talent show at ages 11 and 13 Winston's' career has excelled beyond
belief, in the process straddling the Jazz scene where he received valuable
vocal lessons from the ace Jazz pianist Chuck Bird. Winston's sojourn
at Studio One records with legendary producer Coxone Dodd (Bob Marley,
Burning Spear et tal) produced ' MR FIXIT' the single and album of the
same name which still remains one of the label's biggest sellers and
showed the world one of Jamaica's gifted singer/songwriter. He was recently
honoured by UB40 who recorded the song for their album and had 'MrFixit'as
their special guest. Honour indeed! AJ in the meanwhile was cutting
his musical teeth as part of the group The Federals.Later evolved as
The Chosen Few which included ace DJ Scotty (Draw yu Breaks) and recent
incarnation found Winston in the line up. Their trademark pristine costumes
and slick dance routine with mesmerising harmonies (arranged by AJ)
gave the group the edge over their contemporaries. With producer Derek
Harriot The hits came and soon they were making appearances all over
the world from the USA To the UK and at the time making an indelible
impact on the popular TV show 'THE Cliff Richard Show' After venturing
into production work producing albums for Polydor and Trojan and linking
up with Winston in the UK making their acting debut in the very successful
musical' BLACK HEROES IN THE HALL OF FAME'. Winston and AJ have worked
together since AJ's solo career kicked off. A.J Franklin has graduated
from the 'university of music' into one of the true greats of Jamaican
music; singer, songwriter, producer a true inspiration to his fellow
artists. Winston Francis and AJ Franklin have been contributing their
services to the music not only as artists in their own right but can
be heard providing backing vocals on numerous recordings on release
now, most recently for Freddie McGregor. It was only a matter of time
before the two giants got together but, as they say in Jamaica "nothing
never done before the time". Francis and Franklyn's unique style
and lyrical delivery has been their formula for longevity in a business
where in many cases its been here today gone tomorrow...but FRANCIS
and FRANKLIN they certainly STAND FIRM. Its fair to say their contribution
to the development of Jamaican Music is immeasurable.
By Norman Gentles
Journalist
Link to uksounds .com, usasounds.com and ozsounds.com
and get the tracks now from your Windows Media Player. May not be available
for the Apple Mac.
Stand Firm Alton Ellis Alton
Ellis I Shoulda Listened I
Shoulda Listened
Zion Train Is Coming Zion
Train Is Coming
Jah Deliver Us Jah
Deliver Us
Niney The Observer Niney
The Observer Stand Firm
Stand Firm Life Is A Hard Struggle Life
Is A Hard Struggle
No More Warriors No
More Warriors
Easy Now Easy
Now
Back To Ethiopia Back
To Ethiopia
Take A Chance Take
A Chance
Too Chatty Chatty Too
Chatty Chatty
Skaterlude Skaterlude
Jammin' 2 Ska Music Jammin'
2 Ska Music
Mama Dub Mama
Dub
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may be changed to 'usasounds.com' or 'ozsounds.com' in all the links
if you wish.
