Stereo One vs Redman International – Barbican, Kingston 1986
Buro Banton, Lt Stitchie, Wolfman, Ricky Stereo, Daddy Blue, Little Kirk, Leroy Hornsman, Dirty Harry, Courtney Melody
Selector – Mikey Dreadlocks
“Clifton Henry’s Stereo One set was based in Grants Pen just a short distance from Barbican, where this lyrical soundclash with Redman International took place. The mainstay of Stereo One is the formidable Lt Stitchie aided by his sparring partner Jonathoan Wolfman. Stitchie is quickly into his stride with his massive “Wear Yu Size”. Always a storyteller, this ex school teacher’s tales are laced with great humour and intelligence. The youthful Ricky General, later known as Ricky General, relates the hardships of prison life and ex-Jaro man Dirty Harry aims his lyrics straight to the heads of the Redman posse. The selection from Mikey Dreadlocks is crisp, with riddims like “Sleng Teng” and “Stalag” for the singers and deejays to kill a sound. Stitchie, the “Governor”, leads the Stereo One crew from the front and the Redman sound must have known they’d been in a fierce sound battle.”
Stereo One @ Waltham Park, Kingston, 1987
Featuring: Lt. Stitchie, Wickerman, Captain Barkey, Conrad Crystal, Hornsman, Malibu, Dillinger, Ugly Francis, Shadowman, Little Marky, Dolly Man
Selector – Mumble
“Stereo One had a loyal posse of entertainers who could be relied on to tear up any dancehall. Ricky General and Wolfman weren’t available for this dance in Waltham Park but their leading deejay Lt Stitchie and the inimitable duo of Wickerman and Captain Barkey certainly were. Stitchie’s success in the previous year, both on record and for the Stereo One sound, would soon propel him onto the international stage. Although only on part of this recording he still exudes class as he versions a couple of his big tunes, “Great Ambition” and “Natty Dread”. Captain Barkey and Wickerman were always slightly in the shadow of Stitchie but they could come up with the goods. Barkey’s “Gimme The Culture” and “Kill Botha”, and Wicker’s “Pure Gun Deh Ya” and “It A Wear” shows their talents off well. With some veterans like Dillinger and Shadowman passing through and singers Malibu and Conrad Crystal on the tracks, Stereo One were sounding top notch on this night.”
A big thanks to Daddy White Squall for another great tape.............
Another White Squall Classic... Massive thanks also to Dave Brown for the photo....
Stereo One @ Silver Shadow Club, Gregory Park, circa February 1987
Featuring: Barry Back, Lt. Stitchie, Bendy Lou, Wolfman, Dignitary Stylish, Tiger, Leroy Hornsman, Daddy Blue, Ricky Stereo
Crew – Mumble & Mikey Dreadlocks
“An all star line up has assembled at the Silver Shadow Club in Gregory Park. The Stereo One technical crew, Mumble and Mikey Dreadlocks, have a bag of “specials” and here we get some crucial plates from Johnny Osbourne and Pinchers. On the latter’s “Stereo 1 Come Again” Wolfman does his “Bad Man Living” and the underrated Daddy Blue rolls out his “Watchie, Watchie” lyrics. Tiger passes through briefly and does “Can’t Tan Yu So” but Stitchie’s there for the duration, whipping up the crowd easily with his quick-fire delivery. “Story Time”, “Girls Nowadays”, “Tickle Me Fancy” and “Ghetto Life” are just few examples of the man’s popular rhyming skills. Another excellent session from Clifton Henry’s mighty Stereo One sound.”
Stereo One @ Ascot Drive In, Old Harbour, St Catherine, May 1987
Featuring: Lt Stitchie, Ricky Stereo, Leroy Hornsman, Sugar Bobby, Papa San, Preacher, Daddy Blue
Selector – Mikey Dreadlocks
Mixer - Mumble
“Old Harbour’s Ascot Drive In venue has been putting on dancehall events for decades and this one sees top sound of the day Stereo One stringing up their set for another rammed session. Lt Stitchie is near the pinnacle in the DJ stakes and it doesn’t take much to have the crowd deejaying along with him. Hear them as they join in on his dance corker “Wear Yuh Size”. Another at the top is Papa San, and although the man’s voice is hoarse he still gives his epic “DJ Business” a really good go. Daddy Blue with “Watchie Man” and Ricky Stereo with “Nah Go ‘Tan Up” add to the lively tempo of another fine Stereo One party.”
Another fine tape from the White Squall collection.....
