Roots Vibration 009 (reissue)

Noel was born in 1958 in Kingston, Jamaica, and is the son of the great Studio One/Treasure Isle vocalist, Alton Ellis. Alton moved to Toronto, Canada, with Noel following soon after. When Alton left to pursue more promising musical opportunities in London, Noel remained in Canada, moving in with his aunt and uncle. Toronto had a vibrant reggae scene which enabled Noel to stay connected to what was happening in Jamaica.

Noel had a big hit in 1979 with ‘Rocking Universally’ which he recorded alongside the great keyboard legend, Jackie Mittoo. A full length, self-titled album followed a few years later but didn’t attract much attention at the time and remained in obscurity until it was reissued by Light In The Attic Records in 2006. In the years that followed his recordings for Summer Records, Noel worked several jobs in Toronto, recording for various producers before eventually relocating to London.

‘Live in Love’ originally appeared on the Black Gold label in 1988, produced by Anthony Hibbert and distributed by King Culture in a limited release. The King Culture label was founded by Everett Cooper, himself a Jamaican born immigrant. King Culture was active through the late 1970’s and 80’s, releasing music from established artists such as Rod Taylor, Pad Anthony and Barry Brown as well as Canadian reggae artists Howie Smart, The Uplifters and Stamma Rank.

On ‘Live in Love’, Noel’s vocals are carried along on a thunderous digital rhythm which is reminiscent of those found on Commandments of Dub 3 by Jah Shaka and the Fasimbas. For this recording, Noel’s soulful delivery has a majestic quality with his heartfelt message of unity and manaakitanga towards others.

Jeff Neems has written on NiceUp about the deeply spiritual single, ‘To Hail Selassie’, from the album that Noel recorded in the late 70’s. Noel’s vocals are occasionally playful and sometimes solemn as is the case with this tune, but always earnest and superbly controlled.

Sources:
Light in the Attic
Museum of Canadian Music

Mikey Majestic

Mikey is the builder and operator of Majestic Sound System in Tamaki Makaurau and regular guest on 95bfm.