Never allow obstacles to keep you from moving forward!
This record is the result of a collaboration between two groups who had never met prior to the beginning of this project but through the experience saw that they had always meant to be together.
The Silvertones emerged from Kingston, Jamaica, in 1965 recording several hit singles for Duke Reid on the Dr. Bird label (True Confession) and Treasure Isle (Midnight Hour), from here they moved on to Studio One, before working with Lee Perry (Silver Bullets) and King Tubby, releasing music on Black Ark as well as Trojan Records. Their success was far from over as some of their
greatest hits (Smile, Stop Crying) awaited their collaboration with Clement “Coxsone” Dodd.
The West Kensingtons emerged almost 50 years after The Silvertones, from Philadelphia, USA. While the band was new, the players were established veterans of the Reggae, Ska and Soul scenes. The band came together in the tradition of the great JA rhythm sections that backed so many great records, built to be agile and responsive to interesting collaborations. Over the years The West Kensingtons have stayed busy releasing a significant amount of material, with each record exploring a different direction, constantly innovating and constantly growing.
In 2016 the groups were approached about doing a record together, the incredible vocals of The Silvertones backed by the reggae and soul sounds of The West Kensingtons. As is often the case, before long, man made obstacles began to spring up but the groups recognizing the importance of sharing this music with the world, chose to come together as musicians and make it happen despite the barriers in their way. Music and thoughts were shared, and finally they came together in Kingston to meet and make music and it was magic. What you are listening to is the result of not only years of experience, but of people who let no obstacle stand in their way. Always Forward!
From us to you, The Silvertones and The West Kensingtons.
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