The song was recorded at Clement Dodd's legendary Studio One. The Gaylads trio consisted of Harris "B.B" Seaton, Winston Delano Stewart and Maurice Roberts. They deliver here a tune that follows the trend of the moment : a passionate love song with soothing harmonies.
Backed by Lynn Taitt and the Jets, one of the most popular backing bands of the rocksteady era, the harmonies take up such an important part in this song that they were kept in all future covers.
Taitt's guitar hovers over the bassline, as if singing by itself and adding a fourth voice to the background.
Joy in the Morning was also sung by the Godfather of Rocksteady, Alton Ellis. Alton keeps a close cover to the original, although slightly sped-up with the drums pushed forward, but his unique voice makes it a great listen. When Freddie McGregor made a digital version later on, he made sure to keeps the harmonies too.
A former member of the Ralph Brothers (he backed Yabby You's Conquering Lion) Bobby Melody used the original lyrics to turn it into a song of thanksgiving to God, renaming it Jah Bring I Joy.
The rhythm was updated at Joe Gibbs', this time in true reggae style bringing emphasis on the drums and bass with clearer vocals. Trinity also performed an excellent cut to this version, Top Ranking, strictly rockers style.
No comments:
Post a Comment