Wayne Jarrett

A brilliant and criminally unsung roots reggae singer with a high, clear tenor voice similar to Horace Andy's, Wayne Jarrett recorded his key tracks in the late '70s and early '80s, including the classic Bunny Lee-produced "Satta Dread." Jarrett also worked with Jamaican producers Glen Brown (cutting "Youthman," another classic track) and Junjo Lawes, among others. His high watermark arguably came with the six tracks he recorded for Lloyd "Bullwackie" Barnes' Bronx-based Wackies label in 1982, which were combined with their dubs to make the Showcase, Vol. 1 LP, a true lost gem in the reggae universe. The album has been reissued several times, often bearing the alternate title Bubble Up. Other Jarrett albums include What's Wrong with the Youths from Jah Life Records and the Lawes-produced Chip In, which was originally released in 1982 and then re-pressed under the title Chippin. Greensleeves Records restored the original title when it released the album on disc in 2007. ~ Steve Leggett, All Music Guide