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Deadley Headley's Sax Solos Stand Out
Published:Wednesday | August 31, 2016 | 12:00 AMRoy Black
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Winston Sill
Derrick Morgan
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Saxophonist Felix Headley 'Deadly Headley' Bennett's mid-song solos were largely responsible for the success of several hit recordings, particularly during the ska era of the 1960s. He passed away at his home, 6B Lincoln Road, Franklyn Town, on Sunday, August 21, 2016. He was 85 years old.
There have been so many great solos by Bennett that it becomes difficult to single out one for special commendation, but perhaps his solo in Delroy Wilson's Dancing Mood would take the cake. Bennett's involvement with the song was crucial, as I believe the recording became the single most important one that heralded the start of the rocksteady era.
Bennett, a dancer himself, seems fascinated by dancing as he also got himself involved with Dancing Shoes, sung by The Wailers (Bunny Wailer, Peter Tosh, Constantine Walker) about that same time. It was a masterful introductory solo, followed by a mid-song solo that resulted in many vocalists and bands of the day requesting Bennett's inclusion in their recordings. As it turned out, Dancing Shoes became one of the most beautifully executed songs by The Wailers.
MUSICAL WAR
Bennett's solos again decorated another exclusive recording by that same Wailers combinations, titled What Am I To Do, shortly after. Bennett's saxophone solo can again be heard on Jimmy Cliff's Hurricane Hattie after an introductory guitar rang out to the tune of a vintage classic called Forty Miles of Bad Road.
But perhaps unknown to many is that it was Bennett's instrumental solo in Derrick Morgan's Independence song Forward March that started the musical war between Morgan and Prince Buster. Buster claimed that he had created the solo, which he had earlier used, and Morgan stole his 'belongings'.
Housewives Choice by Derrick and Patsy in 1963 is another of the public's favourite in which Bennett's saxophone can he heard.
INSTRUMENTAL HITS
Among Bennett's instrumental hits is Full Up, the origins of which was dramatically related to me in an interview I did with Bennett more than 10 years ago: Studio One boss Clement Dodd had introduced a rhythm to Bennett for him to work on, but it seemed bare - no vocals, no horns. When Bennett enquired of Dodd about the song, Dodd's response was "just full it up, man". Full Up, originally created by Leroy Sibbles and featuring Bennett on saxophone, became a big hit for The Sound Dimension Band.
Green Moon, a beautiful mid-tempo, kette drum-dominated instrumental, is shrouded in controversy insofar as the performer is concerned, but Bennett vehemently asserted that he blew the saxophone in the recording.
There were others, including his well-executed albums Poolside Reggae and Victory, which showcase a variety of ska, rocksteady, reggae and dub selections.
Bennett, who earned the moniker 'Deadly Headley' after one of his bewildering performances elicited the comment 'boy, what a deadly sound', remains one of the most unsung heroes of Jamaican music.
[email protected]
Published:Wednesday | August 31, 2016 | 12:00 AMRoy Black
Previous
Next
Winston Sill
Derrick Morgan
1
2
3
4
5
6
Saxophonist Felix Headley 'Deadly Headley' Bennett's mid-song solos were largely responsible for the success of several hit recordings, particularly during the ska era of the 1960s. He passed away at his home, 6B Lincoln Road, Franklyn Town, on Sunday, August 21, 2016. He was 85 years old.
There have been so many great solos by Bennett that it becomes difficult to single out one for special commendation, but perhaps his solo in Delroy Wilson's Dancing Mood would take the cake. Bennett's involvement with the song was crucial, as I believe the recording became the single most important one that heralded the start of the rocksteady era.
Bennett, a dancer himself, seems fascinated by dancing as he also got himself involved with Dancing Shoes, sung by The Wailers (Bunny Wailer, Peter Tosh, Constantine Walker) about that same time. It was a masterful introductory solo, followed by a mid-song solo that resulted in many vocalists and bands of the day requesting Bennett's inclusion in their recordings. As it turned out, Dancing Shoes became one of the most beautifully executed songs by The Wailers.
MUSICAL WAR
Bennett's solos again decorated another exclusive recording by that same Wailers combinations, titled What Am I To Do, shortly after. Bennett's saxophone solo can again be heard on Jimmy Cliff's Hurricane Hattie after an introductory guitar rang out to the tune of a vintage classic called Forty Miles of Bad Road.
But perhaps unknown to many is that it was Bennett's instrumental solo in Derrick Morgan's Independence song Forward March that started the musical war between Morgan and Prince Buster. Buster claimed that he had created the solo, which he had earlier used, and Morgan stole his 'belongings'.
Housewives Choice by Derrick and Patsy in 1963 is another of the public's favourite in which Bennett's saxophone can he heard.
INSTRUMENTAL HITS
Among Bennett's instrumental hits is Full Up, the origins of which was dramatically related to me in an interview I did with Bennett more than 10 years ago: Studio One boss Clement Dodd had introduced a rhythm to Bennett for him to work on, but it seemed bare - no vocals, no horns. When Bennett enquired of Dodd about the song, Dodd's response was "just full it up, man". Full Up, originally created by Leroy Sibbles and featuring Bennett on saxophone, became a big hit for The Sound Dimension Band.
Green Moon, a beautiful mid-tempo, kette drum-dominated instrumental, is shrouded in controversy insofar as the performer is concerned, but Bennett vehemently asserted that he blew the saxophone in the recording.
There were others, including his well-executed albums Poolside Reggae and Victory, which showcase a variety of ska, rocksteady, reggae and dub selections.
Bennett, who earned the moniker 'Deadly Headley' after one of his bewildering performances elicited the comment 'boy, what a deadly sound', remains one of the most unsung heroes of Jamaican music.
[email protected]
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