Put On Your Best Dress: Sonia Pottinger Ska & Rock Steady 1966-1967 (2-CD)

by Various Artists

In an industry dominated by a handful of male producers, Sonia Pottinger emerged during the rocksteady and early reggae years of the late '60s to cut songs worthy of the competition. Often recording at Duke Reid's Treasure Isle studio and employing Lynn Taitt & the Jets as a backup band, Pottinger mostly focused on vocal tracks by both solo singers and harmony groups. This fine compilation on Attack features many classic examples, including the Gaylads' "Hard to Confess," the Melodians' "Little Nut Tree" and "Swing and Dine," Ken Boothe's "Say You," and Monty Morris' title track. Reflecting Pottinger's breadth, the disc also includes an early DJ side by Charlie Ace, a rudeboy standard by the Valentines, and some calypso and nyahbinghi-inspired work by Patsy and the Basie Band. With only a few overlapping tracks, this collection works as a nice complement to Heartbeat's equally impressive Pottinger disc, Musical Feast. Enjoy. ~ Stephen Cook