104843

    Leroy Smart Pride & Ambition (Take 2)

    Gussie
    • Leroy Smart – Pride & Ambition (Take 2)
    • Leroy Smart – Pride Version (Mix 2)
    • 1. Pride & Ambition (Take 2)
    • 2. Pride Version (Mix 2)

    Both sides previously unreleased alternate takes/mixes.

    DKR say..

    For us, this is a top five all time tune in the soul reggae canon and maybe Leroy Smart's best ever. An early one for Mr. Smart, this is the first cut of one of his most classic tunes, recorded in 1972 for producer Gussie Clarke and originally released on the early Tuff Gong label via Wailers' associate Alan 'Skill' Cole. If you're like me and you've listened to the original Tuff Gong 45 a million times, you may have noticed that the dub version was mixed from a different vocal take, with some lyrics not on the A side coming in to the dub mix. This alternate vocal take is also the one partially used for the 1979 remix cut on a heavily overdubbed rhythm. We had always desired to hear this other take in its original form, so naturally then we had to get the great Mr. Clarke to dig this one out of his archives to hear it as it should be. In comparison to the original released cut, it's a more spare take sans the opening harmonizing, and the lyrical changes give the tune a more pleading and less stubbornly declarative mood. For the B-side version we have an alternate mix again, which is actually the one Big Youth deejays over for his tune "Pride & Joy Rock." Consider this release a prime example of DKR's "never too much of a great thing" philosophy.

    Other Releases by Leroy Smart

    Leroy SmartAfricaVivian Jackson
    Wicked vocal cut from the don Leroy Smart originally released in 1977 with equally strong dub wise on the flip.
    • – Africa
    • – Version
    Leroy SmartMr Rich ManJamaican Recordings
    1977 wicked roots vocal cut from Leroy Smart with dub version on the flip. In company masterbag.
    • – Mr Rich Man
    • – Mr Rich Man (Version)
    Leroy SmartNo LoveJackpot
    Heavyweight Bunny Lee production from 1977,cut to Horace Andy's "Zion Gate" with super deep dub on the flip.
    • – No Love
    • – Version
    Leroy SmartHappiness Is My DesireFe-Me-Time
    Tuff 70s roots tune from Mr. Smart with equally heavy dub/instrumental on the b-side
    • – Happiness Is My Desire
    • – Version
    Leroy SmartMirror MirrorFe-Me-Time
    Wicked roots cut from singer/producer Leroy Smart this track recorded for JimmyRadway's Fe-Me-Time label. Quality!
    • – Mirror Mirror
    • – Version