The Heptones – Night Food (feat. Devin Morrison & Joanne Highland)

The best Jamaican vocal trio? It's Week 5 of Reggae Summer, and Brandon's pick is The Heptones' 1976 Island album Night Food — their Studio One classics re-cut at Harry J's studio into a lush, international-facing set.

We're joined by two experts in singing Jamaican music, Devin Morrison (The Expanders, "Man Like Devin," Long Beach Dub Allstars) and Joanne Highland, for a deep dive on harmony and the art of the vocal group. We cover the Heptones' rise through Coxsone's Studio One; Leroy Sibbles' double role as the label's house bassist and arranger; the Harry J re-recordings and Danny Holloway's production; the players in the room, including Robbie Shakespeare; standout tracks like "Book of Rules," "Sweet Talking," "I've Got the Handle" and "Love Won't Come Easy"; and our Favorite/Best game.

CHAPTERS:

00:00:00 - Intro

00:21:42 - Who are The Heptones?

00:39:59 - Production and Vocal Trios

01:16:53 - Standout Songs

01:40:18 - Favorite/Best

02:00:39 - Final Thoughts

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