Throughout the brief, yet spectacularly creative rock steady era of the mid-to-late Sixties, the productions of Arthur 'Duke' Reid dominated Jamaica's musical landscape, with the larger than life former policeman releasing hit after hit on his celebrated Treasure Isle, Dutchess and Trojan labels. Whilst at the height of his success he also issued arguably the finest Jamaican-produced album of the period, "Greatest Jamaican Beat", a 12 track collection showcasing some of the most talented and popular acts on his roster. This seminal 1967 set provides the focus of the first disc on this 2CD release, with its dozen tracks supplemented by an array of rock steady gems from Reid's archives, many of which have remained unavailable for years. Disc 2, meanwhile, showcases the previously unreleased LP, "Soul Rock-Steady", featuring Treasure Isle's in-house band, the Supersonics, fronted by the hugely gifted saxophonist Tommy McCook. Compiled in 1967, the 12-track album is further enhanced by numerous additional sides by the celebrated instrumental combo, a number of which make their CD debut. Complementing the contents of other currently available Doctor Bird and Trojan Duke Reid-themed collections, this celebration of the ever-popular rock steady sound is a must for the fans of both the genre and its greatest exponent.
Disc: 1
1. Baba Boom (Festival 1967) - The Jamaicans - The Jamaicans
2. Tommy's Rock Steady - Tommy Mccook & The Supersonics - Tommy McCook and The Supersonics
3. Drink Wine - The Techniques - The Techniques
4. Hot Rock - Tommy Mccook & The Supersonics - Tommy McCook and The Supersonics
5. Release Me - Phyllis Dillon - Phyllis Dillon
6. Hey Leroy - Honey Boy Martin - Honey Boy Martin
7. Queen Majesty - The Techniques - The Techniques
8. Soul Serenade - Tommy Mccook & The Supersonics - Tommy McCook and The Supersonics
9. Mercy Mercy Mercy - The Paragons - The Paragons
10. Don't Touch Me Tomato - Phyllis Dillon - Phyllis Dillon
11. You Don't Need Me - The Melodians - The Melodians
12. Down On Bond Street - Tommy Mccook & The Supersonics - Tommy McCook and The Supersonics
13. You Should've Known Better - The Three Tops - The Three Tops
14. I've Got A Pain - The Jamaicans - The Jamaicans
15. Lie Low - The Gladiators - The Gladiators
16. Fight Too Much - Justin Hinds & Dominoes - Justin Hinds and The Dominoes
17. I Know Just How She Feels - The Melodians - The Melodians
18. What Kind Of Fool - The Treasure Isle Boys - The Treasure Isle Boys
19. Carry Go Bring Come - Justin Hinds & Dominoes - Justin Hinds and The Dominoes
20. Matthew, Mark, Luke & John - Norman Grant - Norman Grant
21. I Am Sorry - Gloria And Franklin - Gloria and Franklin
22. Tears In My Eyes - Eric Morris - Eric Morris
23. Once A Man (Alternate Version) - Justin Hinds & The Dominoes - Justin Hinds and The Dominoes
24. You Have Caught Me (Alternate Version) - The Melodians - The Melodians
25. Do It Right (Alternate Version) - The Melodians - The Melodians
Disc: 2
1. Soul Rock - Tommy Mccook & The Supersonics - Tommy McCook and The Supersonics
2. Spanish Eyes - Lyn Tait With Tommy Mccook & The Supersonics - Lyn Tait with Tommy McCook and The Supersonics
3. Never To Be Mine - Roland Alphonso With Tommy Mccook & The Supersonics - Roland Alphonso with Tommy McCook and The Supersonics
4. Indian Love Call - Tommy Mccook & The Supersonics - Tommy McCook and The Supersonics
5. Starry Night - Tommy Mccook & The Supersonics - Tommy McCook and The Supersonics
6. The Yellow Basket - Lyn Tait With Tommy Mccook & The Supersonics - Lyn Tait with Tommy McCook and The Supersonics
7. Inez (Aka Tracyââ¢s Theme) - Lester Sterling With Tommy Mccook & The Supersonics - Lester Sterling with Tommy McCook & The Supersonics
8. Sir Don (Aka Yeh Yeh) - Tommy Mccook & The Supersonics - Tommy McCook and The Supersonics
9. Saboo - Tommy Mccook & The Supersonics - Tommy McCook and The Supersonics
10. What Now? (Theme From Dr. Zhivago) - Tommy Mccook & The Supersonics - Tommy McCook and The Supersonics
11. Zazuka - Tommy Mccook & The Supersonics - Tommy McCook and The Supersonics
12. Train To Ska-Thedral - Tommy Mccook & The Supersonics - Tommy McCook and The Supersonics
13. Wall Street Shuffle - Tommy Mccook & The Supersonics - Tommy McCook and The Supersonics
14. Sweet And Gentle - Tommy Mccook & The Supersonics - Tommy McCook and The Supersonics
15. Moody Ska - Tommy Mccook & The Supersonics - Tommy McCook and The Supersonics
16. One, Two, Three, Kick - Tommy Mccook & The Supersonics - Tommy McCook and The Supersonics
17. Jam Session - Tommy Mccook & The Supersonics - Tommy McCook and The Supersonics
18. Sweet Lorna - Bobby Ellis With Tommy Mccook & The Supersonics - Bobby Ellis with Tommy McCook and The Supersonics
19. Nocturn - Tommy Mccook & The Supersonics - Tommy McCook and The Supersonics
20. Continental - Tommy Mccook & The Supersonics - Tommy McCook and The Supersonics
21. The Shadow Of Your Smile - Tommy Mccook & The Supersonics - Tommy McCook and The Supersonics
22. Persian Cat - Tommy Mccook & The Supersonics - Tommy McCook and The Supersonics
23. Real Cool - Tommy Mccook & The Supersonics - Tommy McCook and The Supersonics
24. Our Man Flint - Tommy Mccook & The Supersonics - Tommy McCook and The Supersonics
25. Michelle - Tommy Mccook & The Supersonics - Tommy McCook and The Supersonics
