1967
SOUNDS AND PRESSURE * HOPETON LEWIS * BLUE BEAT 372 * UK
Hopeton Lewis first recorded with The Regals for Coxsone Dodd in 1965 (possibly Shammy Back). Produced by Prince Buster Sounds And Pressure is a quality Rock Steady cut with a strong piano riffing throughout, it's an early Rock Steady production and pre dates Hopeton's big hit for Prince Buster: Take It Easy, the song that's sometimes quoted as the first Rock Steady.
Although some fine Rock Steady records were produced by Prince Buster he was never as prolific or as artistically successful as with the rhythm as he was in the Ska era. Other producers of the day like Duke Reid and Coxsone Dodd were able to move from Ska to Rock Steady with the same commercial and artistic success, and there were emerging production talents like those of Bunny Lee who also eclipsing the name of Prince Buster during this time. One possible cause for Prince Buster taking his eye off of the ball could be his success in overseas markets notably the UK and Europe.
See also:
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| Girl You Cold | Live Like A King |
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| Grooving Out On Life | Take It Easy | Let Me Come On Home | Cool Collie |