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Originally a 13-track album, in this wonderful reissue of "The Sensational Maytals," VP's new 17 North Parade imprint tacks on six bonus tracks. Up there with the Maytals' ska output for Coxson Dodd and Prince Buster, "Sensational" features classic Frederick "Toots" Hibbert with the wonderful Maytals in early top form over mostly ska recordings done for Byron Lee. 

Toots was known for his spot-on Ray Charles impersonation when the group used to stand outside studios, auditioning for a producer or engineer to give them a chance. The group had been passed over by the producer King Edwards, but a young engineer/talent scout in the making named Lee Perry convinced his then-boss Coxsone Dodd to give them a chance and rest became reggae history. At his height, Toots' name became as synonymous with reggae as Marley's. But the Maytals were comprised of more than just Toots. There was Nathaniel "Gerry" McCarthy and Henry "Raleigh" Gordon, two older and very gifted vocalists in their own rights. This trio began recording a uniquely high energy ska, soul, and gospel repertoire in their early years. 

After recording their first few hits with Studio One, the group felt they could be making more than what Dodd was offering. First the Maytals went to Prince Buster and cut classics like "Judgement Day", "Little Flea", and "Broadway Jungle (aka Dog War)." The latter was a commentary on the lack of benefit from singing hits at Studio One (has anyone ever been written about more than Dodd in this fashion?). The Maytals thus ended up recording with numerous producers, with Byron Lee next in line. 

The material on “Sensational” was recorded at Federal Studios from 1964-66. The backing group was comprised of members of Byron Lee's Draonaires, which included Leslie Butler on organ, Baba Brooks on trumpet, Ken Lazarus on guitar, and Byron Lee himself on bass. The album opens up with "It's You" and "Daddy," originally both on the same single, and destined to become the first Jamaican 45 to spawn two Number 1 hits. "It's You" is a fast-paced ska number, with a characteristically boisterous Toots playing off of Gerry and Raleigh, and eventually making way for a Baba Brooks trumpet solo. "Daddy" is a slowed down soul ballad that demonstrated the Maytals’ ability to stir the heart strings. They would record their fare share of such slower numbers in this era, though none as popular as this one. 

The ska beat returns on "Never You Change," with the Dragonaires staying in the pocket to let Toots do his thing. He's at the absolute top of his game here, with the other Maytals giving him the room to stretch those powerful vocal chords out. "What’s On Your Mind" is one of my favorite tracks on the album. It’s a classic Maytals call and response effort, bolstered by Brooks and Frank Anderson’s dualing trumpet parts. The gospel influence is shown on a number of tracks, including "New Name." Gerry and Raleigh get their time in the spotlight on "She Will Never Let Me Down" where Toots hangs in the back.

Of the bonus cuts, my favorite is the most interesting "Love Is A Special Thing," a Toots-free rocksteady outing (probably recorded when Toots was in jail – see “54-46”…) on which McCarthy takes the lead. Also included are the rarities "Peggy" and "When I Laugh," a ska-steady tune showcasing the slowed down transition of one genre into the next. The most popular of the bonus tracks is obviously "Bam Bam," the song that won the Maytals the 1966 Jamaican Song Festival. 

It is pretty easy to argue that from 1964 to about 1972, only the Wailers could come close to touching the greatness that was the Maytals. “Sensational” is a reissue that should find its way into your collection, as it reveals song upon song of unmitigated Maytals energy and brilliance.

– Bobby Bobson
bobby@dcsoundclash.com

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