Today's features are representative of the many influences that nourishes reggae. Those records were produced by one of the many colourful men that shaped this music we love.
Father Richard Ho Lung is a catholic priest, born in Jamaica in 1939 of Chinese immigrants parents.
Highly educated person, he founded in the early eighties the Brothers of the Poor to try to reach and help the neediest people of Kingston's ghettoes. For more information about this order, you may have a look here : https://missionariesofthepoor.org/about-mop/founder/
The interesting part for me is that he wrote Reggae songs and recorded them in a group called Father Richard Ho Lung & Friends.
Here are two of this songs that may appeal to roots fans that were pressed to 7" format :
Both tunes are "gospel inspired " but this first record, Unless the Lord builds the house, could be sung in church easily. You may find a live recording of LP : https://www.discogs.com/Father-Richard-Ho-Lung-Friends-Celebration-Recorded-Live-In-Toronto/release/8112153 But the 7" issue sounds more roots to my ears and may be played in session more easily. Pity there is no "version" on the b-side but a true gospel tune (which I am not fond of).
The second tune is taken from the LP Brother Soul (https://www.discogs.com/Father-Richard-Ho-Lung-Friends-Brother-Soul/release/6450617).
The back sleeve of that LP mentions some well known names in the reggae scene such as Harold Butler, Ernest Wilson and even the Twelve Tribes of Israel vocal group The Visionaires!). The LP label also helps to determine the vocalist on this tune refered to as "The Mighty Victim" on the 7" who appears to be Richard Kirkwood. This release benefits of a dub version on the B-side which gives a little bit more of this nice uptempo funky riddim to the happy listener.
As always, click on the blue link below the label to download the full quality rip of the tune, enjoy the music and feel free to comment if you like it!
Have a happy day one and all,
Peace,
Ben
