IThe Melodians recorded two versions of the same song – “Little Nut Tree.”
The first version — recorded with underappreciated and pioneering producer, Sonia Pottinger, after the group had enjoyed a succession of hits on Duke Reid’s Treasure Isle label — is definitely on the rocksteady side of the reggae divide:
“Little Nut Tree“
George (Tony) Brevett & The Melodians (1968)
– with Lyn Taitt & the Jets
(1968)
Gay Feet
Two years later, The Melodians would head to Coxsone Dodd‘s Studio One label for a “one-off” session that resulted in a new arrangement of “Little Nut Tree” in the distinctive ‘herky jerky’ style of reggae that had been pioneered by such groups as The Ethiopians:
“Little Nut Tree”
(1970)
Studio One
(1970)
Studio One
The Melodians relate the group’s history on their own website –
The group was formed in the Greenwich Town area of Kingston in 1965 by Tony Brevett (brother of Skatalites bassist Lloyd Brevett), Brent Dowe, and Trevor McNaughton. Close friend, Renford Cogle assisted with writing and arranging material. In 1966 The Melodians made their recording debut with Clement “Coxsone” Dodd‘s Studio One label with the releases “Lay It On“, “Meet Me“, “I Should Have Made It Up” and “Let’s Join Hands (Together).” Early in 1967, The Melodians moved over to Duke Reid‘s Treasure Isle label recording successful hits “You Have Caught Me,” “Expo 67,” “I’ll Get Along Without You,” “You Don’t Need Me” (which featured U-Roy), and “Come On Little Girl“. These recordings established them as the sweetest-sounding vocal trios on the Rocksteady circuit. In 1968, over a financial dispute with Reid, The Melodians left Treasure Isle and joined up with producer Sonia Pottinger releasing two more hits, “Little Nut Tree” and “Swing and Dine.”
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LINK to The Melodians‘ own website
