Very little seems to be known about this great single from the late rocksteady/early reggae era other than the artist name (Cliff & the Diamonds), the producer (Joe Abrahams), and song title (“Mother Benge“) – check out the hip musical non-sequitur that opens the song:
“Mother Benge“
Cliff & the Diamonds (1968)
Subtle sweet moment at the 1:21 mark when guitarist, Lyn Taitt, swipes the strings in inimitable fashion.
Released on Jamaican label, Hornet, this 45 would later command big prices decades later [$245 in 2011 and $126 in 2010].
Jamaica
(1968)
“Mother Benge” would get reissued in October 2021 by Switzerland-based label, Revelation Records/Reggae Fever (attributed to Clifton Smith And The Diamonds), with “Jingle Bells” on the flip side.
Switzerland
(2021)
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Related link to Rocksteady Reggae – Cowbell’s Golden Era
