Trojan Records

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"May 2009 marks the 40th anniversary since Jamaica lost one of its best-loved sons - the legendary trombonist, Don Drummond. Educated at Kingston’s famed Alpha Boys School, Drummond later achieved pre-eminence as one of Jamaica’s premier musicians, playing an integral role in the celebrated Skatalites band in the early sixties. But soon after, while at the height of his success, his career ended in tragic circumstances: found guilty of murdering his long-term girlfriend, dancer, Marguerita, the troubled hornsman was sentenced to spend the remainder of his days in custody, and on May 6th 1969, he was found dead in his cell, the official verdict given as death by natural causes.

Following Drummond’s death, producer Duke Reid paid tribute to the much-loved musician with a collection comprised of re-mastered Reggae mixes of a dozen of his early Ska works. Released by Trojan as ‘Memorial Album’, the set illustrated how the trombonist’s talent could transcend genres and became an immediate best-seller for the company. Now, 40 years on, this classic set is made available once more, bolstered by 37 bonus tracks from the Treasure Isle catalogue, including the original Ska mixes of the tracks, as well as the entire contents of the ‘Skatalite’ LP from 1964. The result is not only a fitting tribute to one of Jamaica’s most iconic figures, but also the most comprehensive compilation of Duke Reid’s pre-1965 work yet to see issue."