Tad's Record seems on a mission to revalue their back catalogue, as following Ranking Joe's 'Choice Of Color' (aka. 'Tribute To John Lennon'), they are now re-releasing 'Presenting Ranking Trevor', back in 1981 the fourth album from this somewhat underrated deejay.
By Jah Rebel
Ranking Trevor, born Maxwell Grant, first made his mark as a deejay for Tony Welch aka Papa Roots’ Socialist Roots sound system (previously King Attorney and Soul Attorney). His breakthrough came in 1977, especially in the UK, with hits like ‘Cave Man Skank’ and ‘Three Piece Chicken And Chips’ (a response to Trinity’s ‘Three Piece Suit’). This success led to a record deal with Front Line/Virgin Records, who in 1978 released his debut album ‘In Fine Style’, followed by a move to London, where he spent over two decades.
For ‘Presenting Ranking Trevor’, Ranking Trevor collaborated with Sugar Minott, releasing it on Minott’s Black Roots label. The album is in showcase style, with each vocal track followed by a hefty dub version crafted by Sly & Robbie and The Revolutionaries. You’ll recognize classic riddims like Love Me Forever (opening track ‘Fish Fillet’), Real Rock (‘Spanish River’) and Vanity (‘Rope In Sister Jean’). Tracks like ‘Hold Fast’ and closing track ‘Working Hero’ feature the voices of Leroy Sibbles and Linval Thompson.
Deejay classic from a veteran of the genre, who in 2012 tragically passed away too soon due to a motorcycle accident.
Founder alongside Jah Shakespear who transitioned to this role in late 2014. Previously worked as critic and reporter, balancing passions for music and Haile Selassie spirituality.
October 22, 2024