The Uniques
The Uniques: Kingston rocksteady trio led by Slim Smith, produced by Bunny Lee. “People Rock Steady,” “Watch This Sound” (1968), “My Conversation” (1968).
Formed
The Uniques came together in Kingston in 1966 around Slim Smith, fresh out of the Techniques, with Roy Shirley and Franklyn White. Their first ska sides were for J.J. Johnson. By late 1967 the line-up was Smith, Jimmy Riley and Lloyd Charmers.
Bunny Lee
Bunny Lee produced their best work: “People Rock Steady,” a cover of Curtis Mayfield’s “Gypsy Woman,” and in 1968 “Watch This Sound,” their take on Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth,” and “My Conversation.” Rupie Edwards later built Yamaha Skank, often called the first one-rhythm album, entirely on the “My Conversation” riddim. Absolutely The Uniques came out in 1969.
Later
After Smith went solo the group broke up. Jimmy Riley revived the name in 1978 with Cornell Campbell and Noel “Scully” Simms for Give Thanks (1979).
Watch
Albums on Breakbeat Archive
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