The Blackstones - Be Thankful / Deliver Me

Format: 7" EP
Catalogue No.: IRONEP02507
Barcode: 667209415273
Release Date: 05 May 2023
Genre: Reggae / Soul Reggae / Roots Reggae

* The Blackstones were formed by Leon Leiffer in 1974. Since the initial group formation, there have been several line up changes, currently the group consists of: Leon Leiffer, Tony Mahoney, Jr. Bailey, and they have recently been joined by A.J. Franklin (Chosen Few, Federals). On tours they have supported Curtis Mayfield and the Impressions, Rufus Thomas, Dennis Brown, Owen Grey, John Holt, Alton Ellis and many more Soul / Reggae greats. In 2013 the Blackstones were voted the No 1 vocal group in the Reggae section of the BBC Radio London awards. Also, their 'Mellow Mood' album recorded for Stingray in 2018, was a main contender for the Reggae Grammy Awards for that year. Over the years they have worked with many notable Jamaican producers, Count Shelly, Fatman, Phill Pratt, Lloyd Charmers, Lindel Lewis, Tony “Ruff Cut” Phillips, Winston Curtis, Jah Larry, Tony Owens, and the late great Bunny ‘Striker’ Lee and the legendary, Clement "Sir Coxsone" Dodd, at Studio One in JA.

This release features two sides of their consistent repertoire. A contemporary Reggae re-work of William DeVaughn’s US 70’s Soul Classic, “Be Thankful” and also a re-work of the Yabby You 70’s Roots Reggae track “Deliver Me”. “Be Thankful” also has the Hornz Inst Vs from Alvin Davis and “Deliver Me” the Dub Version from Alien Dread. Tracks are also available on CDEP (IRONCDEP 024). That features 8 tracks and includes a Guitar Vs (Steven “Marley” Wright) & Dub Vs (Alien Dread) for “Be Thankful” and Hornz & Flute Vs (both by Alvin Davis) for “Deliver Me”.

* 7”EP in Isr Generic Picture sleeve. Limited Edition. Delayed Vinyl Release.
* All rhythms by: Alien Dread.(Feat: Alvin Davis, Asha B & Steven ‘Marley’ Wright)
* Recorded: (Rhythms) at AD Studio and (Vocals) at Lindel Lewis’s PPD Studio.
* Produced by: Alien Dread & The Blackstones.
* Press / Promotion: Main AD Facebook page, ISR Blog, ISR Web Site. Alien Dread/ISR-Facebook.
AD Bandcamp, AD Soundcloud…
* Radio / Internet: You Tube, Isr Web site, Bionic Steel-Reggae Fever Show (B’ham), Rodigan BBC, Reggae Portugal. Black Country Radio (West Midlands). US: BTR-NY. Chuck Foster-Reggae Central Kpfk (US). Bandcamp. Shelly Lightnin’ (B’ham) and many other Internet Radio outlets…

* Tracklist:
A SIDE: 1. The Blackstones - Be Thankful (Vs 2). 2. Alvin Davis - Be Thankful (Inst-Vs2).
B SIDE: 1. The Blackstones - Deliver Me (Vs 2). 2. Alien Dread - Deliver Me Dub (Vs 2).