The Blackstones - Be Thankful EP

IRON SOUND

Genre: Reggae-Soul / Roots Reggae.
Format: CD
Catalogue No.: IRONCDEP024
DEAL: None B/C: 667209415020
Release Date: 5th March 2021

* 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”. The vocal tracks are replete with Instrumental Versions from Alvin Davis (Hornz) / Steven 'Marley' Wright (Guitar) and Dub Versions from Alien Dread. Tracks 1 & 2 and 5 & 8 will also be available on vinyl 7”EP, (IRONEP 024-07).

* CDEP in standard Jewel case format, shrinkwrapped.
* 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.
* Promotional Video on You Tube. https://youtu.be/H6vIBTnuXIg

* Press / Promotion: Main Facebook page, ISR Blog, ISR Web Site. Alien Dread/ISR-Facebook.Instagram.
* Radio / Internet: You Tube, Isr Web site, Bionic Steel-Reggae Fever Show (B’ham), Rodigan, Reggae Portugal. Black Country Radio (West Midlands). US: BTR-NY. Chuck Foster-Reggae Central Kpfk.
Bandcamp. Ras Al Turner (Global Roots-US). Shelly Lightnin’ (B’ham) and many other outlets…

* Tracklist:
1. Be Thankful. 2. Be Thankful (Hornz Inst Vs). 3. Be Thankful (Guitar Inst Vs) 4. Be Thankful Dub. 5. Deliver Me. 6. Deliver Me (Hornz Inst Vs). 7. Deliver Me (Flute Inst Vs) 8. Deliver Me Dub.