For those of you who already know him, Cedric “Congo” Myton is one of the most mystical and spiritual voices in Jamaican music, notably on the legendary album “Heart of the Congos”, with his vocal partner Ashanti Roy Johnson. And we strongly advise all the others to get it straightaway. This essential LP, recorded at Lee Perry’s Black Ark studio in 1977, still owns a unique place in the record collections of all reggae lovers for the exceptional depth of its sound. Others album are also well worth it, especially “Congo Ashanti”, that followed “Heart of the Congos”. Cedric began recording in the early 60’s, first with The Bellstar, then with The Tartans and The Royal Rasses, before forming The Congos with Ashanti Roy Johnson and Watty Burnett - brought along by Lee Perry. It was also Lee Perry who christened them The Congos during a sessions. A name Cedric later adopted for himself.

Now the duo is reforming and preparing for a powerful come back. And it was both a honour and a pleasure for us when Cedric enthusiastically agreed to make his own Inna de Yard session, along with musicians as prestigious as ever. Ashanti Roy Johnson confirms that they’re bringing the group back together in the bonus footage.

The great Earl Chinna Smith still directs and orchestrates these acoustic jams. He is joined by ex-Skatalites Johnny Dizzy Moore and Leslie Samuels for the brass section, by Sizzla’s official percussionist Alphonso Craig, and by Lloyd Palmer, who now plays melodica after being on keyboard in the previous Inna de Yard (Linval Thompson). Kush McAnuff is on drums, as always, and Winston McAnuff plays guitar on the last two bonus tracks.

We give all our thanks to Cedric Myton, Earl Chinna Smith and all the musicians for making this recording possible.

Label : Makasound