Horace Andy’s Classic Album ‘Skylarking’: 1972’s Reggae Cornerstone
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In the pantheon of Jamaican roots reggae music, Horace Andy, born Horace Keith Hinds in 1951, is a central figure. This preeminent singer-songwriter, renowned for his iconic, soulful vocals, made remarkable strides with his debut album ‘Skylarking’. This significant 1972 work melded his distinctive vocal prowess with lyrics that resonated profoundly with the ethos of the time, thus cementing his enduring impact on reggae and dancehall music.
Andy’s early years were marked by some difficulties. His first single, “This is a Black Man’s Country,” recorded in 1967, didn’t quite garner the attention he hoped. However, his fortunes turned in 1970, after a successful audition at Coxsone Dodd’s acclaimed Studio One. It was here that Dodd decided Andy’s raw talent was best suited for a solo career, marking a vital turning point in his musical journey. In a calculated attempt to leverage on Bob Andy’s popularity and avoid comparisons to his cousin, Justin Hinds, Dodd suggested Hinds assume the moniker, Horace Andy.
The subsequent two years saw a string of releases that contributed significantly to the success of Andy’s debut album. Initially featuring on Dodd’s ‘Jamaica Today’ compilation, the single “Skylarking” became an instant sound system hit. It eventually topped the charts in Jamaica, joining Andy’s other singles such as “See a Man’s Face,” “Night Owl,” “Fever,” and “Mr. Bassie.”
Andy’s productive years at Studio One owed a debt to the fruitful relationship he formed with producer Bunny Lee in the 70s. Together, they produced timeless singles like “Just Say Who,” “Don’t Try To Use Me,” and “You Are My Angel.” This partnership also saw a re-recording of “Skylarking,” which eventually added depth to Andy’s debut album and his overall musical oeuvre.
His career took shape further when he relocated to Hartford, Connecticut in 1977. Here, he worked extensively with Everton DaSilva, recording hits like “Do You Love My Music” and “Government Land.” At this time, he also styled his own record label, named ‘Rhythm’. Tragically, his productive partnership with DaSilva was cut short after DaSilva’s untimely murder in 1979. His time in Hartford, mixed with his Dave Silva joints, reshaped Andy’s music, making it resonant on a more global scale.
Andy’s deal with Bristol trip hop pioneers Massive Attack in the 90s gave a fresh fillip to his career. This partnership saw him contributing to five of their albums, enhancing his persona in the music industry. His vocals on their works, including “Angel,” a new version of “You Are My Angel,” confirmed his rank as a key figure in the ongoing development of reggae.
Critics have lauded Andy for his innate ability to blend various strains of early ’70s reggae – lovers’ rock with a tinge of roots – into his music. His music, a fusion of tenderness and a simmering intensity, has few parallels in the world of reggae. Tracks like “Night Owl” and “See a Man’s Face” aptly demonstrate Andy’s prowess in creating this delicate balance. His voice, high and eerie, is arresting; perhaps the reason some of his singles are regarded as classics today, setting him apart from his contemporaries like John Martyn and Hollie Cook.
Although Andy waded into some controversies over his career, the acclaim he received outweighed the criticism, confirming his iconic status. His career and music continue to reign influential in the reggae scene even in the present day. The echoes of his distinct, emotive voice continue to reverberate, making Horace Andy an artist that transcends time and trends. His debut album ‘Skylarking’, carefully pieced together with original Studio One tapes, does more than just track his 1972 journey – it captures the essence of Andy: timeless, classic, and quintessentially reggae.
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