The Iconic Rocksteady and Reggae Group, The Heptones: Meet The Now Generation available April 14, 2009 on 17 North Parade Records

MIRAMAR – On April 14, 2009, 17 North Parade presents one of Jamaica’s greatest vocal trios The Heptones’ 1972 classic collection Meet The Now Generation produced by Niney The Observer for the legendary late Joe Gibbs. This timeless composition is one of their first “reggae” works after an extended successful stay at the famous Studio One- the hit factory that defined them as definitive leaders for the rocksteady genre.

Part of 17 North Parade’s Reggae Rewind series, Meet The Now Generation, is a very significant chapter in the Heptones’ career as it embodies their seamless progression into more reggae-centric songs over the pop covers and polished tailor suits of the rocksteady era. From soulful sentimental songs like “Our Day Will Come” and “The Magnificent Heptones” to idealistic aspiration on “Freedom To The People” or spiritual guidance on “Be The One”, each track resonates with listener and gives them a truly authentic reggae experience of this particular era.

Originally appearing on two various artists LP’s in 1972, 17 North Parade consolidates these tracks on a single CD and adds exceptionally rare deejay versions and dub mixes plus comprehensive liner notes written by reggae expert Steve Barrow. All the songs are recorded and mixed by Dynamic Sounds and Joe Gibbs Studio, and the backing band The Now Generation includes some of the era’s top musicians (drummer Mikey ‘Boo’ Richards, bassist Val Douglas and guitarists Michael Chung & Geoffrey Chung).

Originally the “Hep Ones” in 1965, The Heptones were a very influential vocal trio between the 1960s and 1970s. Lead singer Leroy Sibbles, Earl Morgan and Barry Llewellyn’s career breakthrough began with top Jamaican producer Coxsond Dodd at the renowned Studio One – where they earned the international mega hit “Fattie Fattie”, a controversial ode to heavy set women, as well as their first-ever LP, On Top in 1970. After their Studio One departure, The Heptones reinvented themselves with various producers like Joe Gibbs, Augustus Pablo and Rupie Edwards amongst others in the early 1970s and with Lee Scratch Perry in the mid and late 1970s, which led them to a major label album Night Food with Island Records (1975) and the highly-regarded album Party Time (1977).