The Jolly Boys - Great Expectation Album Review

The Jolly Boys have an incredibly long and endurable history as musicians, having spent the past 60 years performing, they are one of the original sounds of Jamaican 'mento'. Undoubtedly The Jolly Boys are the most recognizable mento band in the world. Mento is certainly a unique and colourful sound that was the forerunner to reggae and ska but even though it may sound older and more accessible it still has that edge that always comes from good Jamaican music. The Jolly Boys have been royally accepted throughout their career but recently Geejam Jon Baker and Wall Of Sound's Mark Jones have collaborated with these masters to create 'Great Expectation'.

'Great Expectation' represents twelve interpretations of contemporary songs given a mento makeover. The choice of tunes is what makes this album really good, at first listen it may not seem so obviously great, as most of the tunes are easily recognisable, but it's the way in which The Jolly Boys put their well performed style on it that makes it such an enjoyable listen. Tracks like New Orders 'Blue Monday' in the Jolly Boys way is a must listen as well as other tracks such as 'Passenger' by The Stooges, 'Rehab' by Amy Winehouse, 'I Fought The Law' by The Clash and 'Golden Brown' by The Stranglers all contribute to a very cleverly created album that certainly has its own edge and illustrates what great songs they are in their own right. Albert Minott's deep and venomous vocal is perfect for the attitude of this collection of songs and listening to the music it's clear how talented and passionate these guys are.

'Great Expectation' is a satisfying album which features a good choice of tracks and the delivery from The Jolly Boys allows a familiarity you recognise and an originality for those who haven't heard this style of music before. The makeover of these tracks is exceptional and certainly demonstrates what good musicians they are. Go buy it!

Tareck Ghoneim