Linval Thompson

Recording Artists; Recording Producer & Distributor.Although perhaps not particularly not well known outside of Reggae, Linval Thompson has done much to shape its direction over the last three decades – for his music has broken down many boundaries and constantly confounded categorization. Amongst aficionados of the real authentic sound of Jamaica he is known as a singer of roots anthems songs such as : Cool Down Your Temper and Don’t Cut Off Your Dread Locks are revered by devotees of heavy weight ‘‘ conscious’’ reggae while he’s also noted as being a prominent pioneering producer of prototype dancehall music. Countless people will be familiar with music he has created even if they are unfamiliar with the name of Linval Thompson. He has collaborated with many of the greats of Jamaican music recording, initially as a singer for Luminaries such as Augustus Pablo (Natty Dread A Pressure Dem) and Lee Perry (Kung Fu Man), before progressing to the role of producer of such legendary artists as the Wailing Souls, Freddy McGregor and Barrington Levy. This set focuses on his singing from the mid 70’s to the early 80’s, and in so doing showcases some of the biggest hits from the time with Bunny ‘Striker’ Lee and their respective instrumental counteractions from the aggravators, along with a selection of Linval’s early self productions where the rhythms are provided by the revolutionaries. Lival Thompson was born in Kingston Jamaica in 1959 and in his early teens he moved to the U.S.A. to be with his mother who lived in the New York borough of Queens. Linval initially studied engineering and he began his singing career with Bunny Rugs (who would go on to become vocalist with third world) an their recording of ‘There Is No Other Woman In This World’ was a moderate success, although linval claims “I DON’T THINK YOU CAN FIND A COPY OF IT RIGHT NOW!” Linval went on to cut a handful of sides for the New York Based Everett Martin’s Mart’s Label, including ‘Weeping & Waling’ and ‘Jah Jah Deh’ in 1974, but later that year he returned to jamaica where he recorded for Keith Hudson’s Associate ‘Stama’ Hobson.