So I came across this compilation a while ago titled Jamaica to Toronto: Soul Funk & Reggae 1967-1974, and I didn’t get around to listening to it until just now… and there are some really great songs on it. Some of the recording is a little lo-fi, but this just added to the intrigue. I tried finding anything on the internet having to do with the band The Cougars, who wrote two of the songs posted below, and I found this article. Apparently there was this whole reggae/funk music scene going on in Toronto in the late 60s, and for some reason no one really paid attention to it… and it dwindled away. The idea that a whole chunk of musical history can be forgotten like that just struck me as interesting. Anyway, here are my favorites off of this compilation, a little funk, a little reggae, a little blues. And I really reccommend the moment exactly 2 minutes into The Cougar’s cover of the Temptations song “I Wish It Would Rain,” it’ll make you feel happy.
Jo-Jo And The Fugitives – Chips – Chicken – Banana Split
Thanks for posting these. I’ve wondered about this compilation for a while. Great version of “I Wish It Would Rain”, although The Cougars didn’t write it, it’s a Temptations song (Marvin Gaye’s version is great, too).
Yeah oops i’ll fix that Temptations buisness… glad you like the post, i would recommend grabbing the compilation if you are looking for more of the same, those 4 tracks were a hard choice.
Thanks for the good words!
I just came across your post and wanted to let you know that Jamica to Toronto has a new album out. I had the chance to see them live at the Montreal and Toronto Jazz festivals. If you think the music playing through speakers makes you wanna jive and get down, just imagine what they do to you live!