The High Note Mento Collection CD

Although the popularity of mento music had waned by the 1970s, a number of Jamaican artists continued to record and release music in the distinctive style, which mixed African-influenced rhythms with musical elements borrowed from both South American and European music. This excellent double disc-set gathers together three of the greatest mento albums released during the '70s on reggae producer Sonia Pottiger's High Note label: King Yupp's self-titled 1976 debut, Live at Club Caribbean by the Jolly Boys, and Prince Brothers' Ram Jam. As is the case with most Doctor Bird releases, all three albums have been expanded with the addition of bonus cuts, singles and B-sides, with the resultant set brilliantly showcasing High Note's effervescent, carnival-friendly take on the mento sound.