Second chances - Franklyn Irving music makes waves in France after 30 years

Howard Campbell, Gleaner Writer

Franklyn Irving had a front-row seat when many of the classic rhythms were being laid at the Channel One studio. Almost 30 years after his own production was recorded, it has been picked up by a European company.

Irving, popularly known as 'Ben Up', recently revived one of the tracks he produced with the Roots Radics band at the Maxfield Avenue studio in May 1982. He then called on singer Paketo Wilson and deejay Derajah to record Ina De Yaad, a weed rocker that has been released in France by Makasound Records.

"Nuthin' change pon the rhythm 'cause it timeless. Wi jus' get the tape and put it to pro tools," 49-year-old Irving told The Gleaner.

Ina De Yaad has been heavily promoted on the Makasound website. The company has pushed the song in the French music underground where there is a thriving market for roots-reggae and world beat music.

The Roots Radics was the studio band of choice in Jamaica in the early 1980s, working on countless hit songs for producer Henry 'Junjo' Lawes' Volcano label.

Using his connections at Channel One, Irving assembled bass player Errol Holt, guitarist Eric 'Bingy Bunny' Lamont, drummer Lincoln 'Style' Scott and keyboardist Wycliffe 'Steely' Johnson to work on two tracks.

When things slowed down at Channel One in the mid-1980s and computer beats took over, Irving left the music business but in the last three years decided to take another crack at it. He said it was logical that he launch his comeback with the Roots Radics track.

The artistes he called on are from different eras. Wilson, who hails from Denham Town, began his music career in the early 1970s and has three albums to his name, as well as a number of songs for producers such as Winston Riley.

Critically acclaimed

Derajah is a member of veteran session guitarist Earl 'Chinna' Smith's Inna De Yard camp, which has recorded a series of critically acclaimed acoustic albums by roots acts like Linval Thompson and Kiddus-I.

Irving grew up in the tough Maxfield Avenue community and became a regular at Channel One, which was opened in 1973 by the Hoo Kim brothers (Joseph, Ernest, Paul and Kenneth).

His older brother, Christopher, was the studio's manager, which gave him access to recording sessions which usually featured The Revolutionaries band.

"It wasn't jus' the musicians that mek Channel One special, it was the people 'roun' it," Irving explained.

"Yuh had party man and girls man who catch on to the music an' help decide which song come out."

Irving never got a taste of the success enjoyed by many artistes and producers at Channel One. His time may have come with Ina De Yaad.

Irving

Good Times tickets

One person can win two tickets to Heineken Good Times on Saturday. All you have to do is call 1-888-THESTAR between five and six o'clock this evening and answer the following the question.

What is the theme for Saturday's Heineken Good Times?

The first correct answer wins. If you miss out, fret not, there is another opportunity in today's STAR. Check The Gleaner and THE Star tomorrow for more chances and THE STAR on Friday.