Frankie Paul continues to enjoy satisfying career

 Howard Campbell, Gleaner Writer

The 46-year-old Paul launched Coffee Walk two years ago and has recorded several established and new artistes at his studio in Mount Salem, St James. The late Sugar Minott, Singing Melody and Patrick Andy are some of the veterans who have 'voiced' songs for the label.

Paul - who is scheduled to perform on the Reggae Salute show Monday at the Liguanea Club alongside John Holt, Ken Boothe and Johnny Clarke - said he enjoys producing as much as singing.

"I'm excited about making the beats, that's the most satisfying part," he said.

"I get to show the people another side of Frankie Paul's talent."

Paul's latest album, the self-produced Broken-Hearted, is expected to be one of Coffee Walk's first releases. It will be the first full-length project by Paul since Think Say Dem Know We which was released by British company Jet Star in 2008.

Paul (real name Paul Blake) first recorded for guitarist Earl 'Chinna' Smith's High Times label as a 16-year-old. His first hit, Gun Man Around Town, was produced by Smith in 1980.

Paul first excelled as a hit-maker with a flamboyant producer named Henry 'Junjo' Lawes, the man behind the Volcano label and sound system. When Paul joined his camp in the early 1980s, Lawes was red-hot with Yellowman and Barrington Levy.

Still in his teens, Paul said he was apprehensive about working with Lawes.

"I heard he was a gangster and I didn't want to record for him. But I gave it a try and it actually worked," Paul explained.

Hits

It certainly did. Lawes produced some of Paul's biggest hits which include Worries In The Dance and Pass The Kushumpeng. He also had hits for other producers like Lloyd 'King Jammys' James (Sara), George Phang (Tidal Wave) and Isaiah Laing (Get Ready).

Paul, who was born blind, attended the Salvation Army School For The Blind where he learned to play several instruments. He was only 16 when he recorded his first song, The Rich And The Poor.

It has been some time since Paul had a chart-rider, but the hits he recorded during the 1980s keeps him busy on the live show circuit. In November, he and another Junjo Lawes protégé, singer Cocoa Tea, are scheduled to tour Europe.

Though his career has had its share of bumps, Paul has no regrets.

"I'm quite satisfied with how it's gone and how it's going on. I can't complain," he said.