RAS
1986
All in the Same Boat
About This Album
In the '80s, Jamaica's veteran vocalists really were All in the Same Boat, and a leaky one at that, pushed out to sea by the DJs who now commanded the island's attention and affection. Many vocal groups called it a day, singers relocated abroad hoping to jump start their career in more amenable climes, and others decided to stay home but turned their attention to the international market. Freddie McGregor followed this latter course, and began openly courting stateside fans, although his first foray into the States was with the thoroughly Jamaican set Come On Over. The Boat, however, arrived decked in a crossover sound -- a reggae light styling with lush arrangements and plush production, even though its passengers were all Jamaican.

The Browne family -- Cleveland, Dalton, Danny, and Glen -- provide much of the instrumentation and backing harmonies, joined by bassist Bagga Walker, keyboardist Pablove Black, and a brass section led by saxophonist Dean Frazer. Others embarking with McGregor include vocalists Judy Mowatt, Marcia Griffiths, and Peter Broggs, amid a backing choir of voices that add to the luxurious sound of the set. The album is very much a child of its time, blending rich American R&B atmospheres with reggae rhythms, layers on the synths and harmonies, then sprinkles with percussion, brass, and guitars.
Track List

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.