The Techniques

Infobox musical artist |
Name = The Techniques


Img_capt =
Background = group_or_band
Origin = Jamaica
Genre = Reggae
Years_active = 1962–1969, 1982
Label = Columbia, Island, Duke, Treasure Isle, Techniques
Associated_acts =
URL =
Current_members =
Past_members = Winston Riley
Slim Smith
Franklyn White
Frederick Waite
Pat Kelly
Jackie Parris
Lloyd Parks
Morvin Brooks
Bruce Ruffin
Dave Barker
Junior Menz
Tyrone Evans

The Techniques were a Jamaican rock steady vocal group mainly active in the 1960s.cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:wzfexq9gldfe|title=allmusic ((( The Techniques > Overview )))|accessdate=2008-08-21]

History

The group was formed by Winston Riley in 1962 while still at school, with the initial line-up also featuring Slim Smith, Franklyn White, and Frederick Waite.Larkin, Colin (1998) "The Virgin Encyclopedia of Reggae", Virgin Books, ISBN 0 7535 0242 9] Thompson, Dave (2002) "Reggae & Caribbean Music", Backbeat Books, ISBN 0-87930-655-6] They regularly performed at Edward Seaga's "Chocomo Lawn" club, where they were spotted by talent scouts from Columbia Records, who released their first single, "No One", released only in the United Kingdom in 1963. Their Jamaican debut came in 1965 when they were introduced to producer Duke Reid by singer Stranger Cole, with Reid-produced singles such as "Don't Leave Me", "When You Are Wrong", "and "Little Did You Know" appearing on labels such as Island Records, and Reid's own "Duke" and "Treasure Isle" labels. Smith left the group in 1966, to pursue a solo career at Studio One, and later forming The Uniques with White. He was replaced by Pat Kelly. The shift from ska to rocksteady suited The Techniques, with a string of hits in 1967 and 1968 following, including "You Don't Care", "Queen Majesty", "I Wish It Would Rain", "It's You I Love", and "Love Is Not a Gamble".

The group left Treasure Isle in 1968, with Riley setting up his own "Techniques" label, releasing further sides by the group and also his productions of other artists. The group's line up changed regularly with Riley the only constant member. Other members in the late 1960s included Lloyd Parks, Bruce Ruffin, and Dave Barker. Kelly returned for a time, recording lead vocals on "What am I to do?".

Riley bacame one of the most successful Jamaican producers of the 1980s. Kelly and Ruffin enjoyed successful solo careers. Parks worked as a prolific session musician as well as working as a solo artist. Barker found fame as part of the duo Dave & Ansell Collins. Waite emigrated to the UK where he managed Musical Youth, the band including his sons as members.

The Techniques were briefly revived in 1982, with ex-Paragon Tyrone Evans on lead vocals, releasing a re-recorded "Love Is a Gamble", and a new album.

Albums

*"Little Did You Know" (196?) Treasure Isle
*"Unforgettable Days" (1981) Techniques
*"I'll Never Fall In Love" (1983) Techniques

;Compilations
*"Classics" (1982) Techniques
*"Classics vol. 2" (1982) Techniques
*"Rock Steady Classics" Rhino
*"Run Come Celebrate" (1993) Heartbeat
*"Techniques in Dub" (1997) Pressure Sounds
*"Queen Majesty" (2007) Trojan

References

External links

* [http://www.roots-archives.com/artist/255 The Techniques at Roots Archives]