Dennis Walks - Belly Lick / Drumbago & The Blenders - The Game Song - HSRSS-0032

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INTRODUCING

THE SUPER RARE DOUBLE-SIDED KILLER

BELLY LICK - DENNIS WALKS

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 THE GAME SONG - DRUMBAGO & THE BLENDERS

7" VINYL 45 RPM
PRESALE ONLY - RELEASE MARCH 28, 2025. 

 Catalogue number: HSRSS-0032

Originally released together in 1968 on the Blue Cat label, this very much sought-after single features two exceptional tracks from the golden era of Jamaican music. "Belly Lick" by Dennis Walks and "The Game Song" by Drumbago & The Blenders exemplify the rich musical landscape of late 1960s Jamaica. Both tracks were written by Dennis Walks and produced by Joe Gibbs.

This reissue brings these two rare gems back to vinyl, allowing enthusiasts and collectors to experience their authentic sound. The original pressing has become highly collectible, with copies fetching big sums in the collectors' market.

This exceptional release will be available on our website and in select record shops worldwide from March 28, 2025.

ABOUT DENNIS WALKS

Dennis Walks, born Dennis Vassell, is a Legendary Jamaican reggae singer and songwriter whose career began in the early 1960s. His stage name was given to him by Roy Shirley, and he first recorded in 1963 for Duke Reid at Treasure Isle. He gained recognition in the late 1960s with songs like "Having a Party" for Joe Gibbs, but his most enduring work came through his collaboration with producer Harry Mudie. Hits such as "The Drifter" and "Heart Don't Leap" cemented his reputation as a major figure in Jamaican music.

By the mid-1970s, Walks continued his success with the release of "Margaret," which later inspired Lennie Hibbert's instrumental piece "Margaret's Dream." His influence extended far beyond his own recordings — the "Drifter" rhythm was revisited by various artists, including Dennis Brown and Cornell Campbell. King Tubby's studio even created an entire album, "Reggae Bible (Book of Drifters)", built around this influential track.  He continued writing, singing and producing across diverse genres well into the 90s. Dennis is still alive today and lives in Kingstown, Jamaica.

ABOUT DRUMBAGO

Drumbago, whose real name was apparently  Auckland Alvin Parkes, was a pioneering Jamaican drummer (hence the great nickname”Drumbago”) and bandleader instrumental in the development of Ska and Rocksteady music. A highly respected musician, he was known for his rhythmic precision and versatility, even playing the flute in addition to drums. His career began at age 15 when he joined his brother Luther Parkes’ orchestra. After leaving his brother’s band, he performed with top orchestras, including the Eric Deans Orchestra, Val Bennett and his All-Stars, and Frankie Bonitto Combo.

In the late 1940s, Drumbago formed his own orchestra and held regular weekend performances at the Silver Slipper Club in Cross Roads, where his dynamic drumming earned him the nickname "Drumbago." He later took a seven-year residency at the Baby Grand Club before shifting focus to Jamaica’s emerging recording industry in the late 1950s.

With the Drumbago All Stars and later on with the Blenders, he contributed to numerous seminal tracks, working prominently on the Blue Beat label with his friend Prince Buster, and  also with Derrick Morgan and Eric Morris. Some of his earlier recordings include "Second Fiddle," "Chariot Rock," "Betrayers Downfall”,  "Easy Snapping" and the Great “Dulcemania”. He played the drummer for Derrick Morgan’s hit "Forward March," further cementing his place in Jamaican music history.

He continued recording up until his passing on January 19, 1969, after a short illness. His impact on Jamaican music remains formidable.  The Dynamites recorded the great instrumental Last Call as a tribute to Drumbago…

A SIDE:

Title: Belly Lick

Artist: Dennis Walks

Genre: Mento/Early Reggae

Written by: Dennis Walks

Produced by: Joe Gibbs

"Belly Lick" was originally released in 1968 on the Blue Cat label."Belly Lick" is a wicked, fast-paced track that fuses early Reggae with the infectious drive of Mento.The call-and-response vocals and raw, party-like intensity make this track a standout piece of vintage Jamaican fire and  a great nod to Jamaica’s traditional folk music roots. The track's quality and rarity has made it a very coveted item among Reggay vinyl collectors.

B SIDE:

Title: The Game Song

Artist: Drumbago & The Blenders
Genre: Mento/Early Reggae
Produced by: Joe Gibbs

The party continues with the energetic and wild "Game Song", a wicked instrumental track difficult to describe. Its relentless pace and goofy but intricated orchestral madness suggest the soundtracks for a black and white animated cartoon from the 30s but Jamaican way! It is a perfect B side for the outstanding "Belly Lick" on the flip especially considering that "The Game Song" was also written by Dennis Walks. Sadly it was the only known collaboration between Dennis Walks and Drumbago, maybe due to Drumbago untimely death in 1969.