Dennis Alcapone, initially inspired by DJ U Roy, was soon to challenge his crown in the early part of the ’70s releasing over 100 hit tunes. He could weave his vocal magic over any tune/rhythm that came his way and take it to another place. Alcapone began DJing (toasting) for the El Paso Hi-Fi Sound System around 1969. His first releases resulted from working with producer Keith Hudson, a succession of hits followed. Dennis moved camp to work with producer Duke Reid reworking some fresh ideas over classic Treasure Isle rhythms. He then went on to work with many top producers between 1970-1973, including Coxonne Dodd, Lee Perry, Sir JJ, Winston Riley, Joe Gibbs, Prince Buster all provided an outlet for his musical endeavours. Another great relationship was his work for producer Bunny Lee, again scoring some big hits including, Guns Don’t Argue and Ripe Cherry the later adding a twist to Bunny’s massive hit of the time Cherry Oh Baby. Kingston Sounds have looked to this period in Dennis’s career where there is a wealth of great music.Go Deh (on Leroy Smart’s How Long), Eternal Life (Johnny Clarke’s version of Peter Tosh’s Legalise It) ‘Steve Austin’ (The Six Million Dollar Man tale over Leroy Smart’s Pride and Ambition), ‘Wise Man From The East’ (Johnny Clarke’s You Have Caught Me Baby), It Must Come (Delroy Wilson’s Better Must Come), ‘Blessed Are The Meek’ (Slim Smith’s Blessed Are The Meek) to name but a few. Dennis left Jamaica in 1973 just after being awarded the Cup for Best DJ by Swing magazine. With his signature shout of “Yeah Yeah Yeah!” you knew he was going to mash up the dance wherever his musical talents led him!
Kingston Sounds – KSLP036
2012 Reissue