Alton Ellis

The elegant Alton Ellis began his singing career, like so many other Jamaican artists, at Clement Dodd's legendary Studio One. First recording for Dodd in 1959, Ellis became a frontline star on the island during the rocksteady era, specializing in romantic ballads, often covers of American hits which he skillfully translated into new Jamaican standards, all laid out over those sturdy Studio One rhythms. This set features several of Ellis' Studio One hits, including the title track, "I'm Still in Love with You," and the impressive "Can't Get Used to Losing You." Also included here are eight sides by Hortense Ellis, Ellis' sister, as well as a duet, "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do," featuring both siblings. The Hortense tracks are a particular delight since she recorded sparingly, and while eight more tracks of Alton may have made this a more marketable collection, the sides by his sister don't seriously change the tone and feel of the rest of the anthology. Collectors of rocksteady and early roots reggae records will be pleased that the Hortense Ellis sides are now easily available on CD. ~ Steve Leggett, All Music Guide