Byron Lee discovered music at Mount St Joseph's Catholic boarding school, where a nun taught him to play the piano as a means of keeping him away from girls. He formed the Dragonaires in the mid Fifties with friends Carl Brady, Ronnie Nasralla, Alty East and Ronald Peralto, borrowing the name from the football team they played for. The group found regular work backing touring performers including US calypso king Harry Belafonte. 'I was determined my band would be a band of well-dressed, clean professionals,' Lee later said. 'I am pleased to say that in all my years of touring we have never had any incident involving a member of my band while on tour.' When asked how he would like to be remembered, the ever businesslike Lee said: 'In the same way that fine wines, luxury cars, premium whiskey, the world's top cricket ground or the leading telecoms provider are remembered. Top of the line. People should say I gave quality and value for money.' This compilation certainly fulfills his wish......................
