Classic mento album, European tour for Jolly Boys

When the Jolly Boys left the Rebel Salute stage at Richmond Estate in St Ann on Saturday night, it was with a sense of satisfaction.

After a 2011 in which members of the 58-year-old mento band out of Portland experienced a dynamic revival, touring Europe, United States, Hong Kong, Maldives and other countries, before an early 2012 Australian sojourn, the last year has been relatively quiet for the band.

However, according to producer of the band, Dale 'Dizzle' Virgo, this will change in 2013.

"We have a couple tours in Europe in the summer and we have a couple projects that we conceptualise and are in the studio working on. We're working on a classic mento album featuring modernised cuts of old songs, contemporary style," he said.

Very excited

Meanwhile, lead singer for the band, Albert Minott, was excited about appearing on Rebel Salute.
"First time on Rebel Salute and let me tell you Jamaica, it was wonderful, man!" Minott said.

"Anytime Rebel Salute come round again come out an see it, people, nuh bada siddung ah unnu yard, come out an see it an enjoy unnu self. I love it."

And according to Derrick 'Johnny' Henry: "The experience was great man, great!"

And after more than half a century in the entertainment business, the band still has the zest to continue. Asked how much longer, Minott replied: "Fifty more years, ladies and gentlemen, 50 more years with the Jolly Boys."

He added in good humour: "I don't feel to give up yet because I feel so green you can carry your cow come let go in my grass!"

Virgo, who is also the drummer, also believes the current members of the band can go on for much longer.

Said Virgo: "Their career has been going good for them you know. These old guys, at the age of 75 - around that - I mean, they have the opportunity to live their dream. They're doing what they're doing all their lives, they're real performers, these guys will play for hours. That's what they do - entertain."

(from Jamaica Gleaner)