This performance, or interpretation remains open, expressing vulnerability where contrasts can co-exist. There is something both melancholic and stirring about this music, from the very opening moments, in its purposefully naive interpretation of the extremely famous song it is based on. Just to state the obvious, Alphonso’s take on Procol Harum’s “Whiter shade of pale” is a million times better than the (you have to admit) awfull original.

“Hop Special” was released as a single in 1968; the other side was “On The Move” – the accompanying musicians were Lynn Taitt & The Jets.

More about the song:

• An excellent article by writer and journalist Madeleine Byrne: “Hop Special (Whiter Shade of Pale),” Roland Alphonso prod. Derrick Morgan, 7” (Pyramid, 1968) w/Alton Ellis, Pat Kelly & Lynn Taitt & The Jets plus more

More about Roland Alphonso

• Brian Keyo: “Rolando Alphonso, 1931-1998, A Remembrance of the Chief Musician”
• Reggae Vibes: Roland Alphonso – ABC Rocksteady