Trinity

One of Jamaica's most popular DJs, Trinity was omnipresent in the roots age, flooding the sound systems with versions and full-length albums. Born Wade Brammer in Kingston, Jamaica, on February 10, 1954, he attended the legendary Alpha School for Boys. Initially taking the moniker Prince Glen, in 1974 the toaster cut his first sides for Winston Edwards, several in combo with close friend Dillinger. It was Channel One producer Jo Jo Hookim who re-christened the young toaster Trinity. The newly named DJ recorded several popular sides for the label, the biggest being "Hang on Sloopy." His work with Yabby You was to have an even larger impact, with "Words of the Prophet," "Tradition," and "How Long Jah" storming both the Jamaican and U.K. reggae charts. A full-length, Shanty Town Determination, followed, with the Clem Bushay-produced split Clash set with Dillinger also arriving in 1976. By then the floodgates had opened, with Trinity cutting sides for nearly every producer who asked. "Three Meals a Day" and "Pomps & Pride" were highly successful in Jamaica, while "Tribal War," "Ready Done," and "Internal Feeling" hit both home and abroad. The equally popular "Up Town Girl," produced by Bunny Lee, entitled Trinity's 1977 album (released as Side Kiks in the U.K.). However, it was Joe Gibbs who oversaw Trinity's signature smash, "Three Piece Suit," which entitled another full-length. Althea & Donna's sharp riposte, "Uptown Top Ranking," topped the British charts. Trinity was unstoppable, the Yabby You-overseen "Z-90," "Lively Tribulation," and a combo with Dillinger, "Jesus Dread," hitting the U.K. charts in 1978, joined by the equally popular "Starsky & Hutch" and "Taille de Banana." Bunny Lee added to this year's deluge of discs with the Dreadlocks Satisfaction album, while Gussie Clarke provided a Showcase. Jo Jo Hookim, meanwhile, oversaw the humorously titled clash set Three Piece Chicken & Chips, pitting Trinity against Ranking Trevor. And still the DJ found time to self-produce his own At His Toasting Best set. So many producers, so little time. Sir Percy scored with Trinity's "Pain Come Back," while Alvin Ranglin paired the DJ with Gregory Isaacs for the hit "Chunnie No. 1," and also oversaw the DJ's 1979 African Revolution album. The toaster then joined forces with the Mighty Diamonds for the aptly titled Trinity Meets the Mighty Diamonds set. Linval Thompson coaxed two excellent albums from the DJ, 1979's Rock in the Ghetto and 1980's Have a Little Faith. Trinity's "Eventide Home" proved timely, but exhaustion was beginning to settle in. Regardless, 1981's Bad Card and Full House were fine sets, but a follow-up didn't arrive until 1983's self-produced Teen Jam. The singles kept coming, though, overseen by Roy Francis, Jammys, and George Phang, among others. However, 1985's Best of Trinity compilation seemed like a final chapter. The following year, though, the toaster turned singer for the Telephone Line set, then retook his old moniker for 1987's Hold Your Corner. Trinity has also made occasional forays into production, overseeing fine records from Natty King and Luciano. Although his profile has lowered over the years, Trinity never fell completely off the radar, and with the strength of his roots-era recordings, it's unlikely he ever will. ~ Jo-Ann Greene, Rovi