Alphonso came to Jamaica at the age of two with his Jamaican mother, and started to learn saxophone at the Stony Hill Industrial School.
In 1948 he left school to join Eric Deans' orchestra and soon passed through other bands in the hotel circuit and first recorded as a member of Baba Motta's group in 1952.
Around the mid 1950s, he joined the band of Cluett Johnson named Clue J & The Blues Blasters and backed many sessions of Coxsone Dodd in a typical Jamaican R&B style. By 1960, he was recording for many other producers such as Duke Reid, Lloyd "The Matador" Daley and King Edwards. During this period he played in many different bands, such as The Alley Cats, The City Slickers, and Aubrey Adams & The Dew Droppers. In 1963, after few months spent in Nassau, Bahamas, he took part in the creation of The Studio One Orchestra, the first session band of the freshly opened recording studio of Coxsone. This band soon adopted the name of The Skatalites.
When the Skatalites disbanded by August 1965, Alphonso formed the Soul Brothers (with Johnny "Dizzy" Moore, Jackie Mittoo) to become The Soul Vendors in 1967. He released the first album under his name in 1973 on the Studio One record label.
During the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, he kept on playing on numerous records coming out from Jamaican studios, especially for Bunny Lee, and he toured with many bands. He was awarded Officer of the Order of Distinction by the Jamaican government in 1980, and started to tour more often in the U.S. He took part in the reformation of the Skatalites in 1983, with whom he toured and recorded constantly until his death in 1998.
Blow Roland Blow
Roland Alphonso Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Blow your horn
Blow that golden horn from night to morn
You were once a prince
King of the sky
No one else could ever run without you
All the fans you had, you cared
You are the man, politic but oh
What once oh all the make my truth ball
Blow Roland blow
Blow your horn
That is why you rally, you are born
You are the man, politic but oh
What once oh all the make my truth ball
The song "Blow Roland Blow" by Roland Alphonso is a tribute to his own musical skills as he refers to himself as Roland and his horn as Roland's horn. The repetition of "Blow Roland blow" and "Blow that golden horn from night to morn" symbolizes his dedication to playing music from dusk to dawn, showing his love and passion for music. As he talks about himself being a "prince" and "king of the sky", it indicates that he feels like he is above everyone else in his musical ability and that he is ruling over the music world with his exceptional skills.
The line "No one else could ever run without you" signifies his importance in the music industry as he suggests that others' music cannot survive without his contribution. Alphonso acknowledges his fans and their support in the lines "All the fans you had, you cared" which indicates the appreciation he has for his fans' love for his music. The line "You are the man, politic but oh" suggests that Alphonso is a skilled musician who can navigate the politics involved in the music industry. However, the phrase "What once oh all the make my truth ball" is ambiguous and could represent the challenges he has faced as a musician.
In summary, the lyrics to "Blow Roland Blow" portray Roland Alphonso's passion for music and his recognition of his own musical talent. It's a song that showcases his musical prowess and highlights his importance in the music industry.
Line by Line Meaning
Blow Roland blow
Encouraging Roland to play his instrument
Blow your horn
Requesting Roland to play a musical instrument
Blow that golden horn from night to morn
Asking Roland to play his horn continuously throughout the night and into the morning
You were once a prince
Referring to Roland as a skilled musician or leader in his field
King of the sky
Suggesting that Roland's music is dominant and above the rest
No one else could ever run without you
Stating that Roland is irreplaceable and necessary to the music industry
If it is just you are there
Acknowledging the impact that Roland has on his fans even when he is present alone
All the fans you had, you cared
Implying that Roland values his fans and the support they show
You are the man, politic but oh
Describing Roland as someone who has political influence or power
What once oh all the make my truth ball
Unclear phrase, could be interpreted as expressing admiration for Roland's talents or influence
That is why you rally, you are born
Suggesting that Roland was born to play music and inspire others
Writer(s): Roland Alphonso, Vincent "randy" Chin, Vincent Chin
Contributed by Oliver O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.