Throwback 45s: Shorty The President – Half Way Tree Pressure

ARTIST: Shorty The President
TITLE: Half Way Tree Pressure
LABEL: Under World / Half-Way Tree
YEAR: 1973

There’s something genuinely special about this release. First issued in Jamaica in 1973, the A-side brings us Shorty The President’s Halfway Tree Pressure, voiced over Slim Smith & The Uniques’ immortal My Conversation riddim. It spins at 45 RPM and carries the Under World label credit. Turn it over and you’ll find two instrumental cuts from the Rupie Edwards All Stars, both running at 33 RPM. Aquarius Pressure leads with a standout trombone part, while the untitled second cut strips things back with no lead instrument at all. Here the label credit is Half-Way Tree.

That same year, the tune went to the UK where it was released by Trojan’s Ackee label. Then, in 1974, Half Way Tree Pressure landed on the Dr. Satan Yamaha aka Yamaha Skank LP, widely recognised as the first album built around multiple artists riding the same riddim. A landmark idea that would become a foundation stone for reggae and dancehall culture.

Shorty The President may not be the first name casual listeners mention, but reggae heads know his place in the story. Born Derek Thompson in Trelawny, Jamaica in 1949, he made his name in Kingston’s sound system scene and belonged to the generation of Jamaican deejays who helped build the blueprint for dancehall and, in many ways, influenced rap’s vocal approach too.

Tracks like Half Way Tree Pressure capture his sharp eye for everyday life and social realities. Albums like Presenting Shorty The President and especially Fire Fire still get plenty of love from collectors. And for good reason. Fire Fire pairs his voice with heavyweight riddims tied to Bunny Lee and The Aggrovators. He may not carry the global recognition of U Roy or Big Youth, but among reggae collectors and longtime fans, Shorty The President remains one of those underrated names well worth digging into.