The band Matumbi was formed in 1971 to back singer Tex Dixon. Rico Rodriguez played for them when they recorded as The 4th Street Orchestra an LP titled Leggo! (Ah-Fi-We-Dis) in 1976.
Their first line up was
- Dennis Bovell (g)
- Errol Pottinger (g)
- Uton Jones (dr)
- Bevin Fagan (voc)
- Gladstone Pottinger (voc)
- Nicholas Bailey (voc)
They "were to proof a major force, both live and on record, and in their own right and as session musicans." (Steve BARROW 1997, p. 331)
During their career they provided singles for Trojan Records, made chart hits with lovers rock songs for singers Louisa Marks and Janet Kay, made dub oriented records on the Rama label using the alias of The 4th Street Orchestra.
When Dixon, Bailey and Jones left the band, drummer Lloyd 'Jah Bunny' Donaldson joined they signed a contract with EMI and "cut a couple of worthwhile albums." (Steve BARROW 1997, p. 331)
Early in the 1980s the musicians went different ways. Dennis Bovell who already got his own reputation worked as producer and with his band The Bennis Bovell Dub Band using the quality of Rico's trombone on several occasions.