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| Rockers Story |
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| Sometime in the late sixties, young Horace Swaby borrowed a classmate's toy instrument called a melodica. Since he already played piano, the keyboard al this hand-held wind instrument presented no major challenge to the man who would become Augustus Pablo. But just as the Bible says that the Creator blew life into man, so did Pablo's breath become music. If you ask Pablo where his music comes from, who his influences are, how does he compose, etc., the answers don't vary all that much. As a deeply religious man, Pablo credits the Father as the One who uses him as the instrument. The subtleties and colorations that a wind instrument can express are elevated to an almost ethereal quality in Pablo's music. His melodies have been described as the "soundtrack to a dream" or having a 'Far East Sound". Both are apt descriptions of the minor keyed instrumentals which are his signature. Lest anyone get the notion that this is akin to some tepid new age recording, it should be clear that Pablo's music is grounded by the gritty, ghetto sound of bass and drums. This hearkens to an African heartbeat of the ages, providing the perfect audio climate for Pablo's sonorous melodica. If Pablo's music and career were restricted only to his personal output (he is simply the best melodica player in the world), his fame would be assured. But Pablo has more to offer and that is what this album is about. Rockers Story is the fifth collection of Pablo's extended family of recordings and artists. Like many successful Jamaican Reggae stars, his talent, production skills and certainly finances have provided opportunities for a whole new generation of young singers and musicians. This record showcases some unknowns, lesserknowns and recently established stars in their own right. The late Hugh Mundell, who was bearly into his teens when he penned the chillingly prophetic (in terms of his own short stay on the planet) hymn is included herein. DJ's who toast in a style closer to U Roy than to the dance hall trend of the 80's such as Dillenger, Ras Bull and the mysterious Prince lrey (sounding almost too much like Mundell) complement the singers Delroy Williams and Barry Reid. Tetrack, whose principal writer, Carlton Hines, has become one of the most prolific song writers in reggae today, began under Pablo's tutelage. Two of the trio's songs which do not appear on previous albums are included here. The Lennon/McCartney chestnut World Without Love is given the Rockers treatment here as well. It is very common for pop tunes to be redone with a reggae beat in Jamaica just as all aver the world. |
However this ditty bears the patented murky bass, slashing riddim guitar and crisp drumming that raises it out of the piano bar repertoire. My only question is… where is the dub? The LP is capped off by three instrumentals, each a fine example of the power of Pablo's sound. The Rockers label was named far Pablo's late brother Douglas Swaby's sound system which mashed up the island in the early 70's. It has became a training ground far musicians, a source of new and innovative rhythms and a vehicle for praises for the Most High. Together with his brother Garth, Pablo also keeps a record stare going an Orange Street in Kingston - Rockers International and is also in charge of his own publishing company. In the past few years Pablo has been venturing out into the concert world and delighting his growing legion of fans. His music is still fresh, unique and greatly appreciated around the world. I speak far many who dream of a touring package showcasing Pablo, the Rockers All Stars and several of the singing groups or individuals presented in collections such as this. Augustus Pablo has worked with many of the most famous and influential figures in Jamaican music. From the early days when he played aver King Tubby's sound system to his years of collaboration with Scratch Perry, Pablo has always been in a class by himself. Just as his music remains different in style, mood and instrumentation from most of what is recorded today, Pablo chooses his own path and direction. He is intimately aware of the exploitation, piracy and greed surrounding the music business. His personal spirituality and guarded public image add to his mystique. But projects such as Rockers Story give a glimpse at the true measure al the man. His willingness to provide a forum for the talents of others to be heard, demonstrates his understanding of his status in the Reggae music scene. Rockers Sltry gives the listener a taste of the many levels of Jamaican music. It can add to a collection or act as a starting point for deeper exploration. Like most things Jamaican, Rockers Story does not tell the whole story in a passing glance. There is always the "half that's never told". Pablo's music is a bridge to get to the other side. :: Lance Linares |
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