Augustus Pablo is recognized the world over as one
of Jamaica's greatest instrumentalist and record producer.
His Rockers record, like Sly and Robbie's
Taxi label, has be at the forefront of reggae's musical experimentation.
Yet no other artist in Jamaica can boast of fame based on an unusual
proficiency playing one of the lowliest of musical instruments, the
melodica.
When, in 1972, the instrumental "Java" was
released, this bizarre plastic flute with keyboard made Horace Swaby
A.K.A. Augustus Pablo a household name in Jamaica.
Pablo's musical origin start at Kingston College on North Street where
he was a student along with Clive Chin and
Tyrone Downie (later of the Wailers).
After school he and some chums would sneak into the chapel and practice.
Feeling confident, he started hanging around studios when he was recognized
by Bob Marley - who brought him in to play keyboards on some Wailer's
Lee Perry sessions.
This led to his first recordings under his own name for Herman
Chin Loy's Aquarius studios where he cut "Buck
It Up", "Iggy Iggy" and "Invasion"
(sessions wich solidified Pablo's growing reputation as keyboardist).
He next recorded for his schoolmate Clive Chin, who had become a producer
with his family's Randys label. In this session,
he cut "Java" (recently covered by the english
reggae group Aswad). |
The recording of Java is one of the great reggae stories.
Clive had brought Dennis Wright (also a K.C. chum) into the studio
to record a song that they were working on.
The basic tracks were done, but after many attempts the vocalizing
didn't materialize.
They called it a day and as they were leaving Pablo came up to Clive
and asked to overdub on the rhythm track.
While listening in the hallway he had come up with a melody line that
he intended to play on the melodica.
Clive agreed and they rolled the tape.
Producers in Jamaica are always looking for a new trend, a new style,
and everyone in the studio knew immediately that Pablo's playing was
going to be it.
The success of Java made the recording of an album a must which consisted
of fresh tracks recorded by Clive Chin and two tracks recorded by
Clive's uncle Leonard Chin's Santic label.
"Pablo In Dub" and "Lover's
Mood", both minor hits.
These album tracks proved to be the foundation for the East
of The River Nile style that has made Pablo internationally
reknowned.
Heartbeat is proud to again provide lovers of roots music with the
Rebel Rock Sound ob the man, Augustus Pablo.
:: Chris Rockers |
