JACKIE MITTOO レコード& CD

Review: Jackie Edwards' 'His 'Do You Love Me' is a pure good vibes only roots reggae roller, with laid back drums and bass that sit in one another perfectly. Plenty of rousing organ chords ring out with great self delight as soothing melodies take off to the stars. Flip it over for a head melting, knob twirling remix that makes use of a vast mixing desk to bring out the dub goodness.

Review: Many reggae lovers have declared this one Jackie Mittoo's most consistent album - it features a superb mix of rhythms that are all enhanced by some inspired keyboard additions. This album was originally released back in the early 70s and features a dozen smooth, sultry sounds. While vintage reggae albums often mix recording eras, the tracks here evoke the essence of classic rocksteady - some of the grooves have a trance-like quality, hinting at the forthcoming dub era, but all of them capture the rich, immersive sound of that time in some style. A real treat.

Review: Regarded as "one of reggae's quietest superstars", Jackie Mittoo aka. "The Keyboard King" carved a remarkable path in reggae music. A protege of Sly Stone, he began his career as part of Studio One's in-house recording band, and later went on to work with artists such as Bob Marley, UB40, Barry White, Peter Tosh and Oscar Peterson. This album was the result of a rare occasion of being on tour in Africa and establishing musical connections with musicians from Ghana; it was recorded in Accra and mixed in London. Predominantly instrumental, In Africa is essential to any dub-conscientious record collection, as it culminates the career of a reggae legend under new influences in West Africa, resulting in an unmistakably characteristic modern dub sound. Reissued on vinyl with remixes previously only availably on CD format.

Review: Jackie Mittoo is a true legend of Jamaican music, with credits to too many records to count from his days as the go-to keys man in the fabled surrounds of Studio One. From the breakthrough years of The Skatalites to thousands of recordings for the likes of Ken Boothe, Horace Andy, The Wailers, Marcia Griffiths and countless more, his service to reggae is without question. His solo works are a treasure in themselves, which Soul Jazz knew only too well when they put together this dazzling compilation back in 2000. It's been due a repress for some time - a double pack of pure keys-led bliss from a reggae icon given the shine he so thoroughly deserves.