Memories of Barber Mack

Memories of Barber Mack

ASIN: B000005HPN

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Barber Mack, a sax player in the mento style, was Jamaican jazz guitarist Ranglin's earliest inspiration, and this is his way of saying thank you. But Ranglin doesn't seem quite sure how to say it. Part of this disc is straight-ahead jazz, with some typically liquid Ranglin fretwork. The rest combines jazz with reggae rhythms, even taking in a cover of the ska classic "Stop That Train." Some lovely dub effects from the piano, and a solid rhythm section (including Sly Dunbar making a rare appearance on acoustic drums) for the backdrop to some very inventive playing from Ranglin. It works. But you can't help wishing he'd opted for one thing or the other, instead of constantly shifting. Maybe his memories of Mack are a little mixed? --Chris Nickson

Tracks:

Papa's Bag Juice
Fade Away
For Joni
Undecided
Memories Of Barber Mack
Stop That Train
Mountain Breeze
Lovebird
Dancehall Fever
Five Thirty

Amazon.com

Barber Mack, a sax player in the mento style, was Jamaican jazz guitarist Ranglin's earliest inspiration, and this is his way of saying thank you. But Ranglin doesn't seem quite sure how to say it. Part of this disc is straight-ahead jazz, with some typically liquid Ranglin fretwork. The rest combines jazz with reggae rhythms, even taking in a cover of the ska classic "Stop That Train." Some lovely dub effects from the piano, and a solid rhythm section (including Sly Dunbar making a rare appearance on acoustic drums) for the backdrop to some very inventive playing from Ranglin. It works. But you can't help wishing he'd opted for one thing or the other, instead of constantly shifting. Maybe his memories of Mack are a little mixed? --Chris Nickson

Customer Reviews:

A Must for Fans of Jazz, Reggae, and Guitar!.......2005-08-30

My intention in writing a review of this album is to inspire those who are shopping in and around Ernest Ranglin's catagory of music to buy this CD. I own many Ernest Ranglin CD's. This is my favorite, and in my opinion his most accesible. The music on this CD is inspired by Mento music, but it is not at all limited to this style. If you love Reggae, and Jazz, and incredible guitar players than I can't see you not loving this album. A key ingredient in the success of these recordings is the piano playing of Jon Williams. Like Ranglin on guitar, Williams is a virtuoso on piano. So talented, in fact, that he is able to mimic Ranglin's unique improvisations, pushing the guitarist to, what has to be, his most inspired playing on record. Sly Dunbar's drumming is done so on a traditional kit, which, for him, is rare. It is an awsome experience to hear his electronical dub voice in an acoustic context. David Williams plays acoustic bass, and Larry Macdonald underplays percussion, putting the lace on an already elegent tapastry of traditional island music. You need this album.

The Ultimate.......2003-08-22

I first heard this track on a Cape Town radio station with poor reception. I had never heard of Ranglin. When I came back the states I bought the title-track album and was not disappointed with a single track-unfortunatly it was so good, a friend took my CD for good.

A Masterpiece of candy for your ears.......1999-04-17

Even though this is a new recording it is captured with time and essence on its side . I am a hevey metal freek and i love this cd it inspires me to write more than any other cd i have . this is one you can sleep to.

Jazz Music:

Jazz Music

Jazz Music