Search - Ernest Ranglin :: Below the Bassline

(( : Roots Fusion : ))

thesnappyrejoinder | 09/17/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this CD on impulse and was rewarded by a fantastic recording! Earnest Ranglin is one of those characters who's never really been in the limelight, despite the fact that he's been making music for about 50 years, and this release shows there's still plenty more to come. Ranglin was an influential figure in the beginnings and evolution of ska, has produced a steady output of solo LPs since the 1960s ("Wranglin" being a good example), as well as being in constant demand as a session musician for studios and sound systems in Jamaica. He has also played at festivals across the world and is probably most famous for arranging the global 60s smash 'My Boy Lollipop' for Millie Small. "Below the Bassline" can be best described as a Jazz-Reggae crossover LP. Ranglin provides us with a fresh insight into some well-seasoned Reggae classics, as well as throwing in a few self-composed originals. Ranglin's guitar playing is inspired! The spotlight doesn't just shine on Ranglin - the other players are all incredible, in particular the bass and drums (Ira Coleman and Idris Muhammad respectively). The end result is some really authentic, stripped down acoustic versions of classic roots tracks. The highlights for me are the versions of Satta Massagana (by the Abyssinians), King Tubby Meets the Rockers (by Augustus Pablo), Black Disciples (by Burning Spear) and Congo Man (by the Congos). Being an acoustic recording adds a new dimension to compositions I've come to love over the years. Each track is excellently arranged, executed and produced, giving Ranglin a perfect platform on which to express his unique guitar prowess.What more can I say? The music speaks for itself! Ranglin is a truly remarkable talent. He plays guitar with precise skill, conviction and real emotion. Whether you're a reggae fan or not I know you'll be enthralled by the tracks on this CD. All in all a great purchase which is well worth seeking out!"

Brilliant!!!

Dan Swan | Lincoln City, Oregon United States | 08/06/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The man who taught Bob Marley how to play the guitar may finally get his just rewards. "BELOW THE BASSLINE" is a brilliant example of Jamaican Jazz in it's purest form. Ernest Ranglin has fast fingers for someone in his 60's. He has also mastered the technique of feathering the guitar strings with beathtaking precision. Add to this; an uncanny ability to comunicate such rich emotion through his music, and you have one sensational piece of music. This disc is testimony to his great love of Jazz, and his birth right Jamaica. Smooth, charming, and rhythmic. This is music you can either kick back and listen to, or get up and dance to. With "Below the Bassline", Ernest Ranglin has demolished any generation gap he may have had with the young or the old. This music is for everyone. Contagious to the last note. BRILLIANT!!!!"

A unique sonic experience !!!

carlasaunders@prodigy.net | 09/30/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ernie Ranglin is a guitar virtuoso, and that is very evident on this album. On Below the Baseline, Maestro Ranglin interprets some classic Jamaican cuts in his silky smooth guitar playing style, that leaves you with a Jazzy-Reggae feel. I particularly liked Satta Massagana,54-46, and Ball of Fire. Big props to Ernie."