Search - Jackie Mittoo :: Champion in the Arena 1976-77

SMOKE - klassik assemblage of Jackie's crucial 1970s work

05/21/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"God rest Jackie's soul, taken from us at the age of 42. A Caribbean innovator, a funky, soul-reggae organ groover, a keyboard king, a keyboard nut, this is the four-lettered word in smouldering instrumental reggae and dub by a sadly departed master. Jackie Mittoo, Hammondiste non-pareil of Jamaica, leaves essential 60s-early 70s Studio One (where much smoke was burned onto wax, including backing Bob Marley on piano while with the Skatalites) and, some years on in seventies, teams up with essential Bunny "Striker" Lee, producer of Johnny Clarke, Cornel Campbell, U Roy and much great essential Tubby's Dub. From the label that can do no wrong, this disc (comprising the Showcase album plus bonus cuts), operates on two levels at once: the riveting dub phenomeon (held metronomically by the aforementioned Riddim Twins Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare and others), and Jackie's innovative keyboard prowess, spinning Leslies, melodic sense and klassik compositions. With a few extended discomixes and Studio One groovers like Hot Milk, Ram Jam and Drum Song, witness Jackie's jazzy chops. Check the Sniper - Booker T. style Hammond gnawings plus scat singing at midnight, with a spliff. Realise that this muzek is out of sight Natty.If you don't know who Jackie Mittoo is, it's time to find out. If you like Reggae, Dub, Jimmy Smith, the Meters, the Hammond B-3, Booker T and the MGs, the Revolutionaries, bad-ass West Indian soul, Funk, the Mellotron or King Tubby, check him/it out. Now."

There's no doubt he is the champion.

Matthew Tomich | Basel, Switzerland | 07/22/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Because he's not only the champion OF the arena, but the champion IN the arena."