RIP to one of the greats - I mean where do you even start?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9X65IYbYPgs
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As a hip hop kid who grew up around reggae, back in '85 this turned me on to a lot of other sounds and blew it all open for me. Their language barrier LP was a who’s who line up with Laswell on the desk. A young Nena Cherry in the video to this I think.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3ll5gBr2jA
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Yeah its a sad one. So much gold… For me one of the best out of that Compass Point time with Grace Jones…
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They permeated so much of modern groundbreaking music, bringing groove, stripped back minimalist dread funk. So so good. I will continue to learn from their teachings for a long long time. rip
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Weapon of choice
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About six years ago Converse ran this initiative where unsigned bands could apply to get free studio time in some of the most iconic studios in the world , and they’d fly you out there as well. I was approached and they suggested I apply on behalf of a band I manage (The Magic Gang) so I obviously asked if we could go to Tuff Gong. I’ve no idea why they would have wanted to send an indie band to Jamaica but they said yes and the following month we were on a flight to Kingston. As you can imagine being in Kingston, being at Tuff Gong , the whole trip split our heads open. I really had to pinch myself when at the end of the first day Sly and Robbie walked into the studio and we were told they’d be producing the session. I still struggle to believe it actually happened so its a good job I have the photos. Here’s Robbie Shakespeare midway through day two, as you can see he smoked cigarettes using a cigarette holder, very very classy guy. He was unbelievably warm and forthcoming. I asked him would he tell me about Boops, I’ve always loved that tune, I said “I don’t even know what genre of music it is” he said “I don’t either” . But he told me about recording it in New York. I asked him about Compass Point , it was incredible hearing him talk about making the music that I’ve listened to so much. What can you say? it was a real privilege to be around him , it was like he was made of music. RIP Robbie Shakespeare.
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Must have been a great experience. Great memories.
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Will never forget it
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Great story
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This is massive. Always innovating.
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Following Birmingham 81’s tip on Twitter I watched the Sly and Robbie Southbank show last night which I didn’t know existed. Great stuff and an unexpected vibe between the riddim twins and Melvyn Bragg!
SLY & ROBBIE - The South Bank Show (2016) (youtube.com)
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