Below The Bassline - Ernest Ranglin

.../> Nana's Chalk Pipe
Below The Bassline

And a muscicians list (also easily available off the 'net)

Ernest Ranglin Guitar
Gary Mayone Percussion & Keyboards
Idris Muhammad Drums
Ira Coleman Acoustic Bass
Monty Alexander Piano & Melodica (also Producer)
Roland Alphonso Soprano & Tenor Sax

Please forgive me for not ranting on about each of these guys, but as I ...
...just love this album - and I'm sure there is plenty elsewhere about each of them.

In summary, why do I like this album? Its fun. Pure and simple. Its sounds like the guys had fun when they made it, it draws you into it and gets you moving and emotionaly involved. If you can sit still and listen to this then change your Hi-Fi ('cause you ain't hearing it right) or call the undertaker!
Enjoy.  ... more

This is another Hi-Fi demo favourite of mine.

The music is perhaps best defined as Roots Reggae with Ska and Rocksteady influences. Although Ranglin is such a stalwart of all those and more musical styles that he is responsible for his own influences, if you get my drift! I could even use the word 'Jazz' without too much fear of reprisals from the cogniscenti!
Anyway, I'm no expert on any of those styles so don't read too much into my categorizations.

I hate to pigeonhole music. So lets just call it upbeat, foottapping music from the soul, for the soul (but not soul music, per se). There I go again.

Ranglin was born in Jamaica in 1932. I was lucky enough to see him live last year and all I can say is he does not look his age and is still an awe inspiring guitar player. Ranglin's best known recording is probably the worldwide hit 'My Boy Lolipop' with Millie which I believe he also produced. But don't let that put you off. And I really hope that that is not what he ends up being remembered for.

This album is a great collection of 'standards' and new tunes given the Ranglin once-over and polish. All are instrumental only, not that that really matters.

My favourites are the title track, 'Below the Bassline', 54 - 46 Was my Number and Nana's Chalk Pipe. But the whole album is well recorded and great to listen to. It is especially good as a Hi-Fi demo because it has an especially well recorded bass line and is such involving music. Its great to show people how good Hi-Fi should get you involved and moving with the music (especially when its such great music).

Anyway here's a track list (easily available off the 'net, btw).

Congo Man Chant
Surfin
King Tubby Meets The Rockers
Satta Massagana
54-46 (Was My Number)
Ball Of Fire
Black Disciples
Bourbon Street Skank
None Shall Escape The Judgement
Nana's Chalk Pipe
Below The Bassline

And a muscicians list (also easily available off the 'net)

Ernest Ranglin Guitar
Gary Mayone Percussion & Keyboards
Idris Muhammad Drums
Ira Coleman Acoustic Bass
Monty Alexander Piano & Melodica (also Producer)
Roland Alphonso Soprano & Tenor Sax

Please forgive me for not ranting on about each of these guys, but as I have already said I'm no expert on Reggae - I just love this album - and I'm sure there is plenty elsewhere about each of them.

In summary, why do I like this album? Its fun. Pure and simple. Its sounds like the guys had fun when they made it, it draws you into it and gets you moving and emotionaly involved. If you can sit still and listen to this then change your Hi-Fi ('cause you ain't hearing it right) or call the undertaker!
Enjoy. 

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