Black History Month
As the beloved Morgan Freeman sez: "I don't want a Black History month. Black History is American History." But the greatest thing about Black History Month is that it is a time when the culture & contributions of African Americans take center stage. These contributions are highlighted in a variety of cultural institutions including theaters, schools, libraries, & museums. Nowhere are the contributions of African Americans more greatly showcased for me than through the voices of Black Musick.
I have decided to concentrate my efforts this month on some of their music on this forum. Hope you enjoy.
One Draw
Since DUB is my lifeblood & Lloyd Barnes' studio at 4371 White Plains Road, Bronx, NY was probably the very first DUB studio in the USofA, good place to start this thing.
I’ve covered a great deal of Wackies output here or here or here in the past.
The key to Barnes' Bullwackies sound was his unique use of relatively humble tools: a moog synthesizer; a DI box for that distinctive quaking bass: & a big Ampex machine for his eight track tape recorder (this machine now finds a home in the Les Paul Museum). Slight but significant innovations were also made with a special booth constructed for the recording of the drums which Lloyd covered in tailored padding & aluminum foil. Somehow, the process created a sound that still transcends.
I'm gonna start at the beginning, with the first album, Wackies #1...
Rock Ago Rock
Undying Dub
Freedom Dub
Gem Rock Dub
Side B -
Wackies Rock Tune
Mozambique Trial
Always Dubbing
Betrayers Call
This Exit
Side A -
High Times
Makka Root
Tribal Rock
Dread Feeling
Wrong Cord
Side B -
Shotgun Skank
Disco Reggae Rocker
Black Brigade
Tribesman Assualt
Open the Gates (K.C. White & the Love Joys)
Side A -
There You Are
Sing & Shout
Jah Don't Like That
Hey Lady
Joy, Joy
Side B -
I Gave You Love
Dancing in the Rain
Mash Down Babylon
Back to Africa
All Things
Most of the rest of these are with non-JA, US-based artists
Side A -
Basement Session
Side B -
Basement Scrub
Side A -
No Equal Rights in Babylon - Joe Axumite
Side B -
No Equal Rights in Babylon (version) - Bullwackies All Stars
Side A -
Creation
Side B -
Creation Dubwise version
Side A -
Message from Jah
Side B -
Message from Jah Dubwise version
Side A -
Love
(I Love You) For All Seasons
All I Need is Jah
Side B -
Travelling Man
Sitting in the Park
Your All I Need (Movie Show)
Side A -
One Draw
Long Lost Lover
Stranger
Side B -
Let Me Rock You Now
Chances Are
All I Can Say
Side A -
No Meat
Ten to Seven
Argument
I Don't Want to Wait
Mi Black
Side B -
Youthman School
Hold on 'Pon the Woman
Informa (Watch It)
Youthman Time
Out a Reach
Side A -
Brass Pipes
Rockfort Rock
Drum Song
Song Maker
Side B -
Pie Song
African Rootie
Music Man Rock
Version Pipe
Mango Walk (Dubwise version) - Chosen Brothers
Working Hard for the Rent Man - Junior Delahaye
Roots Rock Special (extended version) - Wackies
Gimme Back (Part 2) - Love Joys w/ Wackies Rhythm Force
Movie Show Dubwise - Bullwackies All Stars
Mystic Revellation - Junior Delahaye
March Down Babylon version - The Chosen Brothers
Side A -
Skin Tight Part 1
Side B -
Skin Tight Part 2
Enjoy,
NØ