- None a Jah Jah Children · 1975
- Rastafari · 1991
- Rastafari Dub · 1972
- Rastafari Dub · 1972
- Rastafari Dub · 1972
- Rastafari Dub · 1972
- Rastafari Dub · 1972
- Rastafari Dub · 1972
- Rastafari · 1991
- Rastafari Dub · 1972
- Rastafari · 1991
- Love Thy Neighbour · 1979
- Rastafari · 1991
Essential Albums
- Rastafari Dub is a seminal set of stripped down reggae rhythms that are as renowned amongst reggae afficianados as they are obscure in origin. Though a number of these rhythms are, as the album's title indicates, dub versions of tracks from Ras Michaels’ seminal 1972 debut Rastafari, the album also includes dubs of tracks from Ras Michaels’ equally essential, though slightly more psychedelic Kibir-Am-Lak. Disputes over the provenance of these dubs in no way diminish the quality of these amazing recordings, which feature Ras Michaels’ crack band of singers and Nyahbinghi percussionists accompanied by some of Jamaica’s finest instrumental talents. Carlton Davis, Tommy McCook, Robbie Shakespeare, and others provide instrumental accompaniment. The loose, improvisational atmosphere of many Ras Michaels recordings is absent here, replaced by airtight rhythms that give way to expansive dubs. This release was once greatly sought after by dub enthusiasts, particularly younger punk musicians attracted to its menacing atmosphere and experimental qualities. Though it is now easier to find thanks to ROIR’s stellar re-release, it remains an essential component of any well-rounded Reggae collection.
Compilations
About Ras Michael & The Sons of Negus
b. Michael George Henry, c.1943, Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies. Henry grew up in a Rastafarian community at St. Mary where he learned hand-drumming, eventually becoming a master-drummer. In the early 60s, he formed the Sons Of Negus, a Rastafarian group of drummers and singers. In the mid-60s he founded his own Zion Disc label, and started to release a series of singles including ‘Lion Of Judah’, ‘Ethiopian National Anthem’ and ‘Salvation’. These recordings, on which the group is usually augmented by guitar and bass, show a remarkable degree of invention and subtlety. Around 1966, he recorded at Studio One as a percussionist, playing with Jackie Mittoo And The Soul Vendors in exchange for studio time. In the early 70s he recorded Dadawah Peace And Love, on which his group was augmented by studio musicians, a blend of Rastafarian chant, reggae, southern soul and psychedelia greatly enhanced by its imaginative arrangements. Nyahbinghi was a collection of chants and hymns in the style of his Zion disc singles. In 1975, he recorded Rastafari, on which his group was augmented by several well-known reggae musicians. The album’s tight arrangements and excellent songs brought him into the reggae mainstream, but the momentum was lost with 1976’s Tribute To The Emperor with Jazzboe Abubaka and Freedom Sounds. He augmented his group again for 1978’s Kabir Am Lak (Glory To God) and Movements, both of which are strong albums. In 1979, Rastafari In Dub was issued, an excellent collection of material culled from Rastafari and Kibir Am Lak. Further releases included Promised Land Sounds Live (1980), Disarmament and Revelation (1982). His last outstanding album was Love Thy Neighbour, whose imaginative production is the work of Lee Perry. During the late 80s Michael spent a great deal of time teaching drumming. He returned to recording with Zion Train (1988), a mediocre album made without the Sons Of Negus, followed by Know How (1990), a disappointing set which tried to incorporate world music elements.
- GENRE
- Reggae