Reggae statesman King Jammy returns to his dub laboratory to forge a new sonic message of positive vibrations.
Jammy’s hand-picked peacekeeping force of Kingston 11 stalwarts precision offered 10 fresh drops to unite the world through dubs.
The project boasts original Jamaican drum and bass with blazing horns, expansive plate reverbs, razor-sharp skanks, and tumbling drums. The deconstructed rhythms are presented in high definition on heavyweight vinyl for full dub technicolour.
There are traces of foundation rhythms in the mix, African Queen channels the rocksteady gem Queen Of The Minstrels, and Cry Freedom Dub incorporates a bassline which is reminiscent of the 80s dancehall favourite Peenie Peenie.
Winds Of Change provides a new take on the Taxi Gang’s Revolution rhythm, and even the Studio One classic by Larry Marshall, Nanny Goat — often credited as the first reggae song — gets a relic on Dub For Change.
However, under Jammy’s direction, this 21st-century A-Team band, including Andre Dennis, I Sax and Brandon Harris, breathe new life into these versions.
Jammy, alongside son John John and future star engineer Romeo “Shemmo” Facey, then mould these raw rhythms utilising their deft touch on the mixing desk to expertly blend digital sounds and live instrumentation.
This rousing set of dubs is reinforced by its iconic sleeve design, created by acclaimed illustrator and selectress Ellen G (from My Lord Sound). Ellen, who cites long-time Greensleeves collaborator Tony McDermott as a great influence and inspiration, has captured the album’s musical intentions in stunning vibrancy, portraying all races, creeds, colours, and genders united at the prospect of listening keenly to Jammy’s master tape of crucial dubs.
Lloyd “Jammy” James began his career when the dub originator and fellow Waterhouse resident King Tubby became aware of Jammy’s talent for electronics in the early 1970s. An illustrious career followed and soon Prince Jammy (as he was then known) emerged as a true dub master in his own right. He was one of the key figures responsible for kick-starting the Jamaican digital revolution with Wayne Smith’s dancehall bombshell
Sleng Teng in 1985 after which he was eventually crowned King Jammy.
With nearly 50 years behind the mixing desk, he is currently in the process of creating a King Jammy museum, ensuring his legacy is preserved for future generations.