JAMAICAN JAZZ SUPREME: Monty Alexander & Ernest Ranglin - Rocksteady (2004)

Monty Alexander & Ernest Ranglin “Rocksteady”

Telarc Records

2004

This record is like the first blazing hot day of summer: though not always something we are consciously awaiting, it feels damn good when it gets here. From the opening bars of the first track, “Double Barrel”, it’s obvious that Caribbean music legends Monty Alexander and Ernest Ranglin still share a strong, soul-deep connection that dates back to their younger days in Jamaica’s legendary Studio One. Having played on a huge number of early Jamaican classics in the late 50s and early 60s, both men went on to enjoy considerable success in the jazz field. Alexander has recorded as a leader and sideman on dozens of jazz sessions over the years (even backing Sinatra at one time), and Ranglin is thee premier Jamaican guitarist whose sounds have been emulated by everyone in Reggae. These two old friends come together on “RockSteady” to revisit their Jamaican roots and the result is a unique and engaging hybrid of early Ska and Caribbean jazz. A prime example is their re-make of The Skatalites’ “Confucius” that fully recaptures the fire and feel of vintage Rock Steady sounds, simmering like a plate of jerk chicken in July. Alexander and Ranglin’s rhythmic interplay is taken one step further by legendary Reggae singer Toots Hibbert who reprises his classic “Pressure Drop”. Neither steps out for over-the-top blowing anywhere on the disc, preferring instead to contribute to the greater groove by crafting punchy, understated lines that linger like riddim riddles.