| A
visit to Rockers International Records at 135 Orange Street in
Kingston JA is more than a visit to a recordshop. Rockers
International is also home of Augustus Pablo's record labels and
publishing company. It is a friendly meeting place for artists, a
medium for the exchange of vibrant ideas and a workshop where, at
any time, a number of young singers featured on this disc are found
helping out with all aspects of the record business.Rockers
International is atrue musical collective. This spirit of
cooperation, sharing and individual creativity is the essence of
Rockers All-star Explosion.
One of the most
positive and notable trademarks of the Jamaican Reggae scene is the
willingness of succesful artists and producers to sheperd young
talent into the music industry. Many names of the "father
figures" of Reggae come to mind: Coxsone Dodd, Lee Perry &
Duke Reid in earlier days and currently, Bunny Wailer and his
Solomonic label, Chinna Smith and High Times, and, of course,
Augustus Pablo and Rockers international. Obviously, Rockers
International would not exist without Augustus Pablo, but the
feeling is that he is but one member of the group. The music
released on Rockers International reflects the deep commitment of a
man and his musical family whose interest lie in unabashedly
professing unity, peace and understanding.
Augustus Pablo,
although only his early 30's has been one of the outstanding figures
of Reggae for the past two decades. He plays all the keyboards but
his instrument of choice is the melodica, a plastic, breath-powered
keyboard that produces an eerie and lyrical sound. His contributions
range from playing on some of the earliest Bob Marley tracks (produced
by Lee Perry), to being a member of The Soul Syndicate and The Inner
Circle, to being the featured artist on countless singles, produced
both by himself and by others. Pablo has created several labels,
beginning with Hot Stuff and then later the Message, Yard and
Rockers labels, for his own music and to bring young singers such as
Jacob Miller, Hugh Mundell, Ricky Grant and Tetrack to the public.
Anyone who has heard the "Far Eastern" sound of his
melodica or his bottom-heavy roots productions knows, that the man
can elevate almost any composition or performance to triumphant
heights.
All the artists
represented in his collection bear Pablo's unmistakable stamp.
Admittedley, he tries to encourage cultural music but still listens
to those who wish to deal with lighter subjects in their songs. As a
serious servant of Jah Rastafari, Pablo is intent that his music be
used to give praises to the Most High and has chosen these
selections from his vast catalog to reflect this sanctity of spirit.
Selah, Lance
Linares.
KUSP-FM
Santa Cruz,
Calafornia 12/84
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