Paying tribute to Jamaican bass legend Robbie Shakespeare who sadly passed away recently.
His long collaboration with drummer Sly Dunbar created one of the most iconic and dynamic rhythm sections in modern music history, working with the likes of Peter tosh, Dennis Brown, Bunny Wailer, Agustus Pablo, and Gregory Isaacs. Their work also extended beyond the reggae genre with productions for Mick Jagger, Bob Dylan, Cyndi Lauper, Joe Cocker, and Grace Jones.
Dub reggae is another one of my great loves and when I heard the news of his passing, this was the first song that came into my mind. For me it is one of the best examples of how Sly & Robbie play reggae like nobody else. Their telepathic musical communication was legendary and you can hear it in this recording. It's also a great example how creative Robbie could be using just two notes! 90% of this bassline uses just A and E (with occasional notes of G, B and C 😉). The use of space and the interplay with Sly's amazing drumming is what makes this tune.
Fire And Brimstone is the dub version of the the song 'Journey' from Black Uhuru's 1981 album 'Red'.
The passing of one half of Sly & Robbie is a huge loss to the music world. My thoughts and condolences to Robbie's family, his friends, and to Sly.
R.I.P. Robert Warren Dale Shakespeare
27 September 1953 - 8 December 2021