This CD release covers two vinyl albums on one disc that have been unavailable for over 50 years. Most of the tracks are new to the CD format and come from the mid-70’s. Dub was in full-swing by 1975 and by then Dub had become a fully-fledged Reggae sub-genre and the melodica sound had become popular. Produced by Horace Swabyaka aka Augustus Pablo it features singer/producer Joe White and Leslie Butler who had established himself as one of the most skilled exponents of the piano. Augustus Pablo’s proficiency on the melodica is exhibited on this release even though Jamaican Jazz pianist gets the artist credit on this recording. Leslie Butler’s fine Instrumental set ‘Ganja’ was intended for release but when Trojan Records fell into bankruptcy in 1975 both the albums on this disc were taken off the release schedule. This release all the tracks are reviewed.

JOE WHITE

1. JAH JAH DUB. This is a fast- moving sound dominated by melodica. After around 1min 14secs it starts to become a Dub recording and the main tune is pleasing. Classic guitar work comes in around the 4min mark. The track is around 16mins in duration and a good way to start the collection. 2. PEACE PIPE DUB. This comes mid-tempo and has a punchy rhythm track. Once again the melodica is to the fore and overall it is a catchy uncomplicated recording. At 3mins 20secs the duration is about right. 3. UNDERWORLD ROCK. This track is more of a Dub sound than the previous ones and has a catchy rhythm track and the melodica lends itself to a satisfying recording. 4. SAZUKI SHUFFLE DUB. Dub and the melodica sound do go together well as on this slowish sound. The melodica has a haunting feel and again the recording is well-worth a listen. 5. MELLOW DUB. This begins with heavy drumming before the melodica appears on this slower sound. The rhythm track gets one’s feet tapping and here we have one of Joe White’s best tracks on the disc. 6. ROOTS DUB. A mid-tempo sound on which the melodica doesn’t make an appearance. This is not the most feel-good recording, just a low-grade track and not the best to finish off Joe White’s contribution to the disc.

LESLIE BUTLER

1. LIQUIDATOR. As you would expect this comes as a version of the Harry J All Stars UK hit and Leslie Butler does a fine job. Instead of being organ dominated it features the piano sound that the artist is well-known for. Fast-moving this is a top-notch recording. 2 GANJA. This is a punchy sound with Mr Butler excelling on piano. The rhythm track is fast and very catchy, overall it turns-out to be a fun sound. At 4mins 04secs it is far from being too long. 3. MOUNTAIN BREEZE. This is a cool sound and mid-tempo. The piano playing is infectious along with the rhythm track. The overall track has a Christmassy feel and is a top recording on this disc. First heard in 1975 and never too long at 7mins 17secs. 4. WORDS (ARE IMPOSSIBLE). This is a version of a song recorded in 1974 by Margie Joseph and in 1976 by Denny Gerrard, to artists likely to be new to the listener. Here we have Leslie Butler doing a fine version and the piano work is top-class, it is a slow haunting sound and Leslie’s best recording from the original album. At 2mins 52secs one feels it is far too short. 5. EXIT. This is faster than the previous track and has an uncomplicated rhythm track. Leslie Butler was a Jazz piano player but on this the melodica is the dominant sound. This does go around-and-around but nevertheless is a very catchy recording and a fine conclusion to the collection.

CONCLUSION

A century after the albums were recorded Cherry Red Records have made them available, enabling fans of classic melodica, Dub and instrumental sounds a chance to acquire them. Never easy to review but this release on the Doctor Bird imprint gives one the chance to purchase two albums at a value for money price, £11 49p.

Joe White – Jah Jah Dub