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#therevolutionaries #vinyl #vinylrecords
Death Is Not The End’s 333 series returns with a reissue of the highly coveted “Meditation in Dub” LP by The Revolutionaries, originally released on the NYC-based Flames label. This album is a gem for reggae enthusiasts, showcasing one of the genre’s most renowned session bands.
The Revolutionaries, known for their revolving lineup of top-notch session musicians from Jamaica, played a pivotal role in the roots and early dancehall periods of the mid/late 1970s and early 1980s. The group featured notable talents such as Earl ‘Wire’ Lindo, Radcliffe ‘Dougie’ Bryan, Ansell Collins, Bobby Kalphat, Lloyd Parks, Uziah ‘Sticky’ Thompson, Bongo Herman, Stanley Bryan, Bo Peep, Eric ‘Bingy Bunny’ Lamont, Errol ‘Tarzan’ Nelson, Skully Simms, Robbie Lyn, and Mikey ‘Mao’ Chung. At the heart of The Revolutionaries, however, was the legendary rhythm section of drummer Sly Dunbar and bassist Robbie Shakespeare. Their collaboration marked the first time this unparalleled duo worked together, laying the foundation for countless reggae classics.
The rhythm tracks for “Meditation in Dub” were recorded at the iconic Channel One recording studio on Maxfield Avenue, Kingston, during the mid-1970s. These sessions were orchestrated by Ossie Hibbert, a highly respected figure in reggae music. Hibbert, who played keys for Bunny ‘Striker’ Lee and Keith Hudson, joined The Revolutionaries at the invitation of Jo Jo and Ernest Hookim, the founders of Channel One. He quickly transitioned into the roles of producer, engineer, and talent scout, shaping the sound of numerous reggae hits.
The album’s tracks were originally recorded by Hibbert for Winston Jones, the original singer and composer of “Stop That Train,” which gained global fame through Keith & Tex’s version. Jones relocated to NYC in the early 1970s and established the Flames label, a cornerstone of Brooklyn’s reggae scene from the mid-1970s to the early 1990s. Despite his move, Jones continued to utilize Channel One, Hibbert, and The Revolutionaries for recording rhythm tracks for his productions. “Meditation in Dub” consists of stellar dub versions of many of the early Flames label’s 45s, produced and released by Jones throughout the mid to late 1970s. These tracks feature essential takes on many popular rhythms of that era.
For collectors of dub LPs, “Meditation in Dub” is considered a holy grail, with original copies fetching up to £400. This reissue is licensed from the now Texas-based Jones, with the assistance of RB at DKR in sourcing the audio for this new release. The revival of this classic album not only honors the legacy of The Revolutionaries and their contributions to reggae music but also provides new listeners with a glimpse into the rich history of the genre.
In conclusion, “Meditation in Dub” by The Revolutionaries, reissued by Death Is Not The End’s 333 series, is an essential addition to any reggae collection. The album’s historical significance, coupled with its stellar production and legendary lineup, ensures its lasting appeal. This reissue celebrates the enduring influence of The Revolutionaries and the timeless nature of dub music.
