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#joegibbs&theprofessionals #vinyl #vinylrecords
In the world of reggae, few names resonate as deeply as Joe Gibbs. Although Joel Gibson, as he was officially known, never took to the stage or held an instrument, his influence permeated every corner of the reggae soundscape. Steering the ship from behind the scenes, Gibbs was the maestro-producer, the entrepreneurial spirit, the strategic mind, and the undoubted heart of the operation.
While the moniker “Joe Gibbs and The Professionals” might give the uninitiated the impression of a conventional band setup, the reality was far more intricate. At the helm, Gibbs determined the course, making pivotal decisions about arrangements, even without playing an instrument himself.
Yet, no epic tale is complete without its dynamic duo. Enter Errol Thompson, Gibbs’ right-hand man and the yin to his yang. As the studio engineer, Thompson’s sonic expertise brought Gibbs’ vision to life, resulting in a synergy so potent that they crowned themselves “The Mighty Two.” Given the legendary tracks they spawned – Culture’s “Two Sevens Clash”, Prince Far I’s “Under Heavy Manners”, and the ubiquitous “Uptown Top Ranking” – their self-assigned title feels nothing short of prophetic.
Now, let’s talk about The Professionals. Far from mere background players, this house band was an ensemble of reggae luminaries, each contributing their distinct flair to the mix. The roster, which reads like reggae royalty, lent their talents elsewhere too, notably as The Revolutionaries and The Aggrovators.
With such an illustrious lineup at their disposal, The Mighty Two were spoilt for choice. They could effortlessly pluck rhythms from Joe Gibbs’ own vault or borrow from iconic staples of Channel One and Treasure Isle. This intermingling of tracks means that many of their songs have an uncanny familiarity, even to those who’ve only dabbled in reggae or rocksteady.
So, for those seeking to delve into the golden era of the ’70s dub, a journey with Joe Gibbs and his team is a must. Each track they’ve crafted is a masterclass in reggae, an echo of an era that continues to inspire. Secure a few of these timeless classics for your collection; it’s an investment in musical brilliance that promises endless returns.
