ASTON FAMILYMAN BARRETT
Familyman in Dub (Heartbeat Records)
Reviewed by Eric Steiner

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Familyman in Dub features 14 tracks of dub from one of reggae's founding fathers, Aston Familyman Barrett. Familyman was Bob Marley's bass player, band leader and toured with the Wailers from 1969 to 1981. Many of these cuts were recorded at the Wailers rehearsal studio or at the original Tuff Gong Studio, as close to Mecca as fans of Rasta reggae can get. For dub and reggae completists, Familyman in Dub is a treasure trove. "Steppers Rock," Familyman Skank," "Dub Combination," "Tribute to Y Mas Gan," and "Iron Rock" have never been released in any form prior to his Heartbeat/Rounder CD. My favorites include the rock steady of "Pleasing Dub," "Dubbing Naturally" and the set's closer, "Dub Maker," driven by Familyman on organ and Jimmy Riley on lead vocals. Vocals? On a dub record? They fit in fine here. On "A Distant Dub," it's a virtual Wailers reunion featuring the original Wailers, Bob, Bunny and Peter, not to mention Robbie Shakespeare on bass. There's something new with every track on Familyman in Dub, whether its Familyman on organ, guitar or bass, he keeps the traditional, rock steady reggae groove going with a few surprises that include spacey sound effects or guest vocals.

"E.T. Special" not about that film with the alien, it's Familyman's take on a promo spot he recorded for Earl "ET" Thompson's radio show on the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation. Put on Familyman in Dub and be transported back to the reggae of the Wailers and Tuff Gong, a journey as close as your CD player, thanks to Heartbeat/Rounder.

Track List:

Cobra Style Dub * Steppers Rock * Familyman Skank * Rebel Am I * E.T. Special * Pleasing Dub * Dubbing Naturally * Dub Combination * Pickney Dub * A Distant Dub * Tribute to Y Mas Gan * Elegant Dub * Iron Rock * Dub Maker

© 1999 - Eric Steiner