ALBERTO TARIN – Jazz’n Reggae Showcase vol. 1 – CD

Label: Brixton Records
Catalog Number: BR-015-CD
Format: Compact Disc, Album
Released: 2005

First showcase of the album JAZZIN’ REGGAE, including dub versions of each track as well as some pleasant surprises like vocals by Derrick Morgan and Ras Marcus.

Recorded at Alberto Tarín’s own studio in 2001 and mixed at Xuquer Estudis in Valencia, Jazzin’ Reggae is a gathering of Spanish jazz and reggae musicians playing alongside the great guitarist Alberto Tarín. The album is produced by AT himself and Sergio Monleón (Jah Macetas) in a dub-oriented style, though it offers diverse atmospheres through lineups ranging from an instrumental trio to a full reggae band.

Although jazz and reggae have coexisted since the 1960s (as proven by some fusion works in the 70s and 80s), few examples of a crossover between both styles can be found from the 90s to the present day where the emphasis is placed on the reggae riddim. Only the great masters Ernest Ranglin and Monty Alexander have maintained that communication between jazz and reggae during the late 90s. And this work was recorded back in 2001!

Jazzin’ Reggae is a tribute to great musicians like Jackie Mittoo, George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Leroy Sibbles, and Henry Mancini… all through the splendid guitar style of Alberto Tarín, who always manages to make the music tremendously easy to listen to.