Customer Reviews

Below The Bassline

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4 star:		(1)
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I bought this CD on impulse and was rewarded by a fantastic recording! Earnest Ranglin is one of those characters who's never really been in the limelight, despite the fact that he's been making music for about 50 years, and this release shows there's still plenty more to come. Ranglin was an influential figure in the beginnings and evolution of ska, has produced a steady output of solo LPs since the 1960s ("Wranglin" being a good example), as well as being in constant demand as a session musician for studios and sound systems in Jamaica. He has also played at festivals across the world and is probably most famous for arranging the global 60s smash 'My Boy Lollipop' for Millie Small.

"Below the Bassline" can be best described as a Jazz-Reggae crossover LP. Ranglin provides us with a fresh insight into some well-seasoned Reggae classics, as well as throwing in a few self-composed originals. Ranglin's guitar playing is inspired! The spotlight doesn't just shine on Ranglin - the other players are all incredible, in particular the bass and drums (Ira Coleman and Idris Muhammad respectively). The end result is some really authentic, stripped down acoustic versions of classic roots tracks. The highlights for me are the versions of Satta Massagana (by the Abyssinians), King Tubby Meets the Rockers (by Augustus Pablo), Black Disciples (by Burning Spear) and Congo Man (by the Congos). Being an acoustic recording adds a new dimension to compositions I've come to love over the years. Each track is excellently arranged, executed and produced, giving Ranglin a perfect platform on which to express his unique guitar prowess.

What more can I say? The music speaks for itself! Ranglin is a truly remarkable talent. He plays guitar with precise skill, conviction and real emotion. Whether you're a reggae fan or not I know you'll be enthralled by the tracks on this CD. All in all a great purchase which is well worth seeking out!

The man who taught Bob Marley how to play the guitar may finally get his just rewards. "BELOW THE BASSLINE" is a brilliant example of Jamaican Jazz in it's purest form. Ernest Ranglin has fast fingers for someone in his 60's. He has also mastered the technique of feathering the guitar strings with beathtaking precision. Add to this; an uncanny ability to comunicate such rich emotion through his music, and you have one sensational piece of music. This disc is testimony to his great love of Jazz, and his birth right Jamaica. Smooth, charming, and rhythmic. This is music you can either kick back and listen to, or get up and dance to. With "Below the Bassline", Ernest Ranglin has demolished any generation gap he may have had with the young or the old. This music is for everyone. Contagious to the last note. BRILLIANT!!!!

Ernie Ranglin is a guitar virtuoso, and that is very evident on this album. On Below the Baseline, Maestro Ranglin interprets some classic Jamaican cuts in his silky smooth guitar playing style, that leaves you with a Jazzy-Reggae feel. I particularly liked Satta Massagana,54-46, and Ball of Fire. Big props to Ernie.

Ranglin first gained the world's attention in the 60s when he played a major role in developing Ska, and in this album his music still sounds fresh and exciting. The back-up group consists of acoustic bass, drums, percussion and famous Jamaican pianist Monty Alexander. My personal favourite tracks have to be 'Surfin', 'Below the Bassline' and the Reggae classic 'Ball of Fire' with outstanding sax solos by the mighty Ronald Alphonso. A stunning blend of Ska, Reggae & Jazz, Definetly worth checking out.

A bit of hyperbole, but that's been my experience. Certainly Reggae and Ska fans might be the first attracted to Below the Bassline but there is much here for Jazz fans and others as well. Ernest Ranglin is such a subtle virtuoso that you'll find yourself cruising along and then your jaw will drop at what he's playing. One of my all time favorites.

welcome to a new world of sound. ernest ranglin is one of those artists who has played with almost every musician of credibility in the entire world.... i won't begin a list here as there are plenty of other places to find this info.

perhaps the most notable point of the album is the completeness of the work. All the musicians are balanced perfectly and are all remarkable players... in my humble opionion!

it's groovy, it's happy... it's perfect for a late night bailey's or a mid-day sunday seabreeze.

the tracks all have their own groove and there is enough in each piece to keep a listener interested for more than just the first couple of times. those of you who listen to jamaican stuff plenty will have heard most of these tunes before but these versions are truly magical. give a couple of tracks a listen.... check out the coolness of ranglin's own "surfin'" or the bluesy-but-with-joy-bursting-through "54-46 (was my number)". if you haven't listened to much of this kind of music "below the bassline" is a good place to start.... but it could mean that you will have to buy more sounds by ernie.... he's infectious!

i guess you could say guys like ronnie jordan and george benson have a similar guitar sound but ranglin is the supreme power of guitar of this fashion.

i was lucky enough to see ernest ranglin play at a womad festival and his performance turned me onto this disc.

groove on man!

The songs are tight but playful. The musicians are having their say while contributing to the group. One of the best music purchases I've made this year. Get it.

This album makes really your day or night! It's honest. It has a lot of emotions, a mid-groovalistic-reggae-jazziz tempo, travelling mood and a lot of guitar magic-riffs. An Ernest Ranglin's classic.

Every reggae/ska enthusiast should own a copy of Below the Bassline, study it, live it, examine it, and realize its contribution to the music world. The expert musicianship on this album is top-notch. Monty Alexnader's piano playing will have you humming licks and tappin toes. And Ernest Ranglin, the uncrowned king of reggae guitar, adds dimensions of spice, fluidity, and maturity to enveloping bass-lines and funky drumming. The last tune on the album, is one of the best, roots roots roots.

anyone who knows anything about the elements of reggae, the roots of ska, and the foundations of jazz should be honored to own a copy of Below The Bassline-

You can't get better credentials in Jamaican music than being Bob Marley's guitar teacher.Ranglin proves ,yet again,that he is the best at melding cool Jamaican rhythms with great jazz guitar ,all accompanied by the wonderful piano of Monty Alexander. Buy it and revel in it