Carl Harvey

Carl Harvey – Ecstasy Of Mankind – Makkasound

With the introduction of rock lead guitar into reggae music around 74/75. It wasn't long before Bunny Lee could see the potential to make some music with this new sound over his rhythms

Bunny was doing a lot of work with Jackie Mittoo at the time – so its very possible that Carl was a friend of Jackie's.Not having a great liking for rock guitar or indeed rock music – this is an album that could have had very little appeal to myself.Yet I'm pleased to report its a great work. And a lot of this must be down to Bunny. His selection of rhythms for Carl to lick over is excellent. And when Carl gets up to 'Rainy Night In Georgia' things really start to gel.

Each and every track though is excellent. When you are dealing with an instrument that can overwhelm a rhythm – a bit like strings – you have to push the rhythm forward. And Bunny does this so well here. It allows Carl to really express himself. Hearing a steppers rhythm with a heavy metal lead could be the stuff of nightmares! But it works!!! Bunny even gets a bit of dub into the mix – but not on the lead guitar. Knowing Bunny he may have tried and it didn't work. But this is one album that does work and it does it time and time again.