Dr.Pablo

"Dr Pablo – North Of The River Thames – On U

Augustus Pablo never recorded an album with The Roots Radics which was a shame. The Radics had a sound that defined the Dance Hall Style more than anyone else. And Augustus Pablo never really connected with that sound. His sound throughout most of the early to mid eighties was unique to him. Like Burning Spear and Culture he decided that the sound of the dance hall was not for him. In Jamaica Henry Junjo Lawes found a new Melodica player by the name of Prince Psalms and he sounded good very good.Junjo gave him a good run out on the Yellowman v Josey Wales set that Greensleeves released – but no album came from Psalms. Back in England – Adrian Sherwood – had created the Dub Syndicate which usually featured Style Scott on drums.They more or less could create the Roots Radics sound in the UK – but with a rock feel. Into this came Dr Pablo.

A very good melodica player – who does a very good job over a selection of Dub Syndicate rhythms. Perhaps the album would have got a better reception at the time – if he called himself something else – and if the album had a different title. When it comes to the melodica - nothing is a joke!"