Dwight Pinkney

Dwight Pinkney

Dwight Pinkney - JAMAICAN MEMORIES BY THE SCORE - (ABENGG

INTERNATIONAL, 1999) - CD.

Whether they realize it or not, all reggae fans are familiar with the

work of guitarist Dwight Pinkney. From his early days in the Sharks

and Zap Pow, to his hugely successful years in Roots Radics, Pinkney

has always been there in the background. Classic works by Gregory

Isaacs, Wailing Souls, Eek-A-Mouse, Israel Vibration, Bunny Wailer,

and countless others, have all carried the sounds of his lead guitar.

In fact, it is because he has been in such high demand as both a live

and session musician over the last three decades, that it is only now

he is getting around to turning his attention to his own works. In the

tradition of such greats as Lynn Taitt and Ernest Ranglin, Pinkney has

released a wonderful album of instrumentals.'Jamaican Memories by The

Score' is a unique CD in that itmanages to sound both modern and

timeless. Dwight's guitar has an age-old quality about it, but the

rhythms on this CD sound fresh. Pinkney has produced (along with

Chalice bassist Keith Francis) an album that demonstrates a wealth of

experience, and at the same time seems to be directly connected the

current sounds of Kingston.

While his guitar playing is superb, Pinkney doesn't overcrowd the

songs with too much soloing and guitar trickery Even with full

instrumentation, splashes of backing vocals, and some great horns from

veterans like Dean Fraser, the album is not cluttered. The songs are

crisp and light, and are given their proper space to live and breath.

Like all good lead guitarists, Dwight never strays too far from the

rhythm. This CD is also interesting for its selection of songs.

From tunes like Gregory's 'Night Nurse' to Delroy Wilson's 'Better

Must Come', the songs are all given unique and sensitive arrangements.

Pinkney weighs in with two of his own compositions, the wonderful

'Promise Me - How Could I Live' (a song the Sharks recorded for Studio

One) and the more recent 'El Nino'. Other highlights include great

versions of Jimmy Cliff's 'Many Rivers to Cross' and the Paragons

'Memories by the Score'. From this CD it is obvious why Pinkney is

still a much sought after guitarist. From today's hit-makers, to

veteran singers and vocal groups, Dwight can still be heard making his

contribution to reggae music. If Jamaican music continues down its

recent path toward a more full and diverse sound, Dwight will surely

be busy for years to come. While 'Jamaican Memories by the Score'

might not be perfectly suited for a Saturday night dancehall session,

it sure sounds great on a relaxed Sunday morning.

Jim Dooley