Jackie Mittoo

A Tribute To Reggae's Keyboard King - Jackie Mittoo - VP

Jackie Mittoo was not only a great keyboard player, he was a fantastic

arranger and producer. This set is a wonderful idea - take 18 of

Jackie tunes, and let others rebuild them in the current style of

reggae rhythms. The set starts off with 'Evening Time' from Monty

Alexander - featuring some melodica from Monty which is a nice touch.

Neville Hinds cut of 'Hot Milk' is another favourite. You just cannot

go wrong with these rhythm, Jackie blended keyboard melodies to bass

lines with ease. Reggae music at its very very best. This is a worthy

tribute to the man. Other great keyboard players on the set include -

Gladdy, Harold Butler, Robbie Lyn, Clevie, Tyrone Downie, and Wrong

Move - Crossdale.

Jackie Mittoo - Champion In The Arena - Blood And Fire

- CD. Jackie will always be associated with Studio One, but to say his

best work can only be found on that label is nonsense. Jackie worked

with Bunny Lee from whence this selection is drawn - then did great

works for Youth Promotion - and also did a good portion of work for

Wackies in NYC. This 17 track set recorded at Dynamics 1976-77 finds

the man picking his way through the Studio One catalogue backed by

people like Sly and Robbie. Its a great CD, made all the more

interesting by great sleevenotes from the one called Penny Reel.

Jackie Mittoo - Macka Fat - Studio One

This man was Mr.Studio One and without him it is very likely that

Coxsone would have had a lot less success. Even in the sixties most of

the great Studio One records were built first and voiced later. The

fact that they sound so good can only be credited to Jackie Mittoo.

When Jackie died at the end of 1990, he left to reggae music a

catalogue of music, and yet strangely the only Studio One LP to find

him in great form is 'Macka Fat'. The other albums tend to be a

mixture of standards and uninspired instrumentals.

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