Ernest Ranglin - Fireside Chat @ RBMAR

Ernest Ranglin's first instrument was the ukulele and his musical hero was the American jazz guitarist Charlie Christian - but he went on to preside over the birth of ska and its mutation into reggae. Without him, Jamaican music from Prince Buster to Bob Marley might have sounded very different. Born in rural Jamaica in 1932, it's an entire half-century has elapsed since Ranglin began his recording career for Chris Blackwell's Island label in 1958. Ernest is respected and renowned the world over and was awarded the Order of Distinction from the Jamaican Government for his contributions to music. He has collaborated with Prince Buster, Mille Small and Monty Alexander amongst innumerable others and career milestones include 'Rivers of Babylon' with the Melodians and playing guitar on 'It Hurts to be Alone' with The Wailers. In recent years he's made some fine records under his own name that have explored reggae's links with African music, including 'In Search Of The Lost Riddim', recorded in Senegal with Baaba Maal's band, and Alextown, a jazzy collaboration with South African township musicians. We were indeed honored when Mr Ranglin agreed to spare some time to come and chat by the Fireside with us.

Ernest Ranglin & Monty Alexander - Confucius - Telarc
Charlie Parker - Bebop - Essence
Ernest Ranglin - Liquidation - K&K
Prince Buster - Madness - Rhino
Millie Small - My Boy Lollipop - Island
Ernest Ranglin - Dr. No Go - K&K
Sound Dimension - Heavy Rock - Soul Jazz
The Melodians - Rivers Of Babylon - Mango
Ernest Ranglin - Surfin - Soul Jazz
Ernest Ranglin & Sound Dimension - Straight Flush - Soul Jazz
Ernest Ranglin - Satta Massagana - Island
Prince Buster - Wash Wash - Sequel
Ernest Ranglin - King Tubby Meets The Rockers - Island
Ernest Ranglin - Below The Bass Line - Island
Ernest Ranglin & Jackie Mittoo - Jericho Skank - Soul Jazz