Aston "Familyman" Barrett (so called because of the many illegitimate children he fathered) is an elder of reggae music. His arrangements and basslines formed the foundation of songs by Bob Marley and the Wailers, as well as many other projects. He was the bass player in Jamaica before his protege, Robbie Shakespeare of Sly & Robbie. This album is a companion to Cobra Style, a compilation of his lesser known works for various singers. Deprived of their lyrics, the versions on Familyman in Dub showcase Barrett's nuanced arrangements as they unfold into dark dubby soundscapes.
Distant Dub |
Natural Woman |
(This second song takes its rhythm from an old Heptones classic that I posted in October.)