RIVER THAMES VS. RIVER NILE
home-body | northern california,usa | 12/24/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Augustus Pablo does not play melodica on this album but at times it sure does sound like it. The player in question is actually Pete Stroud a.k.a. DOCTOR PABLO. Similar to Augustus Pablo, DR. PABLO shows a keen sense of melody and a flair for the understated. The main difference is not so much in the technique or style of the players but more about the their choice of music to play to. On this album DR. PABLO and producer, SHERWOOD have opted to use a fresher and slightly more electronic touches to the roots sound. Anyone who's familiar with ADRIAN SHERWOOD'S contribution to the U.K. reggae scene knows what I'm talking about. While growing up, British born, Stroud used to play the melodica in his school orchestra, often times playing violin or horn parts on the toy instrument. After graduating, STROUD did not pick up the instrument again until he heard recordings of Augustus Pablo. These recordings inspired him to dust off the instrument and begin session playing and touring as a member of Creation Rebel. The band Creation Rebel has the distinction of being the back up band for the late deejay, Prince Far I during his 1979, U.K. tour. Originally released on vinyl in 1984, "DOCTOR PABLO AND THE DUB SYNDICATE" is a remarkable dub album. The entire set consists of moody minor key instrumentals. DR. PABLO'S haunting melodica playing highlights this impressive atmospheric musical journey that is sure to please roots reggae fans.A do-over of the theme from the British sci-fi TV show "DR. WHO" is included. The song's atmospheric feel is enhanced with melodica in the far background while quirks and bleeps are heard echoing with each consecutive repeat lowering in pitch. This song makes me want to put on my aluminum foil space suit and then get into my wooden rocket and blast off up into the cosmos.On the album there is an excellent tribute to Bob Marley called aptly enough, "TRIBUTE." The homage has a keyboard medley that includes both of Marley's hits "RUNNING AWAY" and "GET UP, STAND UP." The melody of "Crazy Baldheads" is also incorporated into the song and performed on keyboard using a quasi-steel-drum sound. The song makes good use of congas, which helps to add interest and flesh out the "skankin'" music.My favorite songs on the disc include "A TASTE OF HONEY" and "NORTH OF RIVER THAMES." I was first introduced to the song "TASTE OF HONEY" from the Beatle's first album (they didn't write this song, Ric Marlow and Bobby Scott did). "TASTE OF HONEY" is the theme tune from the movie and play of the same name. On melodica, DR. PABLO brilliantly brings out subtle nuances of the song's somber melody. The melodica notes gently float over a pleasurable drum and bass riddim, while piano and rhythm guitar occasionally drop into the mix. At the end, the song segues into the brisk beat of the title track, "NORTH OF RIVER THAMES." This song is a wonderful 7 + minute workout with an amazing rocking rhythm. The effects that producer ADRIAN SHERWOOD adds to the drum kit, on this song, are really exciting. At times the effects make the drum's high-hats sound like maracas shaking vigorous 16th notes. The sound of these notes are then moved back and fourth, left and right across the stereo field. "Dude!""DOCTOR PABLO AND THE DUB SYNDICATE" is an awesome album and a perfect example of the style of roots reggae that was coming out of the U.K. in the early 80s. . This atmospheric collection can be enjoyed by all roots lovers and is an excellent instrumental/dub reggae set. Yes I!Respect !-Mark "Homebody" Groesbeck"
Track Listings (8) - Disc #1