Search - Jackie Mittoo :: Tribute to Jackie Mittoo

Jamaica's King Of Cool at the Hammond

jak ripley | manchester United Kingdom | 03/20/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The late Jackie Mittoo is a huge figure in Jamaican music history. He is highly respected as an arranger, songwriter and great keyboard player.At a memorial concert in Brixton a decade ago, I saw thousands of people turn up to pay their respects to the legend. The music of the former Skatalites keyboardist will appeal to all music lovers, young or old. You do not have to like Reggae to appreciate Jackie Mittoo as his music is so much more. Warm, funky, sensitive, urgent, amusing...this music is all this at once! The recordings come from Mittoos peak in the 60s and 70s at Coxson Dodd's Studio One. It encompasses elements of Ska, Reggae, soul, Funk, Rocksteady, Boogie, Organ Jazz, Nyabinghi, and Pop. Music does not come any better than this. Jackie Mittoo should be spoken of in the same breath as Jimmy Smith, Brother Jack McDuff, Booker T and all the other greats of Hammond organ. If you only buy one CD this year, make sure it is this one!!!"

Essential Reggae

M. Starr | Kansas City | 02/14/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Throughout the 60's and 70's Jackie Mittoo was making funky music with the best of them. I can't even begin to imagine how many of today's artists were partially inspired by Mittoo. From a solo artist to the keyboardist of the famous Skatalites, Jackie left us with a load of incredible music to enjoy. This album has some of Jackie's most incredible collection of songs. "Hot Tamale" is an incredible reggae song. "Black Organ" has some of the thickest reggae grooves I've heard to date. You can't help but smile and nod your head when you listen to this work because it's just so good and so mellow. It's perfect summertime music. It will take the pain away in an instant.In the late 60's and early 70's, Jamaica was making some incredible music that was extremely far ahead of its time. With labels such as Universal Sound and Studio One, we are lucky to have many of these artists and albums re-released today.Although this is a great collection, I just picked up a compilation today from Jackie Mittoo on Universal Sound that just has impeccable sound quality. I would suggest searching for that one first. Don't get me wrong. I don't want to take anything away from this cd, either. Either would be great if you are looking to hear some of the best reggae ever.Do yourself a favor. Get anything by Jackie Mittoo. If you're not really into reggae, this may just be the introduction you've been waiting for. I highly suggest listening to this essential reggae."

Reggae 'Sharpest Dresser', gets a compilation to match his c

fetish_2000 | U.K. | 09/29/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Probably not as widely acknowledged for his talents as some of reggae bigger names, his impact on the Reggae-pop, Ska & Rocksteady genres is still incalculable. A celebrated Keyboard Virtuoso. A founding member of the influential "Skatalites" Ska/Rocksteady crew, his solo career was one of a prolific songwriter, who as well as proving the lyrical content for a lot of his productions, was deftly able to completely realise them, with a soothing and carefree upbeats arrangements that looked to the more amiable side of reggae, and arguably possessed a virtuosity with his instrument, that marked him out as a legendary keyboardist.



Here we have a 2 Disk compilation of the vast majority of Jackie Mitto's material comprising of some 31 tracks, that date back as far as his time with the 'Skatalites', and it really is a masterclass in (largely) instrumental reggae-pop, that not only adds the more fondly remembered/recognised tracks ("Black Organ, Ghetto Organ, Black out, Mission Impossible, Summer Breeze, Hot Tamale, Drum Song"...etc), there is enough careful consideration to include tracks that although may not have been the one that immediately spring to mind as the very first choices when compiling his work, are arguably deserving of their inclusion here. At what a selection it is....whether its the funky groove of "Hot Milk" or the freewheeling jazz style of "Drum Song", or indeed the impossibly catchy bouncy rocksteady of "Black mans pride" (my favourite track), his ability of craft meticulously detailed tracks with a myriad of atmospheres, and shifting moods, was what earmarked him as a considerable talenet. And seeing as Jackie was able to seamlessly reference and incorporate elements of various other styles in his music, you'll find that tracks touch upon, Jazz, Soul, Funk R&B, soundtracks, traces of Delta blues, energetic reggae, organic flowing instrumentals, earthy compositions, and even a hint of psychedelic pieces, are all thrown into the equation, and all are beautifully performed and arranged, and all perfectly illustrate Mittoo's uncanny ear for melody and rhythm, with a musical flair and level of arranger skills, that are literally second to none. Both discs represent a perfect (and comprehensive) overview of Jackie collection of work. (And considering how many tracks he had a hand in, a complete summary would be near impossible). But what impresses with this compilation is that its one of those rare compilations that will probably appeal to both existing fans and newcomers. For the existing fans, you get extensive notes on Jackie's work, and material that covers a fair few of his albums (possibly even a couple that fans won't have in their collections), and for newcomers....they get an brilliant 2 disk package, of the majority of Jackie's most celebrated work (admittedly there are a couple of glaring omissions), in one nice tidy package, that will either (A) Satisfy their curiosity.....or (B) intice them to consider picking up a couple a studio albums. Whichever way you look at it this is easily one of the best ways to get yourself acquainted with one of reggae most charismatic characters."