Retrospective

Performer: Bunny Wailer
Artist: Marcia Griffiths; Psalms; Sly & Robbie; Roots Radics
Producer: Bunny Wailer
Distributor: BMG (distributor)

Notes: Personnel includes: Bunny Wailer (vocals, electric drums, talking drum, percussion); O. Stewart (guitar, horns, keyboards, programming); D. Thompson (guitar, bass); Earl "Chinna" Smith, D. Bryan, E. Ranglin, E. Lamont, F. Stewart, D. Pinkney, Sowell, C. Coore (guitar); T. McCook, B. Ellis, H. Bennet, D. Fraser, R. Robinson, B. Bailey, B. Ellis, J. Moore (horns); E. Lindo, K. Sterling, B. Kalphat, G. Anderson, S. Johnson, T. Asher, "Red Fox" Stewart (keyboards); E. Carter, E. Holt, R. Walters (bass); C. Meredith (drums, programming); L. Wallace, E. Clarke, A. Scott, C. Davis, L. Scott (drums). Bunny Wailer has never achieved the icon status of Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, his fellow members in the seminal Wailers. But his vocal style--impassioned, gritty, and utterly joyous--is a wonder to behold, and it perfectly suits the music and message of these fine songs. Although Bunny Wailer became a solo artist in 1975, this collection draws mainly from recordings he made during the '80s. It opens with the egregiously catchy "Roots, Radics, Rockers, Reggae" and ends with a stirring take on Bob Marley's hymn-like "Redemption Song." Accompanied by just a piano and electric bass, Wailer echoes Marley's original phrasing but adds a few well-placed gospel melismas. In between are some of Wailer's best-known songs, including "Cool Running" and "Rockers," as well as lesser-known gems like "Time Will Tell," an effective showcase for the beauty of two simple chords. Wailer straddles genres easily, from carefree dance-reggae songs like "Ballroom Floor," and "Dance Hall Music" to a fierce take on Toots Hibbert's "Dog War, " which manages to be both a dance song and a call to arms.

Q (5/95, p.138) - 4 Stars - Excellent - "...A first-rate introduction to one of Jamaica's finest."

In the seminal reggae band the Wailers, his clear, ringing tenor made him the perfect high-harmony foil for childhood friends Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, but Bunny Wailer also contributed a number of powerhouse lead vocals and songs to the group. After several years of recording and touring successfully with the band, Wailer left in 1974 to pursue a solo career. He hit the ground running in '76 with BLACKHEART MAN, a now-classic collection of rousing roots anthems, and continued to release albums to acclaim over the next two decades. His recording and touring career have been hampered somewhat by a reluctance to leave Jamaica, but the artist commands the respect of long-time fans based on his history and contribution to the reggae canon.

Click Here for Shipping Options and Policies

Shipping or Dimension weight in pounds: 0.25