Ultimate Collection

Performer: Burning Spear
Distributor: Universal Distribution

Notes: Personnel includes: Winston "Burning Spear" Rodney (vocals); Earl "Chinna" Smith, Valentine "Tony" Chin, Bertram "Ranchie" McLean, Devon Bradshaw, Linvall Jarrett (guitar); Carlton Samuels (flute); Herman Marquis (alto saxophone); Richard "Dirty Harry" Hall (tenor saxophone); Dean Fraser (saxophone); Bobby Ellis, Dick Cuthell (trumpet); Vincent "Don D. Junior" Gordon (trombone); Tyrone "Organ D" Downie, Bernard "Touter" Harvey (piano, organ, Clavinet); Earl "Wire" Lindo (keyboards); Robbie Shakespeare, Anston "Family Man" Barrett, George Oban (bass); Leroy "Horsemouth" Wallace, Sly Dunbar, Nelson Miller (drums); Uziah "Sticky" Thompson, Noel "Skully" Simms (percussion); Rupert Wellington, Delroy Hines (background vocals). Producers include: Lawrence "Jack Ruby" Lindo, Winston Rodney, Karl Pitterson, Anston "Family Man" Barnett, Nelson Miller. Compilation producer: Dana G. Smart. Includes liner notes by Chuck Foster. Digitally remastered by Erick Labson (Universal Mastering Studios West, North Hollywood, California). Personnel: Delroy Hines, Winston Rodney (vocals); Devon Bradshaw, Brinsley Forde (guitar); Carlton Samuels (flute); Dean Fraser (saxophone); Tyrone Downie (alto saxophone); Bobby Ellis (trumpet, horns); Chico Chin (trumpet); Vin Gordon (trombone); Egbert Evans (horns); Richard G. Johnson (piano); Courtney Hemmings, Robert Lyn (keyboards); Nelson Miller (drums, percussion); Leroy "Horsemouth" Wallace (drums); Alvin Haughton, Noel "Scully" Simms, Uziah "Sticky" Thompson (percussion). Liner Note Author: Chuck Foster. Photographer: Adrian Boot. Calling this album Burning Spear's Ultimate Collection is overstating things a bit. Sure, nearly every song here can be considered one of his best, but there's a lot missing here -- a problem that has marred his other previously released best-ofs, in particular the nearly "ultimate collection" Chant Down Babylon: The Island Anthology. Like that album, Hip-O's attempt at the definitive Burning Spear compilation focuses mostly on his mid- to late-'70s output -- the Marcus Garvey, Man in the Hills, Dry & Heavy, and Social Living albums -- along with a few choice selections from his early-'80s albums, Hail H.I.M. and The Fittest of the Fittest. And one can't really argue with Hip-O. As mentioned, everything they've chosen is first-rate, even if it makes it seem as if Burning Spear's post-early-'80s efforts were futile. But there is a problem with Hip-O's logic -- not necessarily for them but rather a problem for fans looking to pick up a quality best-of. What they've done here is essentially released a consolidated one-disc version of the more comprehensive yet still problematic Chant Down Babylon anthology. While that may be wonderful for neophytes looking for a cheap, simple buy, it's frustrating for existing fans who are still waiting for the "ultimate collection" that this album masquerades itself as. For those who are still waiting for an ultimate collection of Burning Spear's work, this isn't it, even if it's stacked with great songs. But for those who are looking for a simple, economical single-disc compilation of early career highlights, and could care less how comprehensive the selections are, this will satisfy. ~ Jason Birchmeier Burning Spear's Ultimate Collection focuses mostly on his mid- to late-'70s output -- the Marcus Garvey, Man in the Hills, Dry & Heavy, and Social Living albums -- along with a few choice selections from his early-'80s albums, Hail H.I.M. and The Fittest of the Fittest. ~ Jason Birchmeier

Burning Spear (born Winston Rodney) was originally a protege of his neighbor Bob Marley, but even his earliest music exhibited his characteristically unique and intense style. His lyrical concerns--black culture and history, a hybrid form of Pan-Africanism, Garveyism and Rasta tenets, and (especially) universal love--have been consistently and powerfully expressed throughout his lengthy recording career. Perhaps most memorable is his 1975 breakthrough masterpiece, MARCUS GARVEY, where he emerged as one of the most distinctive and original talents in the history of reggae.

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