Creation Rebel

Performer: Burning Spear
Artist: Coxsone Dodd
Engineer: Coxsone Dodd; Sylvan Morris; Coxsone Dodd; Sylvan Morris
Producer: Coxsone Dodd; Coxsone Dodd; Chris Wilson (Compilation)
Distributor: Universal Distribution

Notes: Personnel: Winston Rodney (vocals); Eric Frater, Ernest Ranglin, Carlton Manning, Albert Griffiths, Patrick McDonald (guitar); David Madden, Vin Gordon, Jojo Bennett, Cedric 'Im Brooks (horns); Richard Ace (keyboards); Leroy Sibbles (bass instrument); Enid Cumberland (percussion); Fil Callender (guitar, drums); Headley Bennett (horns); Robert Lyn (keyboards); Leroy "Horsemouth" Wallace (drums); Denzel Laing (percussion). DJ: Clement "Coxsone" Dodd. Liner Note Authors: Chris Wilson; Chris "Poet" Wilson. Recording information: Jamaica Recording And Publishing Studio Limited, Kingst. Before Burning Spear (AKA Winston Rodney) moved to Mango Records in the mid-1970s, a period that saw the release of such roots masterpieces as MARCUS GARVEY and MAN IN THE HILLS, he recorded material for producer Clement Dodd at Studio One. CREATION REBEL culls 20 tracks from Spear's Studio One sessions, all of which were recorded between 1969 and 1974. Though Spear's aesthetic would come together in its most stunning fashion on the Mango albums, CREATION REBEL is full of the artist's deep roots sound and trademark Rastafarian themes. In fact, Spear was one of the first Jamaican acts to deal explicitly with colonial history, Black Nationalism, and songs of religious devotion. Musically, CREATION REBEL does not resemble the sunny rocksteady of Spear's contemporaries at the time; instead, Spear is already defining his signature stripped-down vibe, with an emphasis on rugged rhythms and winding, chant-like vocals. "Swell Headed," for example, floats along in mesmerizing fashion, as does "Door Peeper," Spear's very first single. In addition to the superb material, Dodd's fine production, and the excellent session work from the Studio one musicians, the nine previously unreleased tracks (with rare stereo mixes) here make this a treasure for roots collectors.

Rolling Stone (No. 968, p.76) - 4 stars out of 5 - "[T]hese recordings are...amazing in their matured, missionary force: the sound of a Spear refusing to bend." Down Beat (p.74) - 4 stars out of 5 - "Emotional shades run from quiet rage to triumph of spirit to unabashed romance."

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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