Who is JonQuan? I had never heard of him, and then the man bangs out this album: "JonQuan & Associates" (Easy Star) – one of the most beautiful reggae and Dub-Albums of the entire corona pandemic.
JonQuan's love of Jamaican music began with collecting records. Then he went from a collector to a DJ and then even a musician and composer. His new album came into being during the lockdown, as he explains: "I was inspired by the pandemic to create my own riddims to kill boredom and heal the ailments of being locked in rather than on a stage to be able to stand. Once I got into the studio and could unleash my creative energy, it became easier for me to deal with the crap.” Once JonQuan had the riddims for an album ready, he would enlist musicians and singers from and beyond reggae to help complete the album . Victor Rice ended up mixing the tracks at his studio in São Paulo, Brazil - which brings us to the point, because we're mostly interested in those here Dub-Versions - and these were of course created by Victor Rice. Actually I think that a good one Dub by no means needs a vocal original. There is ample evidence for this thesis. But with this album it has to be said that the songs that make up the first half of the album are just terrific. A pure Dub-Album would only be worth half as much. The songs bring the wonderful atmosphere of classic rocksteady and early reggae to life again. Here you indulge in the most beautiful soulful reggae vibes. This intense atmosphere occurs in the Dub-Versions naturally somewhat in the background. Instead, the rich, analogue, even "breathing" sound of the productions comes into its own. The authentic sound of real instruments is refreshing and the artistry of the musicians is impressive. It's only logical that Mr. Rice's mix is kept absolutely classic. Tubby & Co would have sounded similar. JonQuan and Victor Rice don't just stick to the imitative reproduction of old riddims and sounds. They may stand on the shoulders of the great reggae artists and musicians of decades past, but there, at great (qualitative) heights, they develop completely new and unheard songs and compositions.
6 responses to “JonQuan & Associates”
Unfortunately, the vinyl album will be released without them Dub-versions. But: better digital than not at all.
I can only agree with that
Important Information :-)
Thanks.
If only I could be such a balanced person with such a sunny disposition.
“Better digital than not at all”
I try to formulate it diplomatically, politically correct. I think it's a pity that they didn't make a perfect double album out of this beautiful, powerful album.
Maybe the cover could have been made a bit more spectacular, but I actually think it's ok. When I think of the "jazz pianist" I don't think of reggae at all, but as is so often the case in life, it's the "still waters"
which are the deepest. I'm very pleased that the review for the album came across so well here, because my first impression of this very nice album was clearly confirmed here.
Come on now, give lemmi and all the other fans a complete double album ;-) Then you can also play DJ again and after the vocal version you can go straight to the Dubhang up version. Really nice in showcase style !!!
However, you then need two turntables or you think up cool “sayings” or announcements like JAH Shaka when changing the disc.
A very good album but I'll tell the sellers straight away. I only buy the album in its entirety or I stream it in its entirety. Only the vocal disc just reminds me again of our human imperfections.
So long …………… .. lemmi
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