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Dr Ernest Ranglin – Ska Wey Dat

Released on 19 May 2003.

Interesting album this, Dr Ernest now in his 70's and even in his late 60's when he cut this. From the intro EB at Noon, cut in Jamaica this album sure swings. For obvious reasons heavily Ska and Jazz influenced it mostly fast beat and the guitar playing is sweet and well produced. Me I love tracks to have vocals but there doesn't appear to be anything missing here at all. The tracks are complete, interesting and maintain your attention. Despite an absence of vocals you can steel feel a message and a song and the caribbean getting across.

Favourites I like the mellow jazz of HeavenBound, the more percussive but equally as mellow Rasta Roots Woman, the ska of Rocker A (if this was older you can feel the likes of Tubby getting hold of this) and Big Business. Beautiful is enhanced by some excellent African drumming.

Headline News an She Cute are also mellow dub style if thats possible and the rest is easy Jamaican jazz.

The live CD recorded in California in 1998, contains all the above ingredients but with a harder live edge. Performing with Floyd Lloyd's Ska band the set goes straight into a vibe on 'surfing', originally cut some 20 years earlier at Studio One, with some excellent keys accompaning Ernest's guitar. Ernest's guitar is at it's heaviest on the rendition of 54-46. Changing styles to an easy Skank before bringing on Cedric Brooks for their interpretation of Satta A Massa Gana followed by a ska full tribute to Roland Alfonso on Ball of Fire.

From then on in it's revivalist Ska with Floyd Loyd and his band joining in the party, including a fine rendition of Sweet Lady popularised by the Migty Diamonds., and a Whip riddim medley.

A master of his piece, just sit back and enjoy.

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