Search - Rico Rodriguez :: Man From Wareika

Toppermost of the Poppermost- As Dread as it gets!

Bruce Benjamin | Santa Cruz, Ca. | 12/10/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"First issued on Blue Note I wore this album out in 1978 and it is with much gratitude that I can purchase this CD on Amazon today. Sly and Robbie at their finest on an album full of flutes, horns, and of course Rico's Trombone, who, legend has it was playing on a pier in Jamaica when a fish leaped out of the water at his feet, pretty much assuring his status as a Rasta Holy Man right there on the spot. Truly the very best in reggae music and the only reggae to be released on the jazz label Blue Note. Yes, Mon!!!!!

"

* A CLASSIC *

Jasper | New England | 09/20/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'd like to write a review of trombone man Rico Rodruigez's legendary "Man From Wareika" which really communicates the greatness of this classic LP. It is quite daunting, and perhaps even futile, to try to put into words what "Man From Wareika" is all about. To save both of us some precious time, I offer these brief impressionistic observances:



Lush tropical vibes. Bright, brilliant horn lines and deep grooving bass. Unstoppable skanking guitar. Dread rhythms. Funky, percolating percussion. Swirling mystic organ. Piping flutes. Colorful, ever-unfurling melodies of bottomless inspiration. Jazz, soul, rocksteady, latin, funk and, of course, reggae. Pure instrumental joy.



Recorded in 1976, "Man From Wareika" first came out on Blue Note records, which is a singular achievement for a Jamaican LP. This album is renowned and beloved by aficionados of Jamaican music. It sounds phenomenally fresh and new listen after listen. It is Rico Rodruigez's masterpiece, a masterpiece of Jamaican music, and a masterpiece of recorded music in general. It's hard to make something so inspiring and uplifting, while at the same time retaining a true dread depth, but Rico manages this feat brilliantly here. There are some amazing Jamaican instrumental recordings out there, but none sound quite like "Man From Wareika."



Brilliant stuff, and a true classic.



Enjoy."

"Rico know music"

Enrique Torres | San Diegotitlan, Califas | 11/28/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The year was 1976, America was celebrating it's bicentenial and reggae music was was expanding it's universe from the shores of Jamaica exploding all over the world. Enter Rico Rodriguez with his sweet trombone playing a hybrid sound of jazz infused reggae. All instrumental tracks and pure soul are featured on this disc. His deep tone leads the all star cast of musicians on a highly danceable and pleasureable recording. The disc features such notables as Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare on drum and bass and reggae lead guitarist Junior Marvin amongst others. The additional brass provided on flugelhorn, trumpet,tenor and alto sax creates an instant classic that walks the line between jazz and reggae but it is definitely reggae dominated. There are the occasional tracks with light vocals but it is more like a chorus. This is a pretty mellow disc featuring the legendary Chris Blackwell as the Executive Producer. I'd love to know the history on how it came to be on the jazz label Bluenote. Nevetheless, it is worth noting that the familiar sound of Rico's horn was used on many ska albums in Jamaica prior to this his solo debut as he eventually hooked up, recorded and toured with the British group, The Specials Too Much Too Young: The Gold Collection and was influential in promoting the first wave of rambunctious two-tone ska, with it's horn sections, that had followers like Madness One Step Beyond...and others. His distinguished trombone is featured here on his first solo album; he takes lead center stage for a playful, summery sound. Not exactly Earth shaterring in style but delightful and lively in a bright kind of way. Overall this is very different from many reggae discs, not as aggresive or political and that makes for a refreshing change of pace. This music still sounds good even though it is over thirty years old. Great stuff for that change of pace to your rotation. Recommended for people who like classic reggae music."