Burning Spear is that rare performer whose real name, Winston Rodney, was better– or at least as good— than his incendiary stage name. I would give my left nut to be named Winston Rodney today. Take a listen to this 1977 Spear tune recorded for Social Living. The rhythm section is one for the ages. Drummer Sly Dunbar and bassist Robbie Shakespeare find the deep grooves and bring them back to us across the latitudes and the decades and the countless political disappointments.
They don’t make ‘em like that anymore.
Actually, they do.
Sly and Robbie are still alive and have recorded a tune with EPB’s own Davin Michael Stedman. It’s a great one and you’ll get to hear it soon. He will be in Jamaica to shoot the video momentarily.
Music like this is better for your spine than a massage, better for your soul than a sermon, and better for your mind than a term at Portland’s celebrated learning institution, Mt. Hood Community College. That’s right kids. Drop out of school, sell your textbooks, sublet your apartments, and head down to Kingston. Davin and Tadiman will be waiting for you.
Thanks to the great Tim Midyett for sending us this tune through the Twitterverse.
