24/04/2024
Message – Showcase I
review by Mr.T at Reggae Vibes
https://www.reggae-vibes.com/reviews/2024/04/message-showcase-1/
SPANISH BAND
Message, a new Spanish reggae band, draws inspiration from iconic Jamaican musicians such as Augustus Pablo, Vin Gordon, Hux Brown, Uziah “Sticky” Thompson, and Gladstone Anderson. The band members, coming from various Spanish cities, including Bilbao, Santander, and Sabadell, are Roberto Sánchez on drums, Gorka Sánchez on bass, Roberto Bartolomé on guitar, Javi Arkotxa on melodica, piano, and organ, Gorka Fernández on trombone, piano, and organ, and Ferrán Cocera on percussion. The band’s main aim is to promote and share the values of reggae, paying homage to their musical heroes while creating their own original material.
PASSION
Their passion for producing authentic instrumental reggae music is evident in their work as showcased on their debut album, Showcase 1, which is released on their own record label. Recorded live on tape at A-Lone Ark Muzik Studio, the album features 7 original instrumental tracks along with their dub versions. The melodica is the lead instrument on the opener, The Riot, and also the delightful sounding Noah Sugar Pan and the matching Message We Bring feature the free reed instrument that was made popular in reggae music by the late great Augustus Pablo. On Brixton Rock, The Warrior’s Rest, and Hotter The Battle it’s the trombone that firmly takes the lead and shines bright on these three instrumentals. Only King’s Music deviates from featuring one of the two wind instruments.
DUB VERSIONS
The dub versions that accompany the instrumental tracks highlight Roberto Sánchez’s signature mixing style, providing a sense of familiarity for fans of the Spanish dub maestro. Each dub version is expertly crafted with a strong vintage flair, offering a pleasant listening experience. Fans who have a passion for instrumentals combined with their dub counterparts are served very well with Message’s debut set.
Available here:
https://alonereggaeshop.bandcamp.com/album/message-showcase-i
14 track album
