DEEPER ROOTS

Yabby You was not a huge Jamaican star and his international profile was even smaller. He produced a small amount of uncompromising roots reggae in the seventies. I identified him with his vocal tracks, released on a marvelous Shanachie record during the 1980s; his vocal style and harmonies seemed both radical and spiritual. From reading the linear notes to this release, I gather he had renown as a producer. This release has exactly one (1) conventional vocal track--most of the rest are dubs. And what amazing dubs they are. The musicianship is superb. Many tracks feature Familyman Barrett on bass--a particular treat since during this period he worked almost exclusively with Bob Marley. King Tubby mixed many of the dubs; these rank among his best work. This is a major dub release and I would recommend it to any lover of classic Jamaican dub. The linear note also note Yabby You has had a major influence on dubstep. I must admit complete ignorance about dubstep, but the notes do say Yabby You has been sampled for dubstep releases. I have absolutely no idea--I do think however this would be a great release for somebody vaguely interested in 1970s Jamaican dub to become acquainted with this breathtakingly original music.

If you've stumbled onto Yabby You & you're wonderin' ( because maybe you read Comment Man's excellent reviews of this & "Part 2" ) are these albums REALLY this great...well...if you do Dub & you do Reggae...do yourself a favor...do this...& if you do...you won't stop...no...you won't ever stop praising Jah for the everlasting gift of Yabby, Yabby You!

Yabby You was a musician who produced music not for fame or money, but out of a rich love for the music itself. When he first approached King Tubby, the master producer was intrigued by his sound and agreed to press 100 of his first single, Conquering Lion (two unique versions of this record appear on this album). When Yabby You finally raised enough money to press the song, he did not brag about it being his song: "I never record before, an’ I nah want anyone fi know it was me, so if it flop me won’t get the blame. Well, eventually I play it to people, to sound man, an’ every one I play it to like it, an’ patronize it. After the hundred sell off, I go back an’ press another two hundred, an’ when that sell I press five hundred, an’ then it start get popular. People want to know who sing it. I nah tell dem that it me. Me jus’ say is Tubby me a sell it for." King Tubby and Yabby You had a long and productive relationship, as can be evidenced by many of the tracks on this album. Yabby You's estate was kind enough to open the vaults and give unprecedented access to some rare pressings (500 or less) and dub plates. This truly is a treat for any fan of seventies dub reggae. I am very pleased with the fine quality of these tracks, particularly "Dub Vengeance", "Fighting Dub", and the blazing bongo-driven "Open Your Hearts." Great album, highly recommended for any reggae enthusiast.

Crucial Dub Plate mixes. Yabby You legend