Peter Dalton, Reggae, Dean Fraser, Peckings The Ruler, Peckings record label

PECKINGS THE RULER/KINGSTON NIGHT - DEAN FRASER

(PECKINGS)

The Peckings brothers not only have the advantage of access to the two greatest sources of original rhythms in Jamaican music, Studio One and Treasure Isle, but the taste to look beyond the obvious selection, as they have with the two Justin Hinds & the Dominoes’ tracks employed here, neither of which is “Carry Go Bring Come.”

Dean Fraser always plays his big bad sax in the same immaculate and relaxed style, so what makes the difference between one of his classic recordings and a rather more ordinary one comes down to the rhythm track over which he extemporises. In this case both - “Say Me Say” and “Here I Stand” - are superb, and the results are up there with the saxophonist’s best work for King Jammy and Philip ‘Fatis’ Burrell.

Things being the way they are with reggae at the moment, there’s a minimal chances of a better instrumental being released this year – unless, of course, Chris and Duke invite Mr. Fraser back into the studio again.

Peter Dalton

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