Mutabaruka Ultimate Collection CD

Though THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION skips over some of Mutabaruka's important output, notably his RAS Records re-issued debut, CHECK IT!, the compilation does draw from the dub poet's fine Shanachie albums, MELANIN MAN, ANY WHICH WAY FREEDOM, and THE MYSTERY UNFOLDS, among others. Mutabaruka's mission to raise consciousness about political injustice, racial discrimination, and the roots of black identity first came to fruition as written poetry (he published three patois-driven books in Jamaica) before he decided to set his words to music. The musical backing on his albums is a striking combination of deep roots rhythms and studio dub treatments, creating a tense sonic landscape for the poet's messages.

This release will be of particular interest to Mutabaruka fans for its inclusion of several previously unreleased singles, including a number of collaborations--"Great Kings of Africa" (with Dennis Brown and Ini Kamoze), "Wise Up" (with dancehall pioneer Sugar Minott), and "Psalms 24" (with Luciano). In addition, there are album tracks like the heady, shuffling "Bun Dung Babylon" and a live version of the classic "Witeman Country." THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION, along with CHECK IT!, provides an excellent overview of Mutabaruka's most important work.

Includes liner notes by Doug Wendt.

Personnel: Mutabaruka (vocals, drums, percussion); Dennis Brown, Ishama Hope, Princess Tsobbe, Muniar Zacca, Princess Addisa, Gary Saddler, Ini Kamoze, Tynsi, Ishama, Marcia Griffiths, Leggo (vocals); Leebert Morrison (guitar, acoustic guitar, saxophone, bass guitar, percussion); Earl "Chinna" Smith (guitar, acoustic guitar); Dalton Brownie (guitar, piano, synthesizer); Dalton Browne (guitar); Dean Fraser (saxophone, background vocals); Chico Chin (trumpet, background vocals); David Madden (trumpet); Nambo (trombone, background vocals); Danny Brownie (piano, synthesizer); Handel Tucker (keyboards, synthesizer, keyboard programming); Anthony "Asher" Brissett (keyboards, synthesizer); Michael Fletcher (keyboards, bass guitar); Franklyn Waul, Phillip Rhone, Danny Bassie (keyboards); Steelie, Christopher Meredith (bass guitar); Harry T. Powell (drums, bass drum, percussion); Wilburn Cole (drums, drum programming); Cleveland "Clevie" Browne, Basil Craery, Desi Jones, Sly Dunbar, Basil "Benbow" Creary (drums); Karl Messado, Lee Ford Jerimiah (congas); Gibby (percussion); Wisdom, Michelle Anderson (background vocals).

Liner Note Author: Doug Wendt.

Recording information: 1987-1994.

Unknown Contributor Roles: Harry T. Powell; High Times Players; Marcia Griffiths.

Arrangers: Earl "Chinna" Smith; Leebert Morrison; Mutabaruka.

Personnel includes: Mutabaruka (vocals, repetah & fundi drums, percussion); Dennis Brown, Ini Kamoze, Gary Saddler, Sugar Minott, Luciano (vocals); Leebert "Gibby" Morrison (acoustic & electric guitars, bass, percussion); Earl "Chinna" Smith (acoustic & electric guitars); Fazel Prendergast, Dalton Brownie (guitar); Dean Frazier, Dan Frazier (saxophone, background vocals); Chico (trumpet, background vocals); David Madden (trumpet); Nambo (trombone, background vocals); Danny Brownie (piano, synthesizer); Anthony "Asher" Brissett (keyboards, synthesizer); Franklin "Bubbler" Waul, Danny Bassie, Phillip Roane (keyboards); Handel Tucker (keyboards, synthesizer, keyboard programming); Steelie, Christopher Meredith, Michael Fletcher (bass); Wilburn "Squiddly" Cole (drums, drum programming); Clevie Brownie, Desi Jones, Basil Creary, Sly Dunbar (drums); Harry T. Powell (repetah, brass & bass drums, percussion); Karl Messado, Lee Ford Jeremiah (congas); Princess Addisa, Princess Tsobbe, Ishama Hope, Marcia Griffiths, Wisdom, Michelle Anderson, Leaba Hibbert, Leggo, Muniar Zacca, Tynsi (background vocals); The High Times Players.

Producers: Mutabaruka (tracks 1, 3-4; 6-8, 10-16); Gussie Clark (track 2); Fatis Burrell, Mutabaruka (tracks 5, 9).

Q (8/96, p.145) - 4 Stars - Excellent - "Astringent compilation from the ferociously political dub poet, an established Jamaican hero. Liberal culcha tourist tugs chin respectfully..."
Alternative Press (8/96, p.81) - 4 (out of 5) - "...Muta doesn't so much intone his words over the reggae as he does accuse and incite. He points the finger unsparingly....With a couple of singles and a live track, this becomes a satisfying mix, and certainly a profound introduction to his particular brand of bass culture..."
The Beat (V.14 #4 1996, p.14) - "If for some reason unknown to me you have only one Mutabaruka album in your collection, this by far is the one to have."
Reggae Report (V.14 #6 1996, p.40) - 3-1/2 Stars (out of 5) - Good/Excellent - "...Mutabaruka uses his very unique sense of humor as well as his powerful delivery to get across his positive messages of black pride....His poignant and sometimes harsh words speak thousands....a good addition to any collection."