Ernest Ranglin Surfin' CD

Personnel: Ernest Ranglin (guitar); Ernest Ranglin; Floyd Lloyd Seivright (vocals); Steve Golding, Bo Pee Bowen (guitar); Dean Fraser (soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); Dean Eaves (alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone); Ian Heard (alto saxophone); Jeffrey Brown, Dean Frazer, Jeffrey Browne (tenor saxophone); Tom Schwartz (trumpet, flugelhorn); Stephen Klein, Stefan Klein (trumpet); Calvin Cameron, Romeo Grey, Mike Smith (trombone); Frederick Lasfargeas, Frederick Lasfargeas (piano); Michael Fletcher (bass instrument, bass guitar); Glen Browne, Firehouse Danny (bass instrument); Wade Zabula Williams (drums, percussion); Desi Jones, Desi Jones, Paul Kaskick (drums); Robert Lyn (strings, piano, organ, keyboards); Mark Feinberg (alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone); David Madden (trumpet); Mallory Williams (keyboards); Derrick Stewart (drums, percussion); Larry McDonald (percussion).
Audio Mixers: Will Schillinger; Matt Shane .
Recording information: Eugene Grey Studios, Miami, FL; Steven Stanley Studios, Kingston, Jamaica; Tuff gong Studios.
A pioneer in the formation of reggae in Jamaica in the early '60s, guitarist Ernest Ranglin has had a dual career ever since: as a fine jazz improviser and as a highly influential force in reggae. On this set of catchy if repetitive rhythmic tunes, Ranglin combines the two idioms. The backup band primarily plays reggae rhythms and is in a subsidiary role, keeping the music grooving. It is a pity that none of the sidemen have an opportunity to be featured other than a so-so tenor solo on "Diamond." Ranglin is the main voice throughout, sometimes showing off his jazz chops (and sounding a little like Wes Montgomery or Johnny Smith) and at other times sticking to reggae. The individual songs are interchangeable and not particularly memorable, but the overall feel of the album should satisfy fans of instrumental reggae (only one song has a vocal), and also satisfy the curiosity of those wondering what Ernest Ranglin sounds like. ~ Scott YanowJazzTimes (p.87) - "The 16 tracks coast along, offering a selection of past hits, such as the title track, and new compositions, including an infectious melody called 'Nyah'..."