Jack Ruby Hi-Fi -- Auralux Recordings ‎– LUXXCD014

 

Originally released on the Clappers label in 1980 in limited quantities, Jack Ruby Hifi showcase was and is a collection of deep roots produced by the late sound system operator and ace producer.

What we have here is a full showcase-style dyed in the wool stormer. Ruby is the infamous producer linked to the Ocho Rios – Sound of Saint Anns, best known perhaps for his production associations with Burning Spear around the start of their Island career, Justin Hinds of the Dominoes, as well as numerous high calibre artists, think The Gaylads, Big Youth, King Tubby, Errol Thompson and some of the artists featured here, Ken Boothe, Black Disciples and his long term studio associates.

Hi-Fi is an album originally appearing on Brooklyn’s little known but genre-breaking Clappers label, “a weapon without compromise” as their chairman once put it, a label which ushered the transition of reggae into early New York dancehall and beyond, spawning early crossover hip-hop classics from the likes of Brother D and Silver Fox.

Here Ruby focusses on four vocals segued into four full length dubs: Ken Boothe’s voice has to be one of the most divine instruments in all music if not reggae, “Peace Time” rides a delicious guitar line – Boothe is in fine form on a lyric for universal peace , and the whomping “Khomeini Skank” version establishes this somewhere at the turn of the seventies. Lennox Miller’s take on Delroy Wilson’s all time big one “Better Must Come” is a belter – lively drummatical version and a wicked Jah Coller deejay version, 12 minutes plus of sublime reggae. Usual high quality Auralux job, mastered from vinyl, but this has resulted in the fantastic warmth and intimacy of these timeless recordings. --Author: legendaryreggae

Jack Ruby (music producer) Lawrence Lindo (1943 - 7 April 1989)

Dan
5.0 out of 5 stars 
Essential Classic era Roots Reggae + Dubs produced by Jack Ruby from 1980/81
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 16 June 2017

Jack Ruby Hi-Fi -- Auralux Recordings ‎– LUXXCD014

Artwork included.

Raw edged, clean sound, driving rhythms and heavy (yet still upbeat) Roots Reggae lyrics (each followed by Dub versions (echo-o-o-o-es) in a Showcase style, with some well known and obscure singers, and top players, some with a similar sound to Burning Spear's 'Marcus Garvey' LP.
Similar to Alvin G.G. Ranglin + Sonia Pottinger productions in terms of sound.

Tracklist:
1A Ken Boothe - Peace Time
B The Iranian Students - Khomeni Skank 9:51
2A Earth Last Messenger - Hypocrites
B The Black Disciples - Brezinsky Dub 8:18
3A Lenox Miller - Better Must Come
B Jah Coller - Jah Coller Speaks His Mind 12:36 (cover version of the Delroy Wilson classic)
4A The Revealers - Jail House Free
B Crucial All Stars - Rikers Island Dub 7:58

Musicians include: The Black Disciples
Bass – Aston "Family Man" Barrett, Robbie Shakespeare
Drums – Leroy "Horsemouth" Wallace
Flute – Carlton Samuels
Guitar – Bertram "Ranchie" McLean, Earl "Chinna" Smith, Tony Chin
Keyboards – Bernard Harvey, Earl "Wire" Lindo, Tyrone Downie
Percussion – Uziah "Sticky" Thompson
Producer – Jack Ruby
Saxophone – Herman Marquis, Dirty Harry, Tommy McCook
Trombone – Don D Junior
Trumpet – Bobby Ellis

Notes
Recorded at Jack Ruby's Studios, Ocho Rios, JA. January 1, 1980. 
Mixed at King Tubby's Studios, Kingston, JA. 
Executive producer: Dub Organizer. 

Originally released on Clappers Records, 1980.

Sound mastering is excellent.

Liner notes by David Katz.

See also (among others):
Black Foundation In Dub - also on Heartbeat
Jack Ruby Presents - on Blue Moon Records
Black Slavery Days (The Sound Of St Ann's) - on Honest Jon's Records
Marcus Garvey/Garvey's Ghost by Burning Spear - on Island Records
Jezebel/Just In Time by Justin Hinds (2 LP on 1 CD) - on Island Records

Also worth seeking out other Aurulux Records releases.