This is the way music should be recorded. Daniel Lanois’ music will sound great on any stereo system even with the worst EQ settings it’s ‘distinctly lanois’. Black Dub is his new project, heavily influenced by dub engineers Lee 'Scratch’ Perry and King Tubby but flows from one of his previous releases, Belladona. This performance features the completely unique musicality of Brian Blade. Blade’s approach to dub drum playing in this case is really original. Unlike the typical approach of drumming in this style, which uses a repeating rhythm usually consisting of closed hihat and cross stick snare with an emphasis on beat three. Blade swings his eighth notes similar to Carlton Barrett’s 'one drop’ rhythm but he improvises his patterns throughout the song and follows the shape of the vocal line. In usual dub recordings the vocal was added over the rhythm. Producers would then use the multi track recording and add sound effects or vocal parts and do remixes. In recording with a live vocalist, Blade is able to improvise and react live to the Whitley’s phrasing. His improvisational accents from his jazz background really add to the feel of this piece. There’s a moment around four and a half minutes that is really powerful, he uses his ride cymbal equally as a crash accenting vocalist Trixie Whitley’s dynamic live performance. Listen to more BLACK DUB: http://www.blackdub.net/music Aaron Leaney www.aaronleaney.com
