Jackie Mittoo Keyboard King

This is reggae music for people who thought they didn't like reggae music, songs that cross musical borders. Jackie Mittoo had such a deft, versatile keyboard playing style that it truly was hard to pigeonhole him or categorize his sound. Yes, his music has roots in 1960s reggae and ska, but it also incorporates soul, jazz, and pop stylings too. The end result is a totally addictive sound.I've lost track of how many times I've played this CD in my shop and a customer will ask either "Who is this playing?" ... or "Is that Booker T?" Indeed, Jackie Mittoo has a playing style that echoes the soulful riffs of Booker T's 1960s material, but he fuses that with other elements and influences to create his own distinctive sound. I'm not sure that it all qualifies as "groundbreaking" as the label raves, but it sure is an addictive pleasure to listen to.The instrumental songs on this CD compilation are taken from Mittoo's work at Studio One, during the time he worked there as a songwriter, arranger, and recording artist from 1965-68. However, nowhere in the track listings or in the booklet that comes with the CD, are there any specific dates listed for each song. Presumably, Mittoo wrote all of these songs, but again the lack of detail for the song credits leaves you guessing. Other than those slightly odd omissions, the booklet has a short essay about Mittoo's recording career, tragically cut short at the age of 42 in 1990.For fans of organ/keyboard playing greats such as Booker T, Jimmy Smith, and Reuben Wilson, the music on this CD will be a revelation, if not a sheer listening pleasure. Reggae fans will like it too, but by no means do you have to be a reggae fan to appreciate this great instrumental music.

Great music on a beautifully pressed piece of vinyl.

Excellent Record for the collector or DJ...Mellow Instrumentals and Heavy Keyboards...!!! I would recommend this to anyone who is into early Studio One Reggee ...Take that back, I would recommend this to anyone who likes good music..There is a nice write up on Jackie on this back of this record also...

Great!

in the beginning there was Jackie. A must have of smooth vibes, let the enjoyment begin...

received in good condition

Wow, this is good sh??. Now, I have to confess that I just stumbled onto Jackie Mittoo and first heard Macka Fat, which definitely got me interested. I then came across Last Train to Skaville (very good). And then I found this treasure comp.This release is just jam packed with classic reggae groove/funk/soul/jazz wonderfulness. Heavy bass grooves, great electric guitar and warm, energetic horns that just make you wanna swing all over place. And then, of course the cherry on top, Jackie Mittoo's beautifully orchestrated keys.A few months ago I took a deep dive into old Jamaican dub which eventually led me to a lot of the original vocal releases and more. I also dug deeper into Ethiopian jazz (great stuff) and was just absorbed in all of the passion combined with the deep, soulful melodies and rhythms of it all.With that said, this music is a great mix of a lot of those feels (minus vocal reggae, excluding a great rendition of Summer Breeze) and much more, particularly funk/soul. Mittoo's keys can go from a frantic swirl right down to a smooth, soft flowing whisper (Oboe and Wall Street, great songs). Mittoo's whimsical style, soothing vibes and catchy riffs are just great. Each song is one to get lost in.If you like good music, esp. reggae/soul/funk/jazz/etc, sit down with this one and experience something unique and wonderful.

Nothing more need be said. Here I am a Texas girl, walking through a London street market a couple of years back and in the distance I hear this vibe. I find the source - a DJ type outfit selling CD's - lots of soul and Studio One stuff. Never heard ANY of it. I am entranced. I ask the guy what he's playing and he tells me - Jackie. Sold.

Excellent product

Great

How cool is this guy!!!!

every one a classic, hammond oozing out all over,ska, reggae,soul,jazz.If you like a man with an organ you cannot go wrong!!

Great album and a no hassles purchase. Would use these guys again to buy hard to find vinyl

私はレゲエという分野に疎く、でも興味がありいろいろ調べて行くうちにこのジャッキー・ミットーにたどり着いたわけです。もちろんボブ・マーリーから聴き始めてルーツレゲエから入ってみたのですが、この作品はレゲエというかスカの要素が強いのかなぁ…？収録作の大半はインストです。本人はオルガンを弾いているようです。ホーンが入っているものはまさにスカの世界に感じます。また一つ勉強になりました。

よいですね。

全曲良い。なにも文句はない。これは絶対聴くべきアルバムです。他の方も書いてますが、7曲目の9分を越える「OBOE」が特に素晴らしい。ところで最近「レゲエが好」って人が多いが、話してみると「あ、そっちのレゲエね」ってパターンばっかりでムカつきます(笑)

Great music ! Great buy !