![[Review] “Heavenless” – Vin Gordon & The Real Rock Band (Roots Garden Records)](https://dubmassive.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/RGRLP003-Heavenless-LP-Front.jpg)
If you love horns section in reggae, then you have to listen to this album. Especially if you like when these instruments are present not only in a repetitive manner in chorus. Roots Garden Records presents us Jamaican master, giant trombonist Vin Gordon with his great The Real Rock Band. The former is a living legend, his contribution to reggae music is amazing – The Wailers, Skatalites, Burning Spear, Dennis Brown, the Abyssinians, The Heptones, Delroy Wilson, Bob Andy and Alton Ellis are only a few names in his huge musical career, which has started in 1965. His biggest solo hits were “Real Rock” and “Heavenless” – and this fast, cheerful tune in a refreshed form we hear for the intro of this LP. Also the 4th track “Revenge” is a revisit to the classic one from 1974 – beautiful, moody roots reggae. The rest of the compositions are brand new and they are presenting from steady reggae vibes (“Minor Vibes”) to ska (“Slide Ruler”), mostly instrumental with the exception for 2 tracks with Shaka Black’s toasting.
There are two things, that are common for all tunes from this LP. Firstly – Vin’s beautiful, rich, extraordinary trombone parts, which we hear solo or with additional horns section. It plays key role here, spanned through the whole verses, where it tells us stories through melodies. Secondly – The Real Rock Band does it job perfectly, sensitively playing roots reggae and going dubwise in a old-school manner. The album were mixed by Nick Manasseh and sounds like it should – with a warm bass and well balance between all instrument parts. Listening to this album is a very pleasant experience!
https://soundcloud.com/rootsgarden7/sets/heavenless-vin-gordon-the-real
Links:
Release info:
Release date: 02/05/2016
Format: Vinyl LP / Digital download
Label: Roots Garden records
Catalogue no: RGRLP003:
Produced and mixed by: Nick Manasseh at: The Yard studios London
Tracks:
1) Heavenless
2) Minor Vendor
3) Outta Jungle
4) Revenge
5) Raytown Rock
6) Slide Ruler
7) Heaven Again