Message Music - Augustus Pablo's Digital Productions 1986-1994

The early instrumentals that legendary musician Augustus Pablo cut for Herman "Chin" Loy’s Aquarius label were at least partially responsible for the proliferation of instrumental versions of reggae hits in the early ‘70s and presaged the rise of dub. Later in the decade, he collaborated with King Tubby to produce a series of dub records that rank as some of the era's most compelling. In the light of the towering reputation of his ‘70s work, Pablo’s subsequent productions have been undervalued, a situation at least partially redressed by Message Music: Augustus Pablo’s Digital Productions. Message Music collects 16 outstanding sides cut by Pablo in the mid-‘80s and early ‘90s. The set opens with “A Java Instrumental": a hard-hitting, drum machine–saturated reworking of one of Pablo’s earliest instrumental hits. Its blend of languid roots tempos and digital textures sets the sonic template for the rest of the album. Message Music should be a revelation to listeners familiar only with Pablo’s roots-era productions.