Rebel Rock

Founded by legendary producer Adrian Sherwood in the mid-‘90s, the Pressure Sounds label embraces a wide range of styles from throughout reggae’s history. Pressure Sounds has always demonstrated a particular affinity for the relentlessly experimental roots styles that flourished among Jamaican expatriates in London in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. The Third World All Stars’ Rebel Rock hails from this fertile period. It's a remarkable instrumental set recorded in London by a group of top Jamaican session men, led by trombonist Rico Rodriguez. Many of these rhythms were later voiced by Errol Dunkley, but as instrumentals they're notable for their mellow roots atmospheres and lush instrumental textures that prefigure the rise of lovers' rock. Rodriguez—who studied under Skatalite and master trombonist Don Drummond during the ‘60s—is in particularly fine form here. He graces tunes like “Soothing in the Mind” with achingly soulful lead lines that blend the technical virtuosity of his ska-era performances with a newfound sense of restraint, making Rebel Rock one of the finest instrumental roots LPs of its era.