Dub-soaked Reinterpretations
Revered producer and musical maverick Dennis Bovell, also known as Blackbeard, has dropped a fresh double LP titled Wise Music In Dub with a gatefold sleeve. For this sonic expedition, Bovell brought together a top-tier ensemble of musicians and vocalists. Among the players of instruments are drummer Perry Melius (Aswad, African Headcharge), Soothsayer saxophonist Idris Rahman and trumpeter Robin Hopcraft, steel pan player Dougie “Swizz The Panist” Dallaway, guitarists John Kpiaye and Ian Alleyne, and, of course, Dennis Bovell himself on bass, keyboard and percussion. The album spans eleven dub-soaked reinterpretations of familiar tracks from a wide variety of genres, each reimagined with Bovell’s signature touch: expansive, atmospheric, and rhythmically rich.
Side A
The first side of Wise Music In Dub sets the tone with Train to dUbville, a magnetic reinterpretation of The Ethiopians’ 1967 song Train To Skaville. That classic tune once helped propel the group onto the global stage, even landing them their first UK tour in 1968. From there, we drift into dUb Season, a nostalgic yet novel spin on Time Of The Season by British rock band The Zombies. Bovell’s dub treatment brings a new pulse to the ‘60s classic, nodding to the original while leading it down hazier, echo-laden pathways. Closing out Side A is Dutchie dUb, a fresh twist on Musical Youth’s Pass The Dutchie. This version pulses with island warmth, thanks in large part to Dougie “Swizz The Panist” Dallaway’s shimmering steel pan melodies.
Side B
Flip the record, and Wise Music In Dub continues its journey with a blissed-out version of We Belong Together, originally released by Ritchie Valens in 1955. Dennis Bovell infuses it with deep echoes and rhythm, transforming the doo-wop classic into a mesmerising dubscape. Next up, the first guest vocalist steps into the spotlight: Papa Dee lends his distinctive voice to a lovingly reimagined rendition of Don’t Stay Out Late, the charming 1962 ballad by Lord Creator. The fusion of timeless lyrics and modern dub textures makes it a standout moment. Winston Francis then brings warmth and gravitas to My Heart Is Gone, a Studio One gem originally voiced by John Holt in 1970. With Bovell’s lush dub arrangement beneath him, Francis delivers a performance that’s both nostalgic and refreshing.
Side C
Kicking off the second disc, reggae luminary Brinsley Forde steps up to the mic for a new version of Black and White. The song traces its roots back to folk icon Pete Seeger, but it gained widespread fame through Three Dog Night’s punchy 1972 pop rendition. Forde’s vocals, layered over Bovell’s immersive dubscape, bring a fresh sense of soul and purpose to this historically charged anthem. Then comes dUb hEaD, an electrifying reinterpretation of Argent’s 1971 rock classic Hold Your Head Up. Bovell takes the original’s soaring energy and channels it through a vortex of echo, bass, and dub dynamism, resulting in a version worth hearing.
Side D
The final side opens with Leee John’s elegant rendition of You’re A Big Girl Now, originally performed by The Stylistics. John’s rich vocals paired with Bovell’s atmospheric production turn the soulful ballad into a meditative dub experience. Next, Carroll Thompson takes the spotlight with a luminous version of Minnie Riperton’s Les Fleurs. Her vocals glide effortlessly over layers of echo and bass, breathing renewed vitality into this cherished classic. To close the album, dUb Delight casts a romantic glow with a dub reimagining of Winston Reedy’s Dim The Light. Once again, Dougie “Swizz The Panist” Dallaway’s steel pan artistry shines, adding a melodic sparkle that lingers long after the final notes fade.
Conclusion
Wise Music In Dub defies the conventions of a traditional dub album. Rather than sticking strictly to instrumental or classic dub formulas, each track strikes a unique balance, blending vocal performances with spacious, rhythmic reinterpretations. It’s an exploration of dub as a mood, a method, and a conversation between genres.