JOHNNY CLARKE
Don't Trouble Trouble
Johnny In The Echo Chamber

(Attack/Trojan)

This originally ran in the St. Louis Post Dispatch in 1994.

"Don't Trouble Trouble" along with its companion dub CD, "Johnny In The Echo Chamber," showcase Johnny Clarke at the peak of his career in the mid-70's.

"Don't Trouble Trouble" contains 14 tracks, with half of them outstanding singles from 1975 and 1976. During this period, Clarke was one of the most popular artists in Jamaica. The songs on this disc give a glimpse of his greatness as they display his smooth vocal style while the raw, rootsy production of Bunny "Striker" Lee remains timeless.

The backing band on all cuts is the Aggrovators, consisting at the time of such outstanding musicians as "Chinna" Smith, "Santa" Davis, Robbie Shakespeare and "Family Man" Barrett.

"Johnny In The Echo Chamber" takes the same songs in identical order and gives each a dub overhaul, courtesy of the late King Tubby (the final track is mixed by Prince Jammy). Tubby, through his electronic wizardry, transforms the original rhythms into interesting and psychedelic mixes, sounding very much like the title proclaims.

Johnny Clarke still records periodically, but his mid-70's output ranks as his best. If you're unfamiliar with this unheralded Jamaican vocalist, check out these re-issues. Together, they'll provide you with 90 minutes of crucial, authentic reggae.






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