Jackie Mittoo - (1995) Tribute To Jackie Mittoo 2xCD

 Heartbeat Records ‎– 189/190 

A fabulous collection of Jackie Mittoo's cuts for Studio One, which stuffs 31 numbers onto two superb CDs. A few reach as far back as the ska days and his time with The Skatalites, but most come from later in the decade and the dawn of reggae.

Although the set does include a lavish booklet with an excellent biography, frustratingly few of the songs are actually mentioned in the notes, and many of Mittoo's biggest hits -- "Ram Jam," "Darker Shade of Black," "Hot Milk," and "Peanie Wallie" aren't included. For trainspotters it's even more frustrating, as the compilation is a chronological jumble, no dates are given for the songs, nor are the accompanying bands (which include the aforementioned Skatalites, The Soul Brothers, the Soul Vendors, and Sound Dimension) listed.

Details, details: forget all that, and just immerse yourself in the fabulous music. Even with the notable omissions, Tribute to Jackie Mittoo is a phenomenal celebration of the artist's work, beautifully showcasing his versatility, and the myriad of styles he worked within. Delta blues, sizzling reggae riffs, lush numbers, breezy compositions, psychedelic pieces, even Nyabinghi offerings can be found within. There are instrumental versions of hits across the entire musical spectrum from "Old Man River" through contemporary British chart busters, and of course his solo takes on a myriad of Studio One classics.

Beyond the spectacular musicianship all these tracks boast, there's Mittoo's superb arrangements, a craft at which the organist excelled, as he engagingly blends musical styles together, conjuring up a myriad of atmospheres, and sometimes even seamlessly shifting moods between his own solos and the accompaniment. There are too many masterpieces here to list, amongst them a number that were recut to much effect later in the '70s including "Drum Song," "West of the Sun," and "Ghetto Organ.".