If its a fusion of sounds and a melting pot of experimental beats, rhythms and flavours you are looking for, this dish may just satiate your pallet! Taken from an album that was released in 1974, Sabasi was the glorious kaleidoscopic brainchild of a band called The Light of Saba.
Originally named The Divine Light, the band changed their name to The Light Of Saba at about the same time as the release of their self-titled debut album – this being in 1974. A Jamaican outfit, reggae was a pivot from which an array of styles would be generated…and what an interesting mix The Light of Saba created!!
Hailing from Jamaica, the band consisted of trombonist/producer Calvin “Bubbles” Cameron (who also ran the Uhuru label), saxophonist/composer/arranger Cedric “Im” Brooks (known for his fusions of reggae and jazz), saxophonist Dean Fraser, Michael Ashley, vocalist/bass player Michael Robers and Jamaican reggae/soul singer-songwriter/producer Phillip Whyte. Together they created three studio albums and a handful of 45’s throughout the early-to-mid 1970’s!
Cedric IM Brooks was the one that actually formed the band in the late ’60s after a brief stay in Philadelphia. During his time there, Brooks mastered his Caribbean jazz style and eventually encountered Sun Ra, whose complex mix of classic big band, avant-garde jazz and Egyptology resonated with the exploratory sax player! He was also greatly inspired by Fela Kuti, Hugh Masekela and the music traditions (both rural nyahbinghi and urban reggae) of his Jamaican homeland – for which you can definitely hear in his music! Rhythm also played a major part in steering his sound – and that definitely resonates with me!
Sabasi is a perfect encapsulation of these influences, demonstrating a gorgeous blend of jazz, Latin tinges and lashings of hypnotic rhythms – led by sensational African percussion! It’s a beauty!!Check it out above
thelisteningpostblog.wordpress.com 
You must be logged in to post a comment.