Track Listing

1. Surfin'
2. Reminiscing
3. Ketch It
4. Freedom Dancer
5. One Chord Stylee
6. Jah Kana
7. Ramouslin
8. Surfside
9. These Times
10. Dancing Mood II
11. Nyah
12. Diamond
13. Tender Moments
14. September
15. Dance All
16. Yu Si Mi

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #182104 in Music
• Released on: 2005-06-28
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .21 pounds

Amazon.com
Septuagenarian Jamaican guitarist Ranglin has seen and done it all. A long-time big band player, he is also widely credited with having invented ska, an infectious shuffling rhythm that presaged rock-steady, reggae, ragga and practically everything that has emerged from Jamaica since. A master of smoothly melodic instrumental music, he is comfortable with large or small combos and is equally gracious whether he is acting as as a lead player or sideman. His long study of American jazz has informed his arrangements with an urban sophistication as redolent of New York City's Harlem or 52nd Street as downtown Kingston. But his sound also encompasses an endearing squareness, a mainstream 60s soundtrack vibe that narrowly misses becoming a more evolved species of elevator music. The album recalls festive Island holidays of yore, when pastel-clad tourists enjoyed long rum drinks and a water view while dancing all night to the world's best hotel band. With Bo Pee on rhythm guitar and Robbie Lyn on keyboards. --Christina Roden

Customer Reviews

Ranglin is groovy.
By far one of the fastest and most accurate guitar players whose presence has graced about a thousand classic calypso,ska and reggae l.ps from way back in the 50s.. I heard him first on a Monty Alexander record called "Jamento" (1977) It's still available on CD and is the ultimate showcase for Ernest's talent. His speed and dexterity will stun you.
Here he sticks to traditional rock steady grooves and the result is wonderful.
Ernest Ranglin is almost a Jamaican version of Joe Pass.

great guitar jazz with a reggae influence
While I'm a hardcore classic jazz fan, I can't help but to take interest in Ernest Ranglin. His reggae guitar playing mixed with jazz makes for a good time. There are some great songs on this album, and it will definitely grow on you. The best track on here in my opinion is "Ketch It."

Nice to be introduced to Mr. Ranglin!!
Well, for me this was an introduction to Ernest Ranglin's music. I first heard the cut "Nyah" on satellite radio, and felt I had to know more. I soon copped this album, and was not disappointed. The majority of the mixes are found to be pleasant, and stays in fine tune with calypso and island jazz. I was an immediate fan from the first track, and started searching for more albums. Unfortunately, I found it hard to find Ernest's other albums in the local stores other than Surfin', but the music is worth checking for. For one who enjoys this style, I recommend Ernest's version of Bob Marley tunes as well. A legend I regret finding so late.