One of the best of
Mad Professor's many
Dub Me Crazy releases,
The African Connection spotlights the engineer's bubbly and spacious dub conception. Foregoing the denser, more claustrophobic sound of pioneers like
King Tubby and
Augustus Pablo, this successful English producer (by way of Guyana) fills each track with an ongoing parade of vocals, brass, reeds, percussion, and synthesizers. Even though many dub techniques are used - echo, flanger effects, etc. -
Mad Professor (born
Neil Fraser) produces a more hyperactive and funky sound than heard on
Tubby's methodical sound deconstructions; the Jamaican influence in
Fraser's work probably stems more from the slicker and sound effects-riddled style of
Tubby protégés
Scientist and
Prince Jammy. Highlights include the rockers' cut "Bengali Skank," the alto saxophone vehicle "Natural Vegetation," and the trombone-in-dub side "Lion Dance." Working with some fine tracks by his Ariwa Band (featuring the vocals of '70s Jamaican star
Johnny Clarke, among others),
Mad Professor produces a consistently enjoyable and engaging dub set. Highly recommended. ~ Stephen Cook