Greg Fenton reviews Dennis Bovell & Friends: Different – The Singles Collection 1977 -1981 – Doctor Bird
Engaging with the music of Dennis Bovell is like breathing in the sound of romance. To extend the metaphor further into the embrace of music translated as ripples of deep emotion. There’s something unique about the tone and timbre of the music produced by the artist between the years forming this compilation 1977 – 1981. Lost to its timeframe yet fully resonating with today as you reencounter something sweet from the past. Yet turn it up and the music is a force of nature compacted by searing drums, bass and the echo of defiant reality.
While voices sing their respective dub versions are superlative. Experience the dancing basslines of Right Choice or soak up the lilting melodies of Marie Pierre’s Walk Away amongst the many gems on the first disc. Opening the second is a surprisingly brilliant version of Take Five, an achievement considering the potency of the original, which works wonderfully. Then there is Portrait Of You (12″ mix) by Gladwin Wright diving for pearls in the space of headphone moments.
Expanding the temptation is Dennis Bovell’s intensely funky Foul Play hitting you head-on via a cascading rush of guitars, keys and heavily effected drums primed to full effectiveness. The cool breeze of harmonica charges the self-assured stroll of Julio Finn’s Nasty proves to be another considerable highlight. Sights and sounds are rarely qualified of this calibre, while the living nature of sound production crisscrosses history. This collection is most welcome.
Buy Dennis Bovell & Friends: Different at Cherry Red Records here
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