He's from Manchester Jamaica, he started playing banjo shortly thereafter switching to guitar and as a teenager Monty Alexander played in his group? Who is he? Give up? His name is Ernest Ranglin.
A little Jazz Bob Marley style, mon! This man is fabulous and proves it on the guitar. Ernests' brand new CD out on the Telarc Label is called Gotcha! ...and one listen to him and sure enough he's Gotcha!
Together with Ernest on sax is the great Antonio Hart, the master of the 88's Warren Bernhardt, bassist Anthony Jackson and on percussion Errol "Crusher" Bennett along with Gary Mayone on keyboards and Steve Jordan on the drums they all go a grand job on this release.
Track one is entitled Soulful Moments and features Ernest Ranglin strumming the guitar and putting a whole lot of soul into it. A medium paced groove that is sure to send you to the isle of Jamaica. This tune also includes the mellow sound of Antonio Hart. He's sure to touch the Soulful Moments of your heart.
Track three is called The Bubbler and has a great ska beat to it and Ernest plays the guitar in a sort of Wes Montgomery styling. Putting a whole lot of feeling into the sax is Mr. Antonio Hart being followed up by Ernest in all his strumming glory. If you are into the beat of ska with a Jazz taste you will dig this one.
The pure sound of Ernest Ranglin makes me want to go to Jamaica and taste what the isle has to offer. IE: Codfish, Curry Goat, Coconut Water and Boiled Banana it all sounds good to me along with listening to the great sounds of Mr. Ranglin.
Track five is entitled Way Back When, a reggae Jazz type thing that will have you bobbing your head to the beat. Gary Mayone gets a chance to branch out on this one and give that keyboard a little workout.
Track six is Thinking Of You and Antonio Hart and Gary Mayone are featured in this piece. A slow melodic tune that reminds me of you and being with you. The wonderful smell of that fabulous perfume you wear and the soft touch of your hand.
Track nine is the title of the C.D. Gotcha! and with one listen you know why this release is named as such. This tune really swings with a reggae beat and will take you to the isle of Jamaica, mon. That wonderful sound of Antonio Hart is simply breath taking and he does a fantastic job, second to none, blowing that sax. Ernest, oh Ernest what can we say about a man that really knows his way around and all through a guitar. Strum on, my brother!
There are all sorts of things to do in Jamaica from golfing to scuba diving to horse riding and listening to the great music of Ernest Ranglin and Gotcha!