“Many Roots” by Ernest Ranglin

If one were to pull out various records throughout the history of Ska, Reggae and Jamaican music, the name Ernest Ranglin would be found on many of the liner notes. From his pioneering work with Island Records and Studio One, to his compositions on the soundtrack for Dr. No, to his time with the Skatelites, Monty Alexander, and Bob Marley, guitarist and composer Ernest Ranglin is a legendary figure in Jamaican music.

The same could be said of Nigerian drummer Tony Allen, who’s drumming and musical direction helped catapult Fela Kuti to international acclaim. When you combine the two, you have music that sways between Africa and Jamaica, music that is warm and uplifting.     
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Modern Answers To Old Problems was released on Telarc in 2000 and is a wonderful record showcasing the talents of both of these fine musicians. It’s a cocktail fusion of jazz, Afro Beat, Reggae and Ska. “Many Roots” is the fourth track, written by vocalist Sylvia Tella and Tony Allen, and features Allen’s playfully funky drumming smothered in Tella’s delightful voice.
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I think Ernest Ranglin and Tony Allen are two of the greatest underrated musicians of their generation. They are behind some fantastic music and although not as popular in the United States as other “pop heroes” for their perspective instruments, they both make my top 20 list.