With Mary Ann Hobbs gushing relentlessly about the mavericks of the new dub step scene in the south and Glaswegian disciples of Jah, Mungo’s Hi Fi, finding favour further afield for the platters on their Scotch Bonnet label, not to mention Fat Freddys Drop taking the UK by storm, there seems to be a whole new wave of appreciation for reggae music happening right now. On another level, you could well identify something of a ska ‘revival’ brewing amidst the monotone morass of indie-kid scenesters. Where there’s a monotone dress sense, a two-tone sense of style is surely right round the corner, and the run of recent comeback gigs by the likes of British ska pioneers The Specials or local stalwarts Bombskare offers new hipsters and original fans somewhere to pogo. But, I digress...
Southwest English producer Glyn ‘Bigga’ Bush has been trammelling at the edges of a seam marked ‘bass’ for nigh on fifteen years. Originally part of Rockers Hi-Fi, who stormed the fringe of the dance floor with pioneering, dub-wise excursions, Bush produced a string of remixes for artists such as Sly & Robbie, St. Etienne, Ella Fitzgerald, Richard Dorfmeister's Tosca project and Dawn Penn. He went solo as Lightning Head, with Studio Don (Best Seven), in 2002, and then released his Biggabush debut, Biggabush Free (Stereo Deluxe), two years later, with an ace mix album, Sound Sensation (Stereo Deluxe), following last year.
Deep, subtle and drifting along at the same, comfortable rate as your pulse, Biggabush In Dub may well lull you into a profound reverie. But that’s not to say this is some sleepy, ambient drone. The basslines and riddims this man manufactures will have you skanking round your living room as much as lapping up bright rays on a sunny day. It exhibits the broadest appreciation of dub styles, with a nod to the deep tech workouts of Berlin maestros Rhythm & Sound, sumptuous acoustic elements and even an eastern motif seeping into the mix. Bar a golden-tonsilled moment by Johnny Osbourne on the re-work of the old Rockers Hi-Fi hit, Push Push (recently re-released with remixes by M.A.N.D.Y. among others, electro-house fans!), Biggabush leaves the only full vocal to drop at the very end, delivering a choice re-rub of Bob Marley’s Jammin’ to close the album. More full songs would be welcome. But, Biggabush In Dub is still perfect for chilling.
N.B. This album is exclusively available from www.biggabush.co.uk
