Artist: Augustus Pablo Album: Blowing With the Wind

Year: 1990
Duration: 43:09

Blowing with the Wind: Augustus Pablo’s Masterpiece

Augustus Pablo is a Jamaican reggae and dub musician known for his melodica playing and unique style. His album, Blowing With The Wind, showcases both his technical skills and emotional depth in writing. This album was recorded in the mid-1970s, but it continues to influence many contemporary artists and lovers of music today. This post will provide a of the album, highlight some of its best songs, and discuss what makes it an innovative masterpiece.
As a genre, reggae has always been about unity, and this album is no different. One of the most striking things about Blowing With the Wind is its ability to bring people together. Pablo's use of several instruments – from keyboard to horns – adds layers to the music and makes it accessible to all ages and groups.
The album's opening track, Pablo's Theme, sets the tone for the entire album. The gentle rolling of the piano combined with the melodica transports the listener to a place of serenity and calm. From then on, it’s a journey of different themes from “Jah Wind” to “New Style.”
In King Tubby Meets Rockers Uptown, Pablo's unique style and technical skills are on full display. The song features a pulsating bassline that is complemented by the melodica and the instrumentation, leading to a hypnotic listening experience. The track has influenced many contemporary artists, proving its importance in shaping the dub and reggae music scene.
Another remarkable song on the album is Don't Rock My Boat, which features the vocal talents of Jacob Miller. This reggae classic is given a new dimension through the addition of melodica; Pablo skillfully infuses the instrument with a raw and soulful edge that creates a haunting effect, while still allowing the original roots and rhythm of the song to shine through.
Although Blowing With The Wind is an excellent album, it's not without criticisms. The album's production could be more focused, and there are moments when the songs lack coherence. For example, tracks like Keep on Dubbing may feel disjointed, with the lack of structure, Whereas “Jah Wind” and “New Style pretty much have a consistent flow and meaning.
Overall, Blowing With The Wind is a masterpiece that showcases the talent of Augustus Pablo. The album's unique reggae style, combined with the exceptional melodica playing, creates an album that is both soulful and haunting, making it a timeless classic. Though it has its issues, Blowing With The Wind remains a critically acclaimed musical piece, having left indelible imprints on many other musicians in the genre. It is an album worth listening to by every music lover out there.