Artist: Augustus Pablo Album: East of the River Nile

Year: 1987
Duration: 1:03:47

Augustus Pablo's East of the River Nile: A Masterpiece of Innovative Reggae Music

History has shown that music has the power to unite people from different backgrounds and cultures. Reggae music is one such genre that has captivated audiences around the world. Augustus Pablo, the Jamaican music artist and producer, left a lasting impact on the reggae music scene with his innovative sound. In this post, we delve into the specifics of his exceptional 1977 album, East of the River Nile, examining the music, lyrics, and overall significance in the music industry.
Augustus Pablo's East of the River Nile defined the music genre with its imaginative use of the melodica and other instruments, and its out-of-the-box approach to reggae music. Pablo's music captures the essence of traditional reggae while incorporating his own unique style. East of the River Nile is known for its blend of classical, African, and jazz music that celebrates Jamaica's rich and diverse soundscape.
The album features several standout tracks, including the title track East of the River Nile, which showcases the lush instrumentation of echoing horns and refrains of creative drumming. Chant to King Selassie I is another favorite from the album, an almost hypnotic ode to the Ethiopian emperor. Jah Light continues with a spiritual theme, with soft instrumentation and soothing echoes of melodica that transport the listener into a peaceful state of relaxation.
The highlight of East of the River Nile is undoubtedly Augustus Pablo's use of the melodica, a small keyboard instrument that produces a sweet, mellow sound akin to a harmonica. Pablo masterfully incorporates the melodica into various tracks, bringing an unusual and seraphic sound to the reggae rock rhythm. His improvisational style and innovative instrumentation set the album apart and helped to inspire future generations of musicians.
Critics of East of the River Nile point to the fact that the album is primarily instrumental, which may not appeal to everyone. However, Pablo's creative compositions make up for any lack of lyrics, as his music speaks for itself. Some also argue that the album may not be considered authentic reggae music due to its incorporation of other musical genres. However, this fusion of different styles is what makes East of the River Nile unique and ahead of its time.
Augustus Pablo's East of the River Nile is a legendary album that paved the way for a new era of reggae music. By adding classical, African, and jazz elements to his compositions, he revolutionized the music genre and set himself apart as an innovator in the industry. Although East of the River Nile may not be for everyone, its creative and experimental sound deserves recognition and appreciation. It stands the test of time, and its influence can still be heard in modern music today. We can only hope that future music artists will follow in Augustus Pablo’s footsteps and continue to push boundaries within the reggae genre.