Easy

by Gregory Isaacs

Overview

Ah, yes, those halcyon early days of embryonic ragga; Sly & Robbie, "Under Me Sleng Teng," and those rhythms that fueled dancehall hits over and over (and over) again. But why stop there, when with the push of a button you can reinvigorate veteran vocalists via this hip new style. It's easy. And Gregory Isaacs, like many other established singers, was keen to have a go, entering the studio with every notable producer of the age. Tad and Peter Dawkins, unlike most of the ragga producers of the time, had more of an interest in the synthesizer as a musical instrument, rather than as a percussive tool. So, while their beats didn't have the power of the competition, the musical arrangements tended to be far more interesting. In contrast to most of what was going on in the dancehall, Easy sounded very much like easy listening, but only because the producers had a light touch and a penchant for upbeat music. Isaacs reacted accordingly, and delivered up a set of silky performances, whose very warmth will be ever more evident in hindsight. Many of the songs are remodels of past hits, "Love Is Overdue" and "Tear Drops" included; also of note is a surprisingly original take on Jacob Miller's "Tenement Yard." All of Easy is very understated, but that's its true beauty. A charming little record, and, while not a classic by any standard, a totally enjoyable experience. ~ Jo-Ann Greene

Product Details

Release Date:	07/23/2020
Label:	Tad's Records / Vp Records
UPC:	0781976024510
Rank:	89573

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Gregory Isaacs   Primary Artist,Vocals
Sly Dunbar   Drums
Carlton "Carly" Barrett   Drums
Dean Frazer   Saxophone
Tyrone Downie   Piano
David Madden   Trumpet
Robbie Shakespeare   Bass
Rudy Thomas   Percussion
Mallory Williams   Piano
Willie Lindo   Guitar,Guitar (Rhythm)
Dwight Pinkney   Guitar,Guitar (Rhythm)
Errol "Flabba" Holt   Bass
Lloyd Parks   Bass
Wayne Hammond   Guitar (Rhythm)
Style Scott   Drums
Mikey Boo   Drums
Robbie Lynn   Synthesizer
Bungo Herman   Percussion

Technical Credits

Gregory Isaacs   Harmony,Composer
Geoffrey Chung   Engineer,Overdub Engineer
Noel Hearne   Mixing,Engineer,Overdub Engineer
Michael Riley   Overdub Engineer
Chris Mann   Remastering
Peter Dawkins   Arranger
Tad Dawkins   Producer
Dean's Crew   Harmony
Joyce a. Richards   Project Coordinator
Tajoi J. Dawkins   Liner Notes