Sunday, June 9, 2013

Sly & Robbie Present Stepper Takes The Taxi

This looks awesome.


Sly & Robbie, who are two of the most important people in the history of reggae music, continue to deliver some stellar foundations-this time with French saxophonist Guillaume Briard aka 'Stepper.' Definately an old-school dub and classy riddims from the vibe on the teaser below. 

Here's the poop for the upcoming U.S. release:


French saxophone player Guillaume Briard, aka Stepper, has worked with a veritable who's who in the Jamaican music industry. His main business today is however being an official member of acclaimed Jamaican riddim duo Sly & Robbie's band the Taxi Gang.The riddim twins have now opened their music vaults (jam-packed with immortal riddims and backing tracks) for him to record over for his own debut album 'Stepper Takes the Taxi', a set also including a number of brand new riddims.

Stepper has chosen his riddims with gentle care. They're bubbling, bouncy and lively and exquisitely mixed by French mixing engineer Fabwise. Stepper blows his saxophone tenderly and creates beautiful melodies over the sometimes haunting backing tracks. There are too few instrumental albums released these days, which makes this effort a welcome addition to a sometimes overlooked and forgotten part of reggae music.


Stepper's story begins in Paris during the 80's, when the young Guillaume hones his skills at several instruments with various formations. During a trip to Jamaica where he gets his nickname, he meets some of the artists he will tour and record with. Sly & Robbie opened their vaults for Stepper, who picked and chose classic riddims and brand new Jamaican sessions for this debut album. Prestigious musicians joined Stepper on this album mixed by Fabwise, the rising star of dubmasters.




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