Sly Dunbar, the legendary reggae drummer, passed away at the age of 73, leaving behind a profound legacy that has shaped the sound of modern music. With a career spanning decades, Dunbar, alongside his partner Robbie Shakespeare, crafted some of the most iconic tracks in reggae history. This tribute revisits ten of his most influential recordings, showcasing both his unique style and the diverse array of artists he collaborated with.
The Early Years: A Star is Born
Dunbar’s musical journey began impressively with his appearance on “Double Barrel,” a track from 1970 by Dave and Ansel Collins. This reggae anthem, which soared to the top of the UK charts, marked a sensational debut for a teenaged drummer. Despite the limited airplay on British radio, “Double Barrel” sold an impressive 300,000 copies, setting the stage for Dunbar’s future success.
Defining Reggae: Collaborations with The Mighty Diamonds and Junior Murvin
In 1976, Dunbar’s work on The Mighty Diamonds’ debut album “Right Time” helped propel the duo to fame, particularly with the title track showcasing a complex rhythm that departed from traditional reggae styles. Dunbar himself noted that his innovative approach was initially met with skepticism from fellow drummers, who assumed his beats were the result of studio trickery.
That same year, he lent his talents to Junior Murvin on the hauntingly beautiful “Police and Thieves.” Here, Dunbar’s intricate fills provided a strong backbone to Murvin’s falsetto, creating a sound that shimmered with echo and emotion. His contributions also extended to Bob Marley’s “Punky Reggae Party,” further solidifying his status in the reggae world.
Roots and Beyond: The Power of Culture and Grace Jones
Sly Dunbar’s drumming was instrumental in the creation of Culture’s “Two Sevens Clash,” regarded as one of the greatest roots reggae albums ever released. The title track, with its prophetic lyrics and impassioned delivery, showcases Dunbar’s ability to elevate a song’s emotional impact through rhythm.
Dunbar’s versatility shone through in his collaborations with Grace Jones, particularly on “Pull Up to the Bumper.” This track melds elements of dub, disco, and post-punk, demonstrating a unique sound that defied categorisation. Dunbar’s drumming, characterised by its martial snare bursts and infectious groove, remains a highlight of the track, perfectly complementing Jones’ distinct vocal style.
An Eclectic Discography: Collaborating with Legends
Sly Dunbar’s adaptability as a session musician allowed him to work with a diverse range of artists, including the legendary Bob Dylan. On “Jokerman,” from Dylan’s 1983 album “Infidels,” Dunbar infused the song with a Jamaican spirit, showcasing his ability to seamlessly blend genres.
His influence extended into the 1980s with Gwen Guthrie’s hit “Padlock,” where Dunbar’s unassuming yet deeply funky drumming was brought to the forefront through Larry Levan’s remixes. The title track exemplified Dunbar’s knack for creating rhythms that entranced listeners.
In the late 1980s, Sly and Robbie achieved mainstream success with their track “Boops (Here to Go),” which featured a laid-back rap from Shinehead. This catchy tune demonstrated their innovative style, incorporating elements from classical music while remaining firmly rooted in reggae’s rhythmic foundations.
The Dancehall Revolution: Sly and Robbie with Chaka Demus and Pliers
As the dancehall genre began to gain traction in the early 1990s, Dunbar and Shakespeare joined forces with Chaka Demus and Pliers on the album “Tease Me.” This collaboration yielded five UK Top 20 singles, showcasing their ability to blend reggae with pop sensibilities while experimenting with unique rhythms. Tracks like “Bam Bam” and “Murder She Wrote” featured distinctive beats influenced by Indian tabla playing, further expanding the reach of reggae music.
Why it Matters
Sly Dunbar’s passing marks the end of an era, yet his musical legacy will undoubtedly continue to resonate across generations. His innovative drumming and collaborative spirit not only redefined reggae but also left an indelible mark on a multitude of genres. As we reflect on his contributions, it is clear that Dunbar’s artistry transcended borders, inspiring countless musicians and listeners alike. His legacy is a testament to the power of rhythm, creativity, and the universal language of music.
