Good Music: Black Dub
Monday, November 8, 2010 at 10:55AM 
Daniel Lanois is a man who just doesn't quit. I remember watching him perform, a few years back, on the Canadian Juno Awards. Not even halfway into his song, his guitar amp failed. He quickly brought his guitar up just under his chin as he sang, tilting his head back between phrases so the mic could pick it up. He didn't miss a single note. Now, just a year shy of his 60th birthday and a mere 5 months after a motorcycle accident nearly took his life, the multiple Grammy award-winning producer & singer-songwriter proudly debuts the first album from his fresh-faced new collective, Black Dub.
Black Dub joins Lanois and long-time studio compatriots Brian Blade (drums) and Darryl Johnson (bass) with vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Trixie Whitely to create a hypnotic, intoxicating blend of reggae, blues, and soul. Their eponymous debut, released Nov 2, was largely recorded live off the floor in single takes. Blade and Johnson, possessing a chemistry forged through years of collaboration, lay down a sinuous rhythmic backbone for Lanois' masterful guitars, and spreads of soulful keys, while Whitely's blues-tinged croons and wails, ably supported by Lanois and Johnson, provide a raw, rich finish, every note dripping with soul. From the explicit dub of their lead single, "I Believe In You", through the slow-burn of "Surely", to the frantic ambience and three-way vocals of "Ring The Alarm", this is heady stuff - a sonic gumbo just made for headphones.
Do yourself a favour and have a taste.
Share Article David Shepherd, Music 
Reader Comments (4)
Blown. Away. Thank you, David.
You're welcome. Always happy to share the goodness. :)
Hi David
I love this recording and will always love everything Danny does. Brenda and I saw them live in NYC at the Bowery Ball Room back in Feb. of this year. It blew our minds. So we have been eager for the album to be released.
Have you checked Le Noise?
The film and short film of Danny talking about Neil's tunes are from the same beautiful home/studio.
I'm sure no coincedence ............ Brian Eno released a new album the same day!
All The Best
Jamie
Delicious...I'm hungry for more :-).
Thanks, David - I would have completely missed this release if not for you.