Rainford, Lee "Scratch" Perry's 2019 full-length co-produced by Adrian Sherwood, found the Jamaican legend as playful and mystical as ever, and was easily one of his most well-received 21st century releases. Heavy Rain is the album's dub companion, and it pushes the original's sound to the furthest limits while maintaining its character and enlightening spirit. Here, more of a spotlight is shone on the backing players and guest musicians, including the woozy horns of Dave Fulwood, Richard Doswell, Chris Petter, and guest ...
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Rainford, Lee "Scratch" Perry's 2019 full-length co-produced by Adrian Sherwood, found the Jamaican legend as playful and mystical as ever, and was easily one of his most well-received 21st century releases. Heavy Rain is the album's dub companion, and it pushes the original's sound to the furthest limits while maintaining its character and enlightening spirit. Here, more of a spotlight is shone on the backing players and guest musicians, including the woozy horns of Dave Fulwood, Richard Doswell, Chris Petter, and guest trombonist Vin Gordon, as well as Gaudi's keyboards and melodica. Rainford highlight "Makumba Rock" is further warped by Brian Eno (in the right channel) and transformed into, what else, "Here Come the Warm Dreads." Gaudi's stylophone and whooshing, bubbling keyboards transport "Mind Worker" into deep space, as Perry rises out of the ether as a spiritual guide, declaring himself a soldier and a soul collector. "Crickets in Moonlight" and "Space Craft" take two of Rainford's sludgiest, trippiest cuts and mutate them further, with all the dub trickery helping to elevate the feel-good vibes. Two songs are entirely new compositions rather than versions of Rainford tracks. "Dreams Come True" is sweet and mellow, with encouraging lyrics as well as a lighthearted non sequitur about Mick Jagger, while "Above and Beyond" is a stirring duet between Samy Bishai's cascading violin and Paul Booth's harmonious saxophone. More than just a remix album, Heavy Rain stands out on its own merit, demonstrating that Perry's inspiration and creative drive haven't dulled in his advanced age. ~ Paul Simpson, Rovi
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