Banzani / Jack Ruby productions

[Jonti]

The only Jack Ruby LP in my collection is this one...

[cover=5057,558]

...but I was watching Deep Roots Music earlier today and that reminded me I need some more Jack Ruby productions. What are your recommendations?

One title not listed on R-A is this 1989 album by Donovan: http://www.discogs.com/release/599937 Is this any good? And was it the last thing Jack Ruby produced?

[6anbatte]

Absolute must-haves;

[cover=931,1076][cover=2745,3167][cover=451,557]

Not sure if "Banzani" was the last or if it was **["Ivory Towers"](http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ivory-Towers-Ea ... 019&sr=1-9)** by Earth Messengers. If "Ivory Towers" is anything to go by it should be avoided at all costs. Very, very poor album.

[Jonti]

Nice, I was wondering about those compilations. Seems the dub version is easier to find, though...

Re: later stuff, did Jack just lose his touch or what? He didn't go down the digital route, did he?

[6anbatte]

"Ivory Towers" isn't digital, but it has a very different feel and sound to earlier works. Definitely my most disappointing purchase ever. I find it unlistenable. Then again maybe it's just my taste.

[6anbatte]

Jonti

Just found some positive comments about "Banzani" on a previous RA thread - http://www.roots-archives.com/forum/rea ... #msg-44069

[Rootsman]

If you looking for Jack Ruby productions too

this is a must

[cover=2070,2442]

Also his Burning Spear productions which I assume you are already aware of, are excellent.

Dubwise, this is worth looking out for

[cover=6824,4615]

Although this is his sound rather than production.

[ton1]

I think I still have the Banzani LP but don't know where and as far as I remember there is one (maybe 2) good tune but nothing crucial.

[jahadambom]

I have a copy available, it does have a few nice cuts for sure. Kind of trippy how they put the Roots & Culture songs on one side, and the Lovers Rock stuff on the Flip side. The Title song is pretty tough though...
"Banzani!!..I am my own soldier, not bowing down to satan's order...!!!" (something like that)
Nice roots considering it came from the late 80's..not exActly the best year for Roots music.
aDam

[mexicojah]

I believe there is a 12'' by The Enchanters "Live Upright" produces by Jack Ruby, am I correct?

[OrthodoxReuBen (silver)]

Considering that Jack Ruby is one of the greatest, it is interesting that some of the later artists he worked with (Donavan Bonzani & Foundation) didn't put out the strongest of albums..
Ive seen both Donavan & Foundation live (r.i.p. I-Paul) and their live reworkings of the Jack Ruby productions are definetly better than the studio versions..
Regardless of these later works, there was def not a drop of slackness, AND i CAN rasPECT THAT TO THE FULLEST..
lONG lIVE jACK rUBY..

myspace.com/bitwoded
myspace.com/orijahnalroots
myspace.com/blackheartwarriors