Roots Archives Forum

I've never taken the time to learn how to play any instruments (besides hand drums), but I'm now determined to learn to play my melodica. It's an old Hohner 26- just like Augustus Pablo's!

So what are some of everyone's favorite melodica cuts? Obviously, Pablo will be at the top of most people's lists, but what about some others? According to the RA, all these folks have played at one time...

* Alex King
* Ansel Collins
* Augustus Pablo
* Bobby Kalphat
* Clifton Bigga Morrison
* Dr. Pablo
* Harold Butler
* Hughie Issachar
* Jimmy Becker
* Joe White
* Keesy
* Michael Mitchell
* Peter Tosh
* Phillip Ramacon
* Ranking Joe
* Steve Beresford
* Tony Asher

Any other musicians out there have advice on some somewhat easy tunes to cut my teeth on? I've been trying to learn Pablo's "Java" so far. Thanks!

one that i love: pablove black - dread head (burning spear's swell headed riddim)

Check out Glen Brown and Friends - Rhythm Master Vols 1 & 2 on Hot Pot.

African Melody - Dr Pablo
Too Late - Augustus Pablo
Far East - Augustus Pablo
Cassava Piece - Augustus Pablo
Up Warikka Hill - Augustus Pablo
West Abyssinia - Augustus Pablo

"Poco Tempo" by Pablove Black

dub wiser on rising sun album by a pablo

One of my favorites melodica cuts is the Augustus Pablo version to Wayne Jarrett's "Youthman" on the flip side of the wackie's 12"...

but I guess this one you would need a lot of practicing tingjunkie... pablo does some tricky solos on that one!

Blessings,

Thanks for the suggestions guys.

So what's up with [Joe White](http://www.roots-archives.com/release/4570)? Jah Jah Dub worth tracking down? Is it rare or pretty easy to find?

NOT in the "BEST" list but some nice MELODICA tunes coming outta Japan
(where everyone learns it in school instead of the Recorder)
two groups; DUBSENSEMANIA and CULTIVATOR.

Selecta Bing,

I was going to follow your post with one of those silly "why didn't I think of that?" posts--Dubsensemania do have a great melodica sound--but then I checked to see who's playing.

Neither of the two CDs I have, Inna di Kitchen and Appearance, list a player of melodica! This just blows me away. Usually, I'm not that easily faked-out. Someone may have a good sample of a particular instrument on their keyboard, but there are riffs that are easier on keyboard than on guitar, or a wind instrument, and the reverse too. Long story short, hearing a melodica do something not usually heard on a melodica says to me that it's really a keyboard.

I get none of that listening to Dubsensemania. Don't have any Cultivator (thanks for the tip!) so I can't say there.

Either someone is playing uncredited, which I hope is the case, or the keyboardist really knows his way around other instruments.

Great sounds no matter which! I can see I'll be listening closely to them after this to try and figure it out.