– GAUDI – Jazz Gone Dub (introduction by Don Letts)
Gaudi’s latest album Jazz Gone Dub is a masterclass in genre fusion, seamlessly blending the improvisational essence of jazz with the heavy, atmospheric grooves of dub.
Known for his eclectic approach to music production, Gaudi pushes the boundaries yet again, creating a sonic landscape that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly innovative.
It took 4 years to produce, compose, perform, record, mix and dub this instrumental album, which features an impressive line-up of musicians, each bringing their own unique flair to the project, including David Hinds of Steel Pulse, Jah Wobble, Ernest Ranglin and the legendary rhythm duo Sly & Robbie.
From the opening track, it’s clear that Jazz Gone Dub is more than just a mashup of styles—it’s a thoughtful exploration of the intersections between two rich musical traditions.
Gaudi’s multi-instrumental talents are on full display here, his deft handling of the piano, Hammond organ, Glockenspiel, Fender Rhodes and the Taisho Japanese harp creates a lush, textured backdrop that allows the guest artists to shine without ever overshadowing the cohesive vibe of the album.
The presence of reggae royalty is palpable, David Hinds’ guitar work injects a rootsy, melodic warmth into tracks like Bach @ Liszt (Bucket List) and Fragile Hands, while Jah Wobble’s iconic bass groove creates a meditative pulse on the cuts Cool Jazztice, Tokyo Subterfuge and again on Fragile Hands.
The sonic contribution by Ernest Ranglin, whose jazz guitar stylings are legendary, is standout, on Susceptible his intricate guitar lines weave effortlessly through Gaudi’s swirling organ riffs, against a rhythm provided by Jamaica’s riddim twins Sly & Robbie. All of which goes some way to creating a hypnotic interplay that’s both complex and seriously groovy, this is a total revisitation of ‘Ernie’s Dub’, track from the album Havana Meets Kingston In Dub by Gaudi & Savona, released in 2023 via VPAL Music.
Colin Edwin of Porcupine Tree also makes his presence felt with some serious bass on Deflated and Discombobulated.
Bringing a touch of the avant-garde with their piano and guitar stylings come Sam Bergliter and Henri Defoe of African Head Charge (band which Gaudi is also part of and often touring with), who adds some unexpected twists to the album’s sonic narrative.
Horseman’s dynamic drumming adds an extra layer of energy and spontaneity on Dub Lu and a few more tracks, which with his percussive flair is complementing Gaudi’s ethereal melodies.
Their contributions, alongside that of Tim Hutton’s brass work on cuts like Cool Jazztice and Gavin Tate-Lovery’s sax and flute on pretty much every track including H.E.L.P (Happy Elephants Love Pistachio) add a bright, punchy layer to the dub-heavy mixes, while bringing a sultry, late-night jazz club feel to the tracks.
All of which goes some way to creating a rhythmic foundation that’s both solid and fluid, allowing the jazz elements to float freely above the dub undercurrents, this balance is where Jazz Gone Dub truly excels—it respects the core tenets of both genres while finding innovative ways to merge them.
Despite this star-studded line-up, Gaudi remains the glue that holds this gem together, his production is meticulous yet organic, allowing each track to breathe and evolve naturally.
The use of space, delays and reverb—a hallmark of dub music—is expertly handled, giving the album a dreamy, immersive quality. Tracks like Susceptible and Alabaster Moon showcase Gaudi’s ability to create mood and atmosphere without sacrificing melodic and rhythmic complexity.
In Jazz Gone Dub Gaudi has crafted an album that feels both timeless and forward-thinking, a celebration of musical synergy where the free-spirited improvisation of jazz meets the deep, resonant grooves of dub.
Whether you’re a fan of either genre or simply appreciate masterful musicianship and innovative production, this album is a must-listen.
It’s not just a fusion—it’s a conversation between two musical worlds, and Gaudi is the eloquent mediator guiding us through.
Don Letts
GAUDI – Jazz Gone Dub available worldwide on all digital and streaming platforms: https://vpalmusic.ffm.to/jazzgonedub
Purchase CD & Vinyl at www.vpreggae.com
