Released soon after Bob Marley‘s death, Red seemed a tailor-made pitch for Black Uhuru as reggae‘s next global superstars.
Here was roots consciousness with an eye on the digital future, thanks to the rhythm power of producers Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare, dealing in Rasta devotion but with a scope way beyond Jamaica. In the executive producer’s chair sat Marley’s patron, Chris Blackwell.
Crucially, Black Uhuru had real songwriting muscle. “The youth of Brixton they put down their 45 Smith & Wesson pistol” sang Michael Rose, the group’s firebrand, backed by Sandra ‘Puma’ Jones and Derrick ‘Duckie’ Simpson.
With palpable vocal chemistry and mesmeric arrangements, Red marked the end of roots reggae’s heyday before the digital tide swept it all away.
Puma (Sandra Jones) died on 28 January 1990.
Derrick ‘Duckie’ Simpson
Vocals
Don Carlos (Euvin Spencer)
Vocals
Rudolph ‘Garth’ Dennis
Vocals
Michael Rose
Vocals
Errol Nelson
Vocals
Sandra ‘Puma’ Jones
Vocals
Rad Bryan
Guitar
Dougie Bryan
Guitar
Keith Sterling
Organ
Winston Wright
Organ
Robbie Shakespeare
Bass
Sly Dunbar
Drums
Errol Ranchen McLean
Organ
Barry Reynolds
Guitar
Mikey Chung
Guitar
Uzziah Sticky Thompson
Percussion
Robert Lyn
Percussion
Ansel Collins
Keyboards
Sky Juice
Percussion
Junio Reid
Vocals
Olafunke (Janet Reid)
Vocals
