Robbie shakespeare biography video

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Critics praised its liberated, jam-oriented energy, though some noted its loose structure; AllMusic awarded it 3.5 out of 5 stars for its innovative grooves. The project was described as ambitious, with strong narratives over deep, melodic riddims, though some reviewers critiqued its vocal clarity. AllMusic awarded it 4 out of 5 stars for its bold evolution, while Album of the Year scored it 60/100 from critics.

This approach was evident in Sly & Robbie's productions, where synth bass overlays added harmonic complexity and futuristic edge to foundational grooves.^[61]At Taxi Records, Shakespeare's own studio and label, he favored effects-heavy mixing techniques for dub tracks, emphasizing reverb, delay, and echo to manipulate bass frequencies into expansive, immersive soundscapes that defined the label's output.^[28]

Discography

Sly and Robbie albums

Sly and Robbie released several albums under their duo name, blending reggae foundations with electronic, pop, and dub influences, often featuring collaborations and innovative production techniques.

✔ Low-Pass Filter: Set around 4-6kHz to remove unnecessary highs.

Bonus: If the bass clashes with the kick drum, use sidechain compression to duck the bass slightly when the kick hits.

Tip: Shakespeare’s sound was often processed with spring reverb and tape delay for a spacious, hypnotic feel.

• Send bass (sparingly) to a spring reverb for a vintage dub vibe.

• Automate dub delay throws on bass fills or slides to create movement in the mix.

📌 Example: Listen to Sly & Robbie’s instrumental dub tracks for inspiration on bass processing.

Here are three pivotal songs featuring Robbie Shakespeare that changed the sound of reggae in the 70s and 80s:

• Why It’s Pivotal: This track helped define the militant, heavyweight Roots Reggae sound of the late 70s.

  Robbie Basspeare playin’ a Robbie bass using a Markbass amp equals DEATH!

  

  This was followed by Rhythm Killers (1987), also on Island and produced by Bill Laswell, which emphasized electronic and funk elements in tracks like "Ruthless," underscoring their pioneering rhythm sections that integrated synthesizers and drum machines into reggae frameworks. The album features guest appearances from artists like Afrika Bambaataa and Bob Dylan, creating a danceable yet experimental sound that diverges from traditional reggae roots.

  These releases solidified their reputation for rhythmic innovation, earning critical acclaim for expanding reggae's sonic palette.^[33]Into the 2000s, Sly and Robbie continued evolving, maintaining their core reggae roots while exploring dub and contemporary collaborations, as seen in the Grammy-nominated Rhythm Doubles (2006) on Rootdown Records, which revisited classic riddims with fresh interpretations alongside the Taxi Gang.

  Interested? Robert Christgau noted the potent BDP raps and S&R rhythms in his consumer guide, rating it a B+. AllMusic rated it 3.5 out of 5 stars, and Album of the Year scored it 60/100 from critics, reflecting mixed but innovative reception.

  I view The Barrett brothers, Carly & Family Man from The Wailers vs Sly & Robbie as two duos that helped shape and define the sound of reggae throughout the 70s into the 80s and beyond.

  The Barrett brothers are all about lightness, syncopated rhythms with flourishes, melodic bass lines vs the militant freight train force of Sly & Robbie who pioneered and helped usher in each new iteration of reggae as it continued developing.

  This created a percussive effect, adding rhythmic complexity to his basslines.​
  

• Slides and Grace Notes: Shakespeare utilized slides and quick grace notes to embellish his lines, contributing to the fluidity and expressiveness characteristic of his style.​
  

Bass and Amplifier Setup

Shakespeare's equipment choices contributed to his distinctive sound:​

• Basses: He favored the Höfner 500/1 bass, Fender Jazz bass, Schecter eight-string bass, and PRS bass.

  Critics offered tempered praise for its guest-driven format; AllMusic assigned 3 out of 5 stars, while Album of the Year reported a 50/100 critic score. This is where the magic really happened - that militant, never-ending groove that just kept going without hesitation. These can be configured in Settings.