This is one of the finest vinyl 7″ 45 rpms I own. Rockers International recently repressed it using collector’s grade vinyl and packaged it in a really nice cardboard stock sleeve imprinted with the logo and item number. The heavy duty cardboard sleeve also has a sealable flap. In terms of quality, sound, and pure aesthetics, I have not seen another 7″ collectible that compares. Pressure Sounds is pressing and selling very nice 7″ collectible singles, but the quality does not match what Rockers International is doing.
“Jah Will Provide” and it’s stunning dub companion “Ital Sip” appear on the re-release of Hugh Mundell’s 1977/78 masterpiece ‘Africa Must Be Free By 1983.‘ Composed by Hugh Mundell and Augustus Pablo, arranged and produced by Augustus Pablo, and recorded at Channel One (some sources say Black Ark, however, only “Let’s All Unite” and“Why Do Black Man Fuss And Fight” were recorded there). ”Jah Will Provide” is built on a progressive and tension-builing riddim derived from the Abyssinians’ “Satta Massagana.” While the riddim carries the vibe throughout the song, it is the guitars and keyboards that ultimately define this track, as Chinna goes psychedelic after surely taking a “lick pon de chalice.” Chinna’s performance here on guitar is truly one for the ages.
What is perhaps most notable about “Jah Will Provide” is the performance, both lyrically and vocally, that Augustus Pablo coaxes out of a 16 year old Mundell, who brings the word, sound, and power of an old soul to the session. It is clearly evident that this song and performance are divinely inspired because it does not seem possible that such an inspired recording could come solely from the mind, heart, and soul of a 16 year old youth. But hey, that’s Pablo’s gift, right? Bringing inspired music out of talented, yet unexperienced youths. Just look what he was able to do with Jacob Miller, another young man who wrote and performed on a higher plane.
Whatever it was that inspired this performance, one cannot dispute the unmatched talent of Hugh Mundell - God-given talent that was refined and honed to perfection by Augustus Pablo. And the worl is a better place because of it.
One more thing. This tune MUST be listened to LOUD with a proper set of headphones costing at least $75.00 ( I use Sennheisers but there are many reputable brands). Those little ipod things will not do this tune justice. See, decibels=vibes, therefore, less decibels =less vibes. Less vibes=less spiritual enrichment. This is real deal Holyfield for me. Come correct or nah come at all…
Engineer : Sylvan Morris/Phillip Smart/Errol Thompson
Producer : Augustus Pablo
Vocals : Hugh Mundell
Drums : Santa Davis/Horsemouth Wallace
Bass : Robbie Shakespeare & Leroy Sibbles
Rhythm Guitar : Clayton Downie & Geoffrey Chung & Chinna
Lead Guitar : Chinna
Recording : Black Ark (Kingston, JA)
