Check out these new and used Agustus Pablo vinyl records LPs for sale. We recommend starting your Agustus Pablo vinyl collection with the essential albums Ital Dub, King Tubbys Meets Rockers Uptown and East Of The River Nile. Our inventory is always changing, so check back often, or browse our list of vinyl records for sale from reggae musicians.

Agustus Pablo: A Dub Reggae Maestro

Early Life and Musical Journey

Born Horace Swaby on June 21, 1954, in St. Andrew, Jamaica, Agustus Pablo Vinyl, also known as Augustus Pablo, emerged as a pivotal figure in the world of dub reggae. His childhood fascination with the melodica, an instrument that would later become synonymous with his unique sound, laid the foundation for his musical journey. Pablo’s immersion in the vibrant Jamaican music scene of the 1960s set the stage for his groundbreaking contributions to the genre. Here are the Agustus Pablo Tracks and Albums.

The Rise of Agustus Pablo Vinyl

Studio One Years

Pablo’s early career was marked by collaborations with Clement “Coxsone” Dodd’s Studio One, a renowned Jamaican record label. His work with artists like Hugh Mundell and Jacob Miller showcased his prodigious talent as both a melodica player and a producer. The Studio One years laid the groundwork for Pablo’s distinctive style, characterized by ethereal melodica melodies and deep basslines.

The Far East Sound

Agustus Pablo Vinyl’s breakthrough came with the instrumental track “Java,” released in 1972. This track, featuring his signature melodica sound, marked the inception of what would be known as the “Far East” or “Rockers” sound. Influenced by Eastern music scales, Pablo’s unique approach to dub reggae captivated audiences and fellow musicians alike.

Discography: Unraveling the Vinyl Legacy

“East of the River Nile” (1977)

Considered a masterpiece in the dub reggae genre, “East of the River Nile” showcases Agustus Pablo Vinyl’s prowess as a composer and performer. The title track, a hypnotic instrumental journey, exemplifies the Far East sound, with Pablo’s melodica leading the listener through a sonic landscape rich in reverb and echo effects. The album’s atmospheric quality and innovative use of studio techniques solidified Pablo’s reputation as a trailblazer in the dub genre.

“King Tubbys Meets Rockers Uptown” (1976)

Collaborating with renowned dub engineer King Tubby, this album is a landmark in the history of dub reggae. The title track, “King Tubbys Meets Rockers Uptown,” remains one of the most celebrated dub compositions. The interplay between Pablo’s melodica and King Tubby’s studio wizardry creates a sonic experience that transcends traditional reggae norms. The album’s influence is palpable in the subsequent generations of dub and electronic music.

“Original Rockers” (1979)

“Original Rockers” further solidifies Agustus Pablo Vinyl’s status as a dub maestro. The album features collaborations with prominent reggae musicians such as Robbie Shakespeare and Leroy “Horsemouth” Wallace. The title track, along with “Cassava Piece” and “Rockers Dub,” exemplifies Pablo’s ability to fuse traditional reggae elements with avant-garde dub sensibilities. The album’s success attests to Pablo’s enduring impact on the global reggae scene.

Agustus Pablo Vinyl: Musical Legacy and Influence

Similar Bands and Contemporary Artists

1. Lee “Scratch” Perry and The Upsetters:

• Known for their innovative approach to dub and reggae, The Upsetters, led by Lee “Scratch” Perry, share similarities with Agustus Pablo Vinyl in their experimentation with studio effects and unconventional sounds.

1. King Tubby:

• As a pioneer in dub music production, King Tubby’s work, especially in collaboration with Pablo, showcases a parallel evolution of the dub reggae genre. The studio techniques employed by both artists have had a lasting impact on the dub and electronic music scenes.

1. Scientist:

• Scientist, a protege of King Tubby, continued the legacy of dub production. His work, like Pablo’s, demonstrates a commitment to pushing the boundaries of reggae and dub, incorporating innovative studio techniques and effects.

Influence on Future Generations

1. Dub Syndicate:

• Formed in the 1980s, Dub Syndicate drew inspiration from Agustus Pablo Vinyl’s pioneering work. Their fusion of dub, reggae, and electronic elements reflects the ongoing influence of Pablo’s experimental spirit.

1. Thievery Corporation:

• The Washington, D.C.-based duo Thievery Corporation incorporates dub influences into their eclectic musical palette. The atmospheric and genre-blurring approach of Thievery Corporation can be traced back to the pioneering work of Agustus Pablo Vinyl.

1. Easy Star All-Stars:

• Known for their reggae adaptations of classic albums, Easy Star All-Stars embraces the spirit of experimentation that Agustus Pablo Vinyl epitomized. Their reinterpretations of iconic albums pay homage to the dub reggae tradition established by Pablo.

Agustus Pablo Vinyl’s Enduring Legacy

Agustus Pablo Vinyl’s impact on the world of dub reggae extends far beyond his years. His innovative use of the melodica, coupled with groundbreaking production techniques, shaped the course of reggae music. Albums like “East of the River Nile” and “King Tubbys Meets Rockers Uptown” continue to be revered as milestones in the evolution of dub.

As we explore the vast landscape of reggae and dub, Agustus Pablo Vinyl’s name remains synonymous with experimentation, pushing boundaries, and creating timeless soundscapes. His legacy lives on in the music of artists who continue to be inspired by his pioneering spirit, ensuring that the Far East sound echoes through generations to come.