AMG Review of Tommy McCook Featuring Bobby Ellis

Steve Leggett
All Music Guide

Although his best-known work will undoubtedly always be his recordings with the Skatalites, Jamaican tenor saxophonist Tommy McCook left an impressive legacy under his own name, including several sides tracked with trumpeter Bobby Ellis for producer Bunny Lee in the mid-'70s, several of which are collected here. With the crackerjack rhythm section of Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare on board, and with mixes by King Tubby and Prince Jammy, these are vintage low-key, mellow, and late- night instrumental dubs that are as soothing as they are slightly off-kilter and eerie. Fun stuff.