Catch a Fire

by Bob Marley & the Wailers, Bob Marley

Overview

For a majority of the world, Catch a Fire was not only the introduction to Bob Marley & the Wailers, but to reggae as well. The intimate and organic nature of the band's compositions coupled with its trademark mantra-like rhythms attracted the attention of producer and musical entrepreneur Chris Blackwell. So smitten was Blackwell that he commissioned the band to record for his primarily rock-oriented Island Records label. Although greatly encouraged by the Wailers' efforts, Blackwell was likewise cognizant of creating a fuller and more polished effort aimed specifically for the ears of the burgeoning "album rock" consumer. His idea was to "flesh out" the sonic atmosphere that supported and drove Marley and company's otherwise stark and unadorned folk songs. With the blessings of Marley and under the direction of Blackwell, sporadic instrumental augmentations were made, featuring Wayne Perkins (guitar), John "Rabbit" Bundrick (keyboards), Robbie Shakespeare (bass), and Tyrone Downie (organ). Although Catch a Fire was their international debut, Marley and fellow Wailer Peter Tosh used the medium to conjure and translate universal themes of love ("High Tide or Low Tide") and hope ("Stir It Up"), as well as the pain ("400 Years") and fear ("Slave Driver") of not only Jamaicans, but all humanity. Like Bob Dylan and John Lennon before him, Marley could project not only for his people and time, but also for those who would come before and after. The 2001 remastered version also comes with two bonus tracks that were not issued on the original LP, "High Tide or Low Tide" and "All Day All Night." Enthusiasts should also be aware of the two-disc Catch a Fire: Deluxe Edition, including the "Jamaican Version" (read: sans overdubs) of this timeless album. ~ Lindsay Planer

Product Details

Release Date:	06/12/2001
Label:	Island / Island/Tuff Gong
UPC:	0731454889322

Tracks

1. Concrete Jungle
2. Slave Driver
3. 400 Years
4. Stop That Train
5. Baby We Got a Date (Rock It Baby)
6. Stir It Up
7. Kinky Reggae
8. No More Trouble
9. Midnight Ravers
10. High Tide or Low Tide
11. All Day All Night

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Bob Marley & the Wailers   Primary Artist
Bob Marley   Primary Artist,Vocals,Guitar (Acoustic),Lead Vocals
The Wailers   Primary Artist
Marcia Griffiths   Vocals (Background)
Rita Marley   Vocals (Background)
Winston Wright   Percussion
Francisco Willie Pep   Percussion
Carlton "Carly" Barrett   Drums
Chris Karan   Percussion
Tyrone Downie   Organ,Guest Artist
Bunny Livingston   Vocals (Background),Bongos,Congas
Peter Tosh   Vocals (Background),Guitar,Organ,Piano,Keyboards
Wayne Perkins   Guitar,Lead Guitar,Guest Artist,Guitar (Electric)
John "Rabbit" Bundrick   Synthesizer,Organ,Clavinet,Keyboards
Chris Karen   Percussion
Robbie Shakespeare   Bass,Guest Artist,Guitar (Bass)
Aston Barrett   Bass,Guitar (Bass)
Bunny Wailer   Bongos,Percussion

Technical Credits

Chris Blackwell   Audio Production,Producer
Bob Marley   Audio Production,Arranger,Composer,Producer,Recording Arranger
Stu Barrett   Engineer
Tony Platt   Engineer
Bob Marley & the Wailers   Arranger
Carlton Lee   Engineer
Peter Tosh   Composer
Suha Gur   Mixing Assistant
Lee "Scratch" Perry   Composer
Errol Brown   Mixing Engineer
The Wailers   Recording Arranger