ROIR, in conjunction with Bill Laswell, has put together an excellent collection from our four wide-ranging Laswell releases– not necessarily a best of Laswell as that’s far too subjective, but an authoritative look into his work with ROIR. Laswell has created four albums for ROIR with our eclectic musical taste in mind. The bass is heavy and the accompanying musicians world-renowned. Laswell’s ROIR Dub Sessions offers the listener a superb occasion to immerse oneself in the Laswell sound!
Tracks & History:
1.) "Dread Iternal" (9:17)
from Sacred System Chapter One: Book Of Entrance
Laswell’s first release in the critically acclaimed Sacred System/ Dub Chamber Series for ROIR. Produced and arranged by Bill Laswell.
“Laswell steps into the Dread zone, channels King Tubby’s ghost & emerges with the most compelling testimony to date.” - Magnet
2.) “Thunupa” (13:31)
from Sacred System Chapter Two
Features Graham Haynes on cornet, Nicky Skopelitis, Bill Buchen & Drummer Style Scott (Roots Radics & Dub Syndicate). A mixture of Arabian & Indian music, Bitches Brew jazz and heavy dub.
“Haynes takes center stage melodically, evoking the the sprawling sounds of electric Miles Davis bands of the 70’s. Less is more- space is the place.” – CMJ
“It’s got a mystical flavor and is swimming with feeling.” – LIES
3.) “Cybotron” (9:26)
From Dub Chamber 3
The musicians featured on Dub Chamber 3 are exceptional and internationally known for their musicianship and avant-gardism. Norway’s Nils Petter Molvaer on processed trumpet is known for his groundbreaking work on the European based ECM label. Original P.I.L. bassist Jah Wobble is widely acclaimed and noted for his work with Orb, Baaba Maal, Brian Eno, Peter Gabriel and The Invaders of The Heart. Nicky Skopelitis, the Greek/American guitarist is a mainstay with Material, Ekstasis, Sly & Robbie and Ginger Baker. Keyboardist Craig Taborn has gained recognition for his work with Carl Craig’s Innerzone Orchestra. Karsh Kale played percusion in both Talvin Singh’s group & Tabla Beat Science and currently is touring the globe with his band. Certainly an all-star cast gathered in the studio to cook up some new style dub.
“In the world of Dub Music, things just don’t get much better than this.”- Baby Sue
4.) “Ethiopia/ The Lower Ground” (13:49)
from
Book Of Exit
“Book of Exit” is a departure from the rib-rattling bass workouts of Laswell’s previous 3 ROIR releases. Retaining many Dub elements, “Book of Exit” charts new territory by melding Ejigayehu “GiGi” Shibabaw into the mix. GiGi is truly a siren. She hails from Ethiopia & recently released the Laswell-produced “GiGi” on Palm Pictures to wide-spread critical acclaim. On “Book Of Exit” GiGi is provided with a more vast sonic landscape upon which to wander. Her voice clearly benefits, melding brilliantly with the heavy percussive elements provided by Karsh Kale, Aiyb Dieng and Laswell.
