IMPOSE MAGAZINE
Something about Middle Eastern influenced dub gets me. I don’t know what it is exactly, but artists like Bill Laswell, Badawi and Dr. Israel have opened me up to a world of sounds that all fit perfectly in the pocket of a dub reggae beat, and keep me intrigued with every listen. In step Dub Gabriel, a Chicago born bass player and DJ who has been creating music a great majority of his life (including in the Baraka Orchestra alongside the likes of Laswell and Dr. Israel), although proper solo recordings like this seem to be rare. The groove is subdued and relaxed, although it could bump hard when served at a party – something else Dub Gabriel has been known to do. The vibe here is one of a smoky landscape, with his Laswell influences playing a large part in the sound of the bass. It is upfront and in your face, the way any bass player would want it. Layered into the texture are a bevy of world influenced sounds and instruments, including some heavy use of the bazantar, didgeridoo, ney and saz. There are few vocals, and with the exception of the fourth song, “Saaz Remains The Same” (which is all of a minute long), none seem to be performed live, all coming via sample. The layers and textures throughout Bass Jihad are staggering; his thumping beats along with every groove are as unpredictable as they are consistent. A truly remarkable album, a spectacle of percussion and production, and one of the best dub albums of recent memory.
—DE
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