Blazing Horns / Tenor in Roots (Blood & Fire, 2003)

*GUEST REVIEW*
Tommy McCook was a founder member of JA supergroup The Skatalites. He is a tenor sax player who is credited with christening said band. After they split, he fronted The Supersonics and undertook session work with most top producers. This Blood & Fire release documents some of his branded solo material. Two albums from the late '70s and a couple of bonus tracks are included on this set. Tenor Roots was never officially released, was produced by Glen Brown, and is the better of the two albums, while Blazing Horns was looked after by Yabby You. Both albums were mixed at Tubby's studio by Jammy and the King himself. This is instrumental reggae from a very talented horn player. It's basically horn-led dubs that have mixed to a high standard. However, this set just lacks something. It's jazzy and funky but lacks the wit and energy to keep listeners away from the track skip button. But let's hope some jazz head picks this up and moves sideways into dub. Not the best Blood & Fire release but a fair bet, but listen closely for some nuggets. 

- ragudave