RICO
THAT MAN IS FORWARD/JAMA RICO
CHRYSALIS
Having begun his career with Prince Buster and Coxsone Dodd in the late 50s, Rico Rodriguez was already a veteran by the time he entered The Specials’ orbit 20 years later. His trombone lit up countless Jerry Dammers compositions, and it was no wonder 2 Tone issued Rico’s first album since 1977 via That Man Is Forward in 1980. In truth, it’s a self-indulgent record, more about jams than bothering to find a melody. The album is produced by fellow Specials brass player Dick Cuthell, also familiar from his assorted trumpet and horn work for Madness, Eurythmics and XTC. With legendary instrumentalists including Sly & Robbie, Headley Bennett and Ansel Collins assembled, the playing should have more intensity. Chang Kai Shek, sometimes performed at Specials gigs, is built on an insistent riff and adds the necessary urgency to go with the general goodtime mood where the musicians enjoy themselves more than the listeners.