Ernest Ranglin was born in Manchester, Jamaica in 1932. He was still a boy when his music peers realised that he had that "something special". Starting on ukulele, it didn't take him long to graduate to guitar, and then to master it. He played locally and in the Bahamas with various groups that benefited greatly from his poise, virtuosity, delicious ear for harmonic progressions, long lines and perfect timing. A teenage Monty Alexander could often be heard playing in Ernest's group.
In 1964 Ernest went to Ronnie Scott's jazz club in London and so impressed the owner that he became resident jazz guitarist for some 9 months. There he made "Wranglin" for Island Records after his first "Guitar in Ernest" and then "Reflections". Ernest was also a primary creator of ska music (and Raggae) and in England in 1964 launched the hit song "My boy lollipop" with Jamaican singer Millie Small. In 1973 Ernest was awarded the Order of Distinction from the Jamaican Government for his contributions to music in Jamaica. He was also awarded the Musgrave medal in 1992.
Listening to Ernest 'comping is as facinating as his solos. Here, one may try to grasp a little of his deep understanding and feeling of music. Spontaneous, interactive, passionate, sometimes outrageous, like Django or the late Billy Rogers, Wes, he plays everything with all his heart. He "sings" the guitar. Calypso, Ska, Reggae, Pops, Blues or Jazz, whatever he plays sounds great. But Jazz is his greatest.
In addition to the Island records already mentioned, his jazz recordings include "The Jamaica Jazz Crusaders" with Aubrey Adams and Roy "Bubbles" Burrowes, "True Blue" on Rooney Records and "Rass" on Pausa label, "Ranglypso" ," Now is the Time ","Monty strikes again" on MPS from the mid '70s. These are difficult to find. If you can get to a live concert he may have copies of tapes "The Ernie Ranglin Trio" and "The one & only Ernie Ranglin" which are excellent. Whereas his new CDs "Below the bass line" and "Memories of Barber Mac" lean towards Reggae and are not conventional jazz, there is a CD based on live performances at Ronnie Scott's in 1962 which is trio jazz and available at www.CDuniverse.com. Also Island CD "Yard Movement" with Monty Alexander is great jazz.
Ernest is busier than ever doing gigs and concerts in the West Indies, New York, England, Germany ,Europe and Canada. If you ever have the chance to hear him live you will do well not to miss it.
Master Guitarist, Ernest Ranglin headlined with Ray Charles at The Barbados Jazz Festival on Sunday, Jan 14,1996, Night of the Masters at the Sir Garfield complex, Bridgetown. This virtuoso again dazzled the fans with nine of his own his own compositions.
Summer 1996, Ernest Ranglin performed live at a corcert in Central Park, N.Y.
Oct 1996, Ernest Ranglin and Dave Young wowed patrons and critics at the Montreal Bistro in Toronto.
1997 Ernest heads back to Switzerland after a hit performance with Monty Alexander at the Montreaux Jazz Festival in 1995.
1997 Ernest plays in New York with the "Sound of Brazil".
Mar 1998 Internet jazz lovers report Ernest winning fans in Brighton England.
Other related sites can be found at:
Central Park Concert Summer1996
Ernest Ranglin (1975)
Last Modified: 98/3/17
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