Purple Dub – The Denver Dub Collective

Purple Dub, The Denver Dub Collective

Purple Dub is subtitled “The music of Purple Rain in Ska, Reggae & Dub” and that pretty much explains the whole CD. It’s a wonderful re-working of Prince’s classic album Purple Rain. Produced by David Dinsmore, from Judge Roughneck. The Denver Dub Collective sounds like they had a great time with this. Collective members include: Wayne Jahkama (Lion SoulJahs) Byron Shaw (Judge Roughneck), Venus Cruz (Future Jazz Project), Black Rhino (Lion SoulJahs) and a variety of the best reggae and ska players in Denver. Dinsmore’s falsetto vocals on “The Beautiful Ones” closely resembles the purple one’s original. Some of the tracks are slower, like “I Would Die For You” some are souped up to ska speed and others are dub-ified, like “Let’s Go Crazy,” which comes complete with the spoken word intro. “DJ Nikki” is a delightful reworking of “Darling Nikki” Hilarious and fun, but not exactly dripping with eroticism, like Prince’s original. “When Doves Cry” features a cool horn section and staccato ska riddims. “Baby I’m A Star” is almost unrecognizable as a reggae/dub tune. Venus Cruz kills it on “Purple Rain.” Missing are the kick-ass guitar solos, replaced by reggae rhythms and blazing horns. Overall, this album lacks the raw energy and power of Prince’s Purple Rain, but it’s a fun little trip that most fans of the original will likely enjoy.
Buy this CD if you like Purple Rain or creative reggae.
For more info please visit: www.DenverDubCollective.com