Clifton ‘Jackie’ Jackson embodies Robert Farris Thompson’s classic concept of the ‘aesthetic of the cool’, also referred to by the ancient Yoruba concept of itutu. He was the elegant bassist whose lines were as refined as his demeanour. Calling him the ‘Rolls-Royce of Reggae Bassists’ isn’t to suggest he didn’t roll with some of the deepest, lilting roots grooves like others. He added an unmatched touch, poise and musical sophistication to the bottom end while retaining every bit of the heavy, syncopated pulse required for authentic Jamaican music.