From Jimi Hendrix to Gibby

Jamaican artiste learns dub metal from listening to rock as a youngster

"While most of my friends were listening to R&B and stuff, I was listening to rock music, Jimi Hendrix in particular."

That is how Gibbysums up the singular vision that has resulted in one of Jamaica's premier musicians. It is a vision that was forged in rural Manchester, where his older brother would provide him with the records that createdwhat would become the "dub metal" sound.

Fortuitously, his brother also made guitars, and so with help from hisfather, the musical journey began.

It is a journey that has takenhim around the world with a list of artistes too long to mention.

As the guitar maestro himself puts it, "Apart from Bob Marley, I've toured or recorded with every viable name in reggae music."

The late Peter Tosh and Dennis Brown are among his collaborators, but it was a living legend, Jimmy Cliff, who afforded him his first big break in either 1979 or '80.

Since then, Gibby has kept cranking out the music, even if his own recorded output is yet building.

He previously released two eponymous albums, Electric Avenue and Electrified, andis now putting the end touches on the firstdisc under the Dub Metal moniker, Glitters is Gold. A single by the same name has already been released.

But Gibby is far from idle. When not laying down tracks for established artistes, he also serves as a producer and mentor for the next generation.

Young talent

Twoamong thosewhom he expects to make some noise in the months and years to come are singers Don Genius and Gabriel.

Meanwhile, patrons at the upcoming Jamaica Jazz and Blues can get a taste of dub metal as Gibby and his cohorts are featured on this year's renewal.

But before that, the guitarist will make an appearance at Thursday's A Taste of Jazz.

The event is being held at The Deck on Trafalgar Road and will also feature Bryan Art, Leba Hibbert, Nina Karle, Dennis Rushton, and the group Black Zebra.