Arabic Dub

 A Dub version of Arabic Reggae with social commentary

Composition Background

I have been writing and playing Reggae and reggae-influenced music for many years now.

I have been influenced by many artists, some more traditional artists and others who have fused genres.

Others have embraced the more experimental aspect of "Dub"

Some of the artists that have influenced me are...

• The Heptones
• Misty In Roots
• Culture
• Lee Scratch Perry
• Sly & Robbie
• Black Uhuru
• The Ruts
• The Clash

This composition is an extension of the work that I completed with "Arabic Reggae" where I have

added some lyrics, a dub section, and a guitar solo.

Composition Structure

The structure is essentially the same as "Arabic Reggae" but a dub section and guitar solo are

added after the second chorus.

Composition Development

The additional sections are constructed as follows:-

Dub Section

The dub section breaks down. The drums and bass stop for a few bars and a Ney solo leads into

this section with some additional reverb on the guitar chops and the guitar riff. A Dub sample is also

introduced. 

Guitar Solo

For the guitar solo, the drums and bass start again. The actual solo is treated with a Guitar Rig amp sim

"Duperfeedback Lo Notes" which produces an excellent Dub effect. The Duymbek is also introcduced here.

After the solo completes, the Dumbek continues withna couple more Dub samples dropped into the mix.

Lyrics

V1
London called us in '79
Lots of hate coming down the line
Angry mob rising on the streets
They don't dig no city beats

Tik Tok reels fill their minds
No inhibitions in that state of mind
Fodder for the upper class
Dirty work and broken glass

V2
Burning down a housing scheme
Only anger feeds the dream
Glories of a long lost past
Memories just fading fast

Disregard your human brother
Just a man like any other
Got to be a better way
You're the one who'll have to pay

V3
Brothers, sisters help us please
Can we cure this sick disease
Power lies in unity
Pull together can't you see ?

We can't take it lying down
Disappearing underground
Lets reclaim our city streets
No more hatred, no more greed

Reflection

I was really looking forward to working on a Reggae / Arabic fusion and after the completion of Arabic Reggae, thought that there was scope to expand the composition to add Dub Reggae elements and lyrics in the style of "White Man In Hammersmith Palais" by The Clash.

The Saz and Arabic wind instruments add to the fusion feel and I always enjoy playing with the Dub elements in a composition like this.