- ( Italian Release )
Peter Tosh's 1979 "Mystic Man" 12" Vinyl LP, a landmark in late '70s reggae, reflects his influential role. As producer and artist, Tosh collaborated with Word, Sound and Power, delivering a unique blend of traditional and innovative elements. Recorded at Dynamic Sound Studio, Kingston, Jamaica, the album's sonic excellence owes much to skilled engineers. Visual aesthetics, curated by Bea Feitler and Annie Leibovitz, complement the mysticism of Tosh's music, solidifying the album's timeless significance.
Peter Tosh's "Mystic Man" 12" Vinyl LP, released in 1979, stands as a testament to the artist's profound impact on the reggae music scene during that era. Produced by Peter Tosh himself, the album showcases not only his musical prowess but also his prowess in the role of a producer.
In the context of the late 1970s, reggae music was undergoing significant transformations, with artists like Peter Tosh playing a crucial role in shaping its evolution. Tosh, a founding member of The Wailers alongside Bob Marley and Bunny Wailer, had already established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the reggae world. "Mystic Man" marked another milestone in his solo career.
The production of the album, featuring the ensemble Word, Sound and Power, brought together a talented group of musicians including Keith Sterling, Mikey Chung, Robbie Lyn, Robbie Shakespeare, and Sly Dunbar. This collaboration contributed to the distinctive sound of the album, blending traditional reggae elements with innovative musical arrangements.
Behind the scenes, the sound and recording engineers played a crucial role in shaping the sonic landscape of "Mystic Man." Michael Riley, Geoffrey Chung, James Nichols, Michel Sauvage, and Dennis King worked tirelessly to capture the essence of Tosh's music. The album was recorded at Dynamic Sound Studio in Kingston, Jamaica, a location that added an authentic touch to the overall production.
The meticulous work of the sound engineers, with Michael Riley leading the team, ensured that the album's sound quality met the highest standards of the time. Geoffrey Chung, serving as the sound mix engineer, brought his expertise to the table, contributing to the seamless integration of various musical elements.
The mastering of the album, a critical step in the production process, was entrusted to Dennis King, who added the final polish to "Mystic Man." King's expertise in mastering played a vital role in ensuring that the album sounded exceptional on various playback systems.
The album's visual identity was not overlooked, as evidenced by the album cover design and artwork crafted by Bea Feitler. The cover, an essential component of the overall album experience, reflected the mysticism and artistic essence of Peter Tosh's music.
Photography for the album was undertaken by the renowned Annie Leibovitz, adding a visual dimension that complemented the musical journey presented in "Mystic Man." Leibovitz's lens captured the spirit of Peter Tosh, providing fans with a visual representation of the artist behind the music.
Reggae
EMI Rolling Stones Records 3C 064-62914
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
1979 Made in Italy
This album includes the original custom inner sleeve with complete lyrics of all songs on "Mystic Man"
Peter Tosh - Producer
Word, Sound and Power (Keith Sterling, Mikey Chung, Robbie Lyn, Robbie Shakespeare, Sly Dunbar)
Michael Riley - Sound Engineer
Geoffrey Chung - Sound Mix Engineer
James Nichols - Assistent Sound Engineer
Michel Sauvage - Assistent Sound Engineer
Dennis King - Mastering Engineer
This album was recorded at: Dynamic Sound Studio, Kingston, Jamaica
Bea Feitler - Album Cover Design
Annie Leibovitz - Photography
Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone )
Peter Tosh was a legendary Jamaican musician, known for his powerful voice, potent lyrics, and uncompromising stance on social justice. He rose to fame as a member of the reggae group, The Wailers, alongside Bob Marley and Bunny Wailer. However, it was his solo career that cemented his place in music history as a pioneer of roots reggae and an advocate for the rights of the oppressed.
Early Life and Career
Peter Tosh was born Winston Hubert McIntosh on October 19, 1944, in Grange Hill, Jamaica. He grew up in the impoverished community of Trench Town, where he met Bob Marley and Bunny Wailer. The three boys shared a love of music and soon formed The Wailers, which went on to become one of the most influential reggae bands in history.
During his time with The Wailers, Tosh was a key contributor to their early success, co-writing some of their most iconic songs, including "Get Up, Stand Up" and "400 Years." However, he eventually left the group in 1973 to pursue a solo career.
Solo Career and Activism
Tosh's solo career was marked by a deep commitment to social justice and a fierce criticism of the political establishment. His music often addressed issues such as poverty, racism, and police brutality, and he was unafraid to speak out against the government of Jamaica and other oppressive regimes around the world.
In 1976, Tosh released his seminal album, "Legalize It," which called for the decriminalization of marijuana and brought attention to the Rastafarian movement, of which Tosh was a devout adherent. The title track of the album became an anthem for the legalization movement and remains one of Tosh's most popular songs.
Tosh's activism extended beyond his music. He was an outspoken critic of the Jamaican government and advocated for the rights of the poor and marginalized. In 1978, he founded the Human Rights and Equality Movement, which sought to address issues such as police brutality, corruption, and discrimination against Rastafarians. Tosh himself was often the target of police harassment and violence due to his outspoken views.
Legacy and Influence
Tragically, Tosh's career was cut short when he was murdered at his home in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1987. However, his music and activism continue to inspire generations of musicians and activists around the world. His uncompromising stance on social justice, combined with his unique blend of reggae, rock, and soul, paved the way for artists such as Bob Marley, Steel Pulse, and Burning Spear.
Tosh's influence can also be seen in the growing movement for the legalization of marijuana, which has gained significant momentum in recent years. His song "Legalize It" has become an anthem for the movement, and Tosh is often credited with helping to bring attention to the medicinal and cultural significance of marijuana in Rastafarian culture.