Review: Dr. Ring-Ding - Back and Forth

Jump Up Records - 2007

Touted as a personal selection by The Doctor himself, Back and Forth collects tunes spanning Dr. Ring-Ding’s entire career. Cuts from all his studio albums with the Senior All-Stars, plus 7” singles, remixes, and even some new tunes showcasing upcoming solo projects and collaborations leave no stones unturned.

The album starts off strong with “Doctor’s Darling”, arguably one of the best, if not most recognizable tunes Richie has ever recorded. The backing track of the same name is a re-working of the classic Night Nurse riddim, and was written by the Seeed band, one of Germany’s top notch dancehall reggae producers. This tune was so good it was featured on VP Records’ Riddim Driven series, where such greats as Tanya Stephens, Luciano, Anthony B, and Sizzla all took turns riding it. In my opinion, Dr. Ring-Ding is the strongest at the dancehall, and this album delivers about 8 more scorchers – some of my favorites being Badness, Millionaire, Fever, and The Best. Like a true master, his boastful lyrics and killer vocal delivery permeate all these tracks, proving his own words that he is “the best” and “any rude boy who come can’t test”.

One of the biggest surprises for me on this album is the ska version of the song Ram Di Dance. I didn’t think I would like such a change in tempo from the original, but in this case it works. Over the upbeat ska and monster horn lines, he changes the vocals ever so slightly, and adds a full new verse at the end, again demonstrating his lyrical ability.

Showcasing his new and upcoming projects, Back and Forth includes two tracks from Today’s Special, the new album by super group Kingston Kitchen. Kingston Kitchen sees the members of Rotterdam Ska-Jazz Foundation seamlessly fusing ska, jazz, lounge, and swing while Ring-Ding adds his smooth, crooning vocals. Also present here is a tune from the forthcoming “Fully Licensed” album recorded at Version City. “What it Takes” features Vic Ruggiero and Richie trading vocals over a signature Version City reggae track.

The rest of the album features some of the best songs from his Senior All-Stars days, a few unreleased numbers, and two tracks with The Scrucialists, “Obeah Wedding” and “Feast”, the King Django collaboration. Clocking in at almost 80 minutes, this CD packs 21 songs total, and is a great pick for both die-hard and casual Ring-Ding fans alike. It’s a nice nod to the past, and a promising glimpse of the future. Also keep an eye out later this summer when Dr. Ring-Ding comes back to the US for a short tour. More information can be found at www.myspace.com/drringding .

Kingston Kitchen Serves Up A Fine Dish

Kingston Kitchen-Today's Special(Megalith Record)

If you think you've heard it all, think again.
Dr. Ring Ding and Rotterdam Ska Jazz foundation have cooked up up some of the finest musical delicacies your ears will ever have the pleasure of feasting upon.
Today's Special is fit for the musical connoisseur.
Throughout the entire album my ears were at full attention to all the intricate sounds of of these top notch musicians. Dr. Ring Ding is in top form, showing off his versatility as a singer. The album starts off with "You Make Me Sing", a sultry Ska/Jazz combo that sounds like the opening to an old Bond flick.
One song that stands out most to me is "St. James Infirmary Blues". This tune flows with rich, eerie horns and a steady beat so infectious I had to listen to it three times my first way through the album. Richie give us some raspy, Louie Armstrong like vocals in a style all his own.
There are a few covers, including Elvis' "City By Night", and a killer version AC/DC's "You Shook Me All Night Long". I would almost recommend this album just to hear this AC/DC cover, it's fantastic.
You know these guys are the real deal when they do a version of a Michel Legrand song. Listening to "Les Mouins De Mon Coeur" you get to hear Ring Ding sing in French and it is tasty. "Friday Night" is what I'd like to think the Skatalites would sound like if they came straight from New Orleans.
If you're ready to dine from a finer musical platter, Today's Special is just for you!