Pass the Pipe explained

Pass the Pipe is an album by the Jamaican reggae band Toots and the Maytals.^{[1] [2]} It was released in 1979 on Mango Records.^[3]

Critical reception

New York praised the "raspy lushness" of Toots Hibbert's vocals.^[4] The New York Times wrote: "Although customarily raucous, the Maytals' reggae retains a marked gospel intensity. As such, Pass the Pipe does not represent a new direction so much as a greater concentration on one aspect of Toots and company's mature gifts. Highly recommended."^[3] The Bay State Banner thought that the "guitar and bass men shun the usual metallic riffing in favor of a reedy vegetable sound that purrs and mushes against your speakers."^[5] Stereo Review deemed Pass the Pipe "a recording of special merit."^[6]

Dave Thompson, in Reggae & Caribbean Music, thought that on Pass the Pipe "jazz influences creep into the now solidly soulful brew."^[7]

Track listing

1. "Famine" - 3:13
2. "Inside Outside" - 4:00
3. "Feel Free" - 4:38
4. "Get Up, Stand Up" - 6:18
5. "No Difference Here" - 5:42
6. "Rhythm Down Low" - 3:29
7. "My Love Is So Strong" - 4:35
8. "Take It From Me (No Money, No Love) - 6:20

Personnel

• Toots Hibbert - vocals
• Ansell Collins - piano
• Raleigh Gordon - backing vocals
• Jerry Mathias - backing vocals
• Rad Bryan - lead guitar
• Ranchy McLean - bass
• Hux Brown - rhythm guitar
• Paul Douglas - drums
• Winston Wright - organ

Notes and References

1. Web site: Toots & the Maytals | Biography & History. AllMusic.
2. News: Toots Hibbert's pure, powerful voice carried reggae to the world | Alexis Petridis. September 12, 2020. The Guardian.
3. News: The Life and Times of Reggae. Timothy. White. July 22, 1979. The New York Times.
4. Bentkowski . Tom . Working Class Heroes . New York . Mar 24, 1980 . 13 . 12 . 75.
5. News: Freedberg . Mike . Soul Dog . Bay State Banner . 34 . 31 May 1979 . 15.
6. Toots & the Maytals: Pass the Pipe . Stereo Review . September 1979 . 43 . 132.
7. Book: Thompson, Dave. Reggae & Caribbean Music. June 27, 2002. Hal Leonard Corporation. 9780879306557. Google Books.