5 Reggae Horn Lines Everyone Should Know
Photo courtesy of Glenn Holdaway. Photo credit: Koi Anunta.
As a professional reggae trumpet player, I’ve always found that nothing gets the crowd going quite as much as a blast from the brass!
The way I see it, if a reggae song were a delicious meal, the horn section would be the spice—we bring the fire and the flavor!
There are so many iconic horn lines in reggae that it was hard to pick only five for this list.
But based on my personal experience playing with Soul Syndicate and getting to perform alongside incredible artists like Don Carlos, Wailing Souls, and Sister Nancy and many other reggae superstars, here are my choices for five classic horn lines that every reggae fan should know:
1. Satta Massagana - The Abyssinians
This fantastic horn arrangement was composed by Heptones frontman Leroy Sibbles (who also played bass on this track) and is easily one of the most impactful reggae horn lines of all time. The familiar melody conveys a feeling of longing, amplified by lyrics that describe a better time and place: “There is a land far, far away, where there’s no night, there’s only day…”
Popular versions of this tune: I Pray Thee (Big Youth), Here Comes the Judge (Peter Tosh), Dreader than Dread (Anthony B)
2. Real Rock - Sound Dimension
It’s nearly impossible to go to a reggae show without hearing this tune at least once! Originally played by trombonist Vin Gordon, Vin’s unforgettable melody helped solidify “Real Rock” as one of the most in-demand riddims. The easy, laid-back style of Vin’s playing is perfectly coupled by the swagger of Boris Gardiner’s seminal bassline.
Popular versions: Stop the Fussing & Fighting (Dennis Brown), Nice Up the Dance (Michigan & Smiley), Abba John I (Don Carlos), Anarexol (Eek-a-Mouse), Boom Shak A-Tack (Born Jamericans)
“Love Fire” was a smash hit, mainly due to its glorious horn section and unforgettable bassline. Once again, trombonist Vin Gordon was featured, alongside saxophonist Bami Rose and trumpeter Eddie Tan Tan. Together, they delivered a regal performance rife with rich harmony that makes this melody stand out as one of the most perfect horn lines in all of reggae music. Importantly, this track was composed by one of the UK’s first reggae powerhouse groups, Aswad, and forever cemented their legacy in the history of reggae.
Popular versions: Promised Land (Dennis Brown), Dub Fire (Aswad), Second Chance (Lila Ike), Bad & Wicked (Shabba Ranks)
4. Rockfort Rock - Sound Dimension
Right before the main artist takes the stage, it is often customary for the backing band to perform an instrumental song to warm up the crowd–with a frequent favorite being “Rockfort Rock.” This driving horn line has an undeniable intensity and excitement that announces, “this show has officially started!”
Popular versions: This is Not a Marijuana Song (Protoje), No Barbershop (Conkarah), Waterhouse Rock (Big Youth), Mussi Mad (Romain Virgo)
“Stalag 17” is arguably the most influential riddim of all time–even transcending genres, as it has been sampled by countless major hip hop artists, including Jay-Z, Too $hort, Pete Rock, and Logic. Originally recorded by horn players Tommy McCook, Bobby Ellis, Mark West, and the Soul Syndicate band, this simple yet effective horn line mimics an alarm blasting, eliciting an almost guaranteed “puuulll uuup!” every time it sounds and causing the crowd to go wild. The world just can’t get enough of it!
Popular versions: Ring the Alarm (Tenor Saw), Bam Bam (Sister Nancy), Jim Skreechy (Big Youth), One Yellowman Inna the Yard (Yellowman), Fever (Tenor Saw), Bam (Jay-Z), Blowjob Betty (Too $hort), The Basement (Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth)
Again, there are so many timeless horn lines in the vast catalog of reggae music that inevitably, some great tunes had to be omitted from my top five. So, below is my list of strong contenders that at least merit an honorary mention! Any reggae aficionado should also be familiar with these tunes:
