I've seen Twitter posts from fans, Blood & Fire board postings, Gmail status updates heralding him and a number of well-composed articles. Although the flurry of attention does beg the question of why YY wasn't better appreciated while he was alive, particularly in Jamaica, it's still good to see his works and status elevated now.
In his usual insightful manner, Jamaica Observer's Basil Walter's article illuminates Yabby's career and struggles with his illness.
Likewise, Variety's Christopher Morris offers interesting details about Yabby's life and recordings, making mention of his highly regarded dub recordings with King Tubby, and collaborations with Tappa Zukie, Big Youth and others.
Both articles mention Yabby's own less-appreciated and under-recorded vocal group The Prophets (featuring Alrick Forbes, Bobby Melody and the Ralph brothers). Their song "Pick The Beam" (included on Blood & Fire's reissue of Deliver Me From My Enemies) typifies Yabby's spirituality, reworking a line from the Sermon on the Mount about judging others: "I've got to pick the beam, out of my eye, so I can see clearly..." sings Yabby. The more you listen to songs like this or "Zion Gate" the more you can appreciate the lasting impact Yabby You has made on reggae as a whole.
In keeping with Yabby You's cultural reggae traditions, here's a partial listing of concerts and artists representing a positive message:
Thurs Jan 21:
Army at Ashkanaz
Don Carlos at Moe’s Alley
Thurs Feb 18 :
Michael Rose at Shattuck Down Low
Mighty Diamonds at Moe’s Alley
Tues February 23:
Collie Buddz at The Independent
