Thomas from Gaboodi hits the ground running with a rockers infused, uptempo set of three 7″s. Released in 2023, they feature a minimalist styled instrumental and dub of “Ivy”, “Sun” and “Pad”. The 7″s were only released as a set of vinyl promos with no streaming or digital versions and are aimed squarely at selector and sound system play.
All three riddims are short and sharp, under three minutes and reminiscent of Sly and Robbie in their days at Compass Point. They have a free and loose back line but are stripped down, with no gats. The same core synth and piano chops feature on all three records and there is a touch of melodica on “Ivy”.
My personal connection to these tracks was highlighted when Solo Banton rode these riddims in our Whakatū show soundcheck. It was a very special moment.
With very little in the way of promo, photos and biography available for these releases, it’s a very low-key affair, under the radar, solo effort. All I can say is that Gaboodi is super focused musically, also a Dad, and teaching at the Wellington School of Music as a sound artist. And in the immortal words of Jacob Miller, “each one, teach one.” Seems to fit nicely!
This limited edition run of promo sevens has effectively sold out. But it is well worth seeking out if you have the right connections.
Al Rankin
Whakatū / Waimea based dub reggae dancehall selector. Original badman, blat blat.
