The musical duo Sly and Robbie, comprising drummer Sly Dunbar and bassist Robbie Shakespeare, significantly influenced various music genres through their collaborations and innovative techniques. This overview highlights some of their key contributions across several decades.
Dave and Ansel Collins – Double Barrel (1970)
Sly Dunbar made his recording debut on this reggae track, which became a UK No. 1 hit and sold 300,000 copies.
His drumming featured a light touch on cymbals and tight fills.
The Mighty Diamonds – Right Time (1976)
This debut album was instrumental in establishing Sly and Robbie's reputation and popularizing the "rockers" rhythm in reggae.
Dunbar's complex beat on the title track was initially met with disbelief by other drummers.
Junior Murvin – Police and Thieves (1976)
Featuring Sly Dunbar without Robbie Shakespeare, the track showcased Dunbar's tight fills providing a solid foundation.
Boris Gardiner was on bass for this track. Dunbar also stated he played drums on Bob Marley's "Punky Reggae Party."
Culture – Two Sevens Clash (1977)
Sly Dunbar played drums on this album.
Widely regarded as a seminal roots reggae work.
The title track, a prophecy of an apocalyptic event on July 7, 1977, is noted for its powerful delivery.
Grace Jones – Pull Up to the Bumper (1981)
As part of the Compass Point Studios' house band, Sly and Robbie contributed to numerous Grace Jones tracks.
"Pull Up to the Bumper" exemplifies their unique sound, blending dub, disco, electro-pop, and post-punk.
Dunbar's drumming moved from martial snares to a humid, insistent groove.
Bob Dylan – Jokerman (1983)
Sly and Robbie served as Bob Dylan's rhythm section on his album Infidels.
On the opening track, they subtly integrated Jamaican spirit into the biblical themes, creating an organic sound that contrasted with other rock artists' attempts at reggae.
Gwen Guthrie – Padlock (1985)
Sly and Robbie produced Gwen Guthrie's early albums, with Dunbar programming drums for her hit "Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ on But the Rent."
The Padlock EP, especially Larry Levan's remixes, highlighted Dunbar’s understated yet funky drumming.
Sly and Robbie – Boops (Here to Go) (1987)
This track was Sly and Robbie’s biggest UK hit as artists.
It featured a rap by Shinehead and incorporated elements from classical and film scores, creating a distinct blend of funk and sampled sounds.
Chaka Demus and Pliers – Bam Bam/Murder She Wrote (1992)
Sly and Robbie co-produced and co-wrote tracks on the Tease Me album, which led to five UK Top 20 singles.
Both "Bam Bam" and "Murder She Wrote" notably used a riddim exclusively featuring Sly Dunbar's drumming, devoid of bass, and influenced by Indian tabla playing.
This riddim became highly replicated in reggae that year.