The Aggrovators Members, Gear & Sound
dub/reggae backing band
Members
Select a The Aggrovators band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
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About
The Aggrovators are a legendary Jamaican musical collective known for their influential contributions to the genres of reggae, dub, roots reggae, and rocksteady. Assembled by renowned producer Bunny Lee, The Aggrovators were not a fixed band but rather a rotating ensemble of adept session musicians whose lineup changed frequently. Some of the most notable members included Robbie Shakespeare (bass), Carlton ‘Santa’ Davis (drums), Earl ‘Chinna’ Smith (lead guitar), Ansell Collins (piano), Bernard ‘Touter’ Harvey (organ), and Tommy McCook (tenor saxophone). Emerging during the rocksteady period, the group gained prominence in the mid-70s with their influential "flying cymbals" sound, a creative response to the American disco beat. Their instrumental B-sides, mixed by dub pioneer King Tubby, played a significant role in shaping the sound of Jamaican music during this era.
How to Sound Like The Aggrovators
The sound of The Aggrovators is characterized by a rich, rhythmic tapestry that blends smooth, melodic bass lines with percussive, syncopated drum patterns. Their music often features deep, resonant bass tones, achieved through instruments like the Fender Jazz Bass and Hofner 500/1 Bass, played by Robbie Shakespeare. The guitar work by Earl ‘Chinna’ Smith is marked by clean, soulful licks that float over the rhythm section, adding layers of textured harmony. Keyboards and horns provide warm, vibrant accents, with instruments like the organ and tenor saxophone contributing to the band's dynamic, full-bodied sound. To emulate their style, musicians should focus on creating a balanced mix of rhythmic precision and melodic fluidity, utilizing effects that enhance the natural warmth and depth characteristic of classic reggae and dub productions.
Discography
Shalom Dub
1975
Showcase
1975
Brass Rockers
1975
Cookin'
1975
No Woman No Cry
1976
King Tubby's Prophecies of Dub
1976
Rasta Dub '76
1976
Agrovators Meets the Revolutioners at Channel 1 Studios (Instrumental)
1977
Bobby Ellis & The Professionals Meet the Revolutionaries
1977
Kaya Dub
1978
The Aggrovators' Ethiopians Rock
2006
Creation - Rebel & Dub - CD 2
2006
Aggrovators @ King Tubby's Studio
2008
Dub Attack
2008
Aggrovators Meets The Revolutioners at Channel 1 Studios (Instrumental Version)
2009
The Aggrovators Plays the Wailers
2010
Cornell Campbell in Dub
2010
Legend
2010
Rebel Music 70's Dub
2011
Dennis Brown Meets Barry Brown At Dub Station
2011
Tribute to Bob Marley & Dubs
2011
Bunny Striker Lee Presents
2011
Dubbing It Studio 1 Style
2011
The Dub Express
2011
Jackpot Presents Aggrovators
2011
Jackpot Presents Kaya Dub
2011
Jackpot Presents Aggrovators Dubin It Studio 1 Style
2011
Jackpot Presents Aggrovators Play the Wailers
2011
Jackpot Presents Dennis Brown Meets Barry Brown at Dub Station
2011
Bunny Striker Lee Presents The Aggrovators Platinum Edition
2012
Dub Express (Platinum Edition)
2012
Dennis Brown Meets Barry Brown At Dub Station Platinum Edition
2012
Sound Box Essentials Platinum Edition
2012
The Dub Express Vol 10 Platinum Edition
2012
The Dub Express Vol 11 Platinum Edition
2012
The Dub Express Vol 12 Platinum Edition
2012
The Dub Express Vol 13 Platinum Edition
2012
The Dub Express, Vol. 14 (Platinum Edition)
2012
Inna Different Style
2013
The Early Years
2013
Dubbing On Bond Street
2013
Reggae Dub Attack
2014
The Aggrovators Meets the Revolutioners at Channel 1
2014
King Tubby Meets the Aggrovators
2014
U Roy Meets Aggrovators & King Tubby
2014
John Holt Meets Aggrovators and King Tubby
2014
John Wayne Meets Purple Man and the Aggrovators
2014
The Aggrovators Essentials
2014
Cornell Campbell in Dub Playlist
2014
Ronnie Davis Meets the Aggrovators & King Tubby
2014
Glen Washington Meets George Nooks and the Aggrovators
2014
Michael Rose Meets Earl Sixteen and the Aggrovators
2014
Dubbing At King Tubby's
2016
The Aggrovators Present: Holy Dub
2017
The Aggrovators Present: Shake the Floor Dub
2017
Rocksteady Reverie
2017
The Aggrovators Present: Aggrovated Dub Specials
2017
Dub Fi Heart
2017
Original Ja Ska 1 Time
2017
The Aggrovators V King Tubby
2017
The Aggrovators Present Dub from Earth
2017
Rare Cuts
2017
Super Dub Disco Style
2018
Super Star-Disco Rockers
2018
Roland Alphonso & the Aggrovators
2018
Cornell Versus the Aggrovators
2018
Dub Inception
2018
Dub Split the Atom
2018
Jackie Mittoo vs. The Aggrovators
2018
Don Carlos vs. The Aggrovators
2018
Delroy Wilson vs. The Aggrovators
2018
Dub Aggrovation
2018
Skank Jamaica
2018
Barry Brown vs. The Aggrovators
2018
Higher Class Dubs
2018
Dubbing in the Front Yard & Conflict Dub
2019
Nuclear Dub (Bunny 'Striker' Lee 50th Anniversary Edition)
2019
Striker Selects Dub Dynamite from Downtown (Bunny 'Striker' Lee 50th Anniversary Edition)
2019
African Roots of King Tubby
2019
Striker Selects Rasta Dub
2019
Prince Fatty Meets The Gorgon In Dub
2023
Get the The Aggrovators Sound
Want to sound like The Aggrovators? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.
