Of the countless hit songs Sly Dunbar played on, Baltimore by The Tamlins held a special place for the master drummer. On February 3, as that trio performed their 1979 hit at Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre, the full house erupted in applause.

Dunbar, who died on January 26 at age 73, and who will be buried today, was remembered by family and colleagues at a “nine night” at that venue.

The Tamlins, one of many artistes he and his bass playing partner Robbie Shakespeare produced, performed three of the songs that put Sly and Robbie’s Taxi label on the map.

Shakespeare died in December 2021 at age 68.

Some of the musicians in the band shared numerous studio sessions with “The Riddim Twins”, including bass guitarist Lloyd Parks, keyboardist Robbie Lyn, guitarist Earl “Chinna” Smith, and saxophonist Dean Fraser.

Parks and Dunbar were raised in the Compound community and began playing in bands together during the late 1960s. Parks described Dunbar as “a brother from another mother”, adding, “It’s a sad occasion, but we are happy that we’ve gathered here tonight to celebrate di life an’ his legacy.”

Fraser was a member of Sly and Robbie’s Taxi Gang, who played on hits such as their classic instrumental Taxi and Bull Inna Pen by Black Uhuru. He praised Dunbar as an innovative musician and teacher who was always willing to share.

“Sly meant everything to me…musically, bredrin business. Him was one of di first person who encourage me as a young saxophonist to go in di studio an’ play, suh I had to be here ‘cause is my duty,” said Fraser.

The event, which was attended by Dunbar’s widow Thelma and daughter Natasha, heard the band revisiting some of his finest moments including The Mighty Diamonds’ Right Time and I Need A Roof, and Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner by Black Uhuru.

The venue was packed with members of the music fraternity, among them George “Dusty” Miller and Paul “Wrongmove” Crosdale of The Firehouse Crew, drummers Junior “Bird” Bailey and Kirk Bennett, percussionist Bongo Herman, keyboardist Chris McDonald, saxophonist Everol “Stingwray” Wray, Marcia Griffiths, Craigy T of T.O.K, Fred Locks, Sampalue, Sophia Brown, Benzly Hype of the Innocent Kru, producer Mikey Bennett, Tommy Cowan, Carlene Davis, and Emmy Award-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph.

Bongo Herman Joseph Wellington

From left: Singer Mikey General, singer/producer Sampalue, and drummer Dusty Miller from the Firehouse Crew Joseph Wellington

From left: Charlie Chaplin, Future Troubles’ Warren Williams, and David Hunter Joseph Wellington

From left: Carton Smith and Junior Moore of The Tamlins; Tony “Jah T” Lawrence, music promoter; and Lloyd Ferguson from The Mighty Diamonds Joseph Wellington

Frankie Campbell (left) of Fab 5 and keyboardist Sheldon “ATiiBA” Bernard Joseph Wellington

Ali McNab and Sly Dunbar’s widow Thelma Joseph Wellington

Mutabaruka at the controls. Joseph Wellington