Carlton "Carly" Barrett - Nuff Respect (1987)

Feel it in the one drop... Carlton "Carly" Barrett was the original originator of the one drop rhythm. This drumming scholar's first set of drums was made out of empty paint cans.

He and his brother, bassist Aston "Family Man" Barrett (interesting interview - check it) were original members of the Upsetters where they began collaborating with Lee Perry. Bob Marley's Wailers at that time also began moshing it up with Lee Perry. The sessions began a major turning point in the history of reggae music. Between Bob Marley and Lee Perry it will probably never be known who really influenced who, but they probably fed off each other, each in their unique style.

Together they turned the beat down a notch, and thus began the most influential wave of reggae. In 1971, The Wailers / Upsetters collaboration ended in a massive clash over the money and songwriting credits involved, and Bob Marley convinced the Barrett brothers to joinThe Wailers, thus dissolving the most famous Upsetters line-up.

Carlton Barrett stuck with the Wailers from 1969 all the way to Bob Marley's death in 1981, personally writing "Them Belly Full", "Duppy Conqueror" and "Talkin Blues" (check all dem samples). "Field Marshal," as he liked to be called, is indeed the marshal of the one drop rhythm who kept the Wailers steady in his own militant style.

On Good Friday April 17, 1987 Carlton Barrett was brutally murdered as he opened the gate to his home, while smoking his last spliff. People say he was one of the greatest drummers to emerge from the small island of Jamaica.

Below is some footage of the Upsetters and the Heptones moshing it up in Lee Scratch Perry's Scratching Post studio, with some interesting commentary. Check it.