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Amazon.com Horn players are a rich part of the Jamaican roots music tradition. Trombonist Rico Rodriguez started recording in the late 1950s and has appeared with Bob Marley, Burning Spear, the Skatalites, Steel Pulse, and nearly every other Jamaican artist of note. His own records as a leader in the United States, however, have been limited to just a few domestic efforts. Togetherness the latest, nonetheless has a timeless roots ska sound with horn-heavy charts up front, mid-tempo hiccupping beats, and a loose overall chemistry. Recorded in Argentina and also featuring eight roots stalwarts culled from area bands, this is a hot sweaty live album that captures the energy without a significant drop in sound quality. The 12-song set features several Rodriguez tunes--highlights include "Try To Reach The Top" and the melancholy "Some Day"--but also thrown in the mix are great versions of Don Drummond's "Eastern Standard Time" and a ska cover of "Dr. Kildare." Simply a must for fans of the Skatalites. -- Tad Hendrickson