Reggae Clinic 65 "Caravan" (IBC) 1979

Belgian Reggae? Why ever not? This is the brainchild of Belgian vocalist, and composer, Jacques Albin, who had a fairly busy career in the 1960s and 70s; there are some half-decent Beat and Chanson pop numbers to his name ("C'est Du Velours" is best known of them), plus musician credits on some other Belgian artists' releases. Nothing much to write home about, mind. His studio group's clutch of Reggae covers are definitely the most interesting, however. Somehow, this crack at "Caravan" works rather well. The full version, which graces a 12" single and the Reggae Clinic 65 album, is almost eight minutes long, but I thought the 7" cut was long enough for here. The flipside is a dub version (Jacques understood the meaning of "de rigeur") but I didn't bother to include it, as the traditional "Caravan" motif isn't used. You can find it on YouTube if needs must. Also check out their interesting rendition of Dave Brubeck's "Take Five" in the same vein. I don't know who's playing on this session (almost certainly Albin was on bass), but hats off to the saxophonist and flautist for making this special.