Rico Rodriguez

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Image:RicoRodriguez2002.jpeg Emmanuel Rodriguez (Rico, Reco, El Reco) (born October 17, 1934 in Kingston, Jamaica) was the (nearly) undisputed best trombonist of early Jamaican music.

By the age of 10, he had learned to play the trombone from strict nuns. In the 50s, Rico became a Rasta and became closely musically related to Rasta drummer Count Ossie. He recorded with many producers including Prince Buster or Lloyd 'Matador' Daley. In 1961, Rodriguez moved to the UK. He continued to play in reggae bands in England. In 1976 Rico recorded under contract with Island Records his most important album Man From Wareika. Then in the late 1970s, with the arrival of two tone, he played with two-tone musical bands like The Specials. One of his most memorable performances was on the Specials "A Message to You, Rudy". Since 1996, amongst other engagements, he has been playing with Jools Holland's Rhythm and Blues Orchestra.