Audiopile Review: A well kept secret of ’90s downtempo and future jazz, Jah Wobble’s overlooked 1997 album, Light Programme, initially issued on his own 30 Hertz imprint, makes it to vinyl for the first time. Created during a particularly fruitful and prolific period for Wobble, The Light Programme is the sound of the post-punk pioneer accidentally stumbling on the burgeoning world of downtempo. Wobble had already been deeply exploring dub and “global” sounds for the previous decade-plus, both elements would be intimately intertwined within the genre, a sound that would soon take over every cafe and trendy boutique in the Western Hemisphere. While much of downtempo would rely heavily upon samples, Wobble assembles a team of some his most relied upon collaborators for an organic album that feels more lively than many of his contemporaries. Congas, flute, guitar, harp, and the polyrhythmic drumming of Can’s Jaki Liebezeit fill the spaces between the bouncy keyboards and breakbeat drum programming of Wobble’s longtime associate and engineer, Mark Ferda. And of course it wouldn’t be a Wobble album without his heavy-handed touch of dub and bass-centric melodies. Wobble’s world is a daunting one, but you couldn’t find a better starting point than right here.

For the very first time on vinyl, Jah Wobble’s 1997 extraordinary descent into downtempo and world beat science. Released on his now-defunct 30 Hertz label, The Light Programme showcased an excellent cast of musicians. On board are historical Can drummer Jaki Liebezeit, with more of his African-induced rhythms; multi-instrumentalist and The Wire contributor Clive Bell, conga player Neville Murray, guitar and synth player Mark Ferda, and the exceptional harpist Zi-Lan Liao. If you enjoyed My Life In the Bush Of Ghosts you’ll fall in love with The Light Programme.