Reggae-Vibes,
CD Review
>>
After having released the highly acclaimed "Weep Not" compilation in 2002 featuring solely artists from the US Virgin Islands, I Grade Records now unleashes their long overdue second roots reggae compilation entitled "Joyful Noise". However this time they have added Duane Stephenson, Lutan Fyah, Messenjah Selah and Norris Man from Jamaica, Queen Omega and I-Sasha from Trinidad, Jahdan Blakkamoore and Arkaingelle from Guyana, and The Nazarenes from Sweden(by the way of Ethiopia) to roster of artists that represent the Virgin Islands. The massive "Joyful Noise" set features four riddims namely the "Harvest", "Discipline", "Flying High" and "Grasslands" riddim - each represented with -- not consecutively but spread out -- five songs. The well crafted riddims were largely produced by Zion 1 Kings - the production collective consisting of the producers for Zion High Productions (Jah David Goldfine), I Grade Records (Tippy I Alfred) and Lustre Kings Productions (Andrew "Moon" Bain) with furthermore drummers Dean Pond (Studio 340) and T Rock (Red I Band) rounding out the production team.
The "Harvest" riddim, with its sticky major chord progression and real find horn line, gets things started with Duane Stephonson's Marley-esque "Hard Times", which certainly belongs to the best tunes he has recorded so far. Fenale singjay Queen Omega delivers the first cut across the "Discipline" riddim, which has a classic early-80's live root feel and a great sounding horn line. This Trinidadian roots queen shines bright and with "Footsteps" she drops one of the most standout tunes on the album. To see The Nazarenes appear on this compilation was a bit surprising, but the roots duo's spiritual tune "Everlasting" on the "Flying High" riddim proves that an artist simply needs a good riddim and the right producer to get the best out of him. From the first time we heard Pressure (Buss Pipe) he has managed to impress us over and over again and here it continues to do so with one of our favorite tracks and also one of the most outstanding songs, "Modern Pharoah", over the "Grasslands" riddim. The latter is a smooth yet heavy roots backdrop with poignant acoustic guitars, horns & strings over a classic one drop. All in all worthwhile tunes, great riddims and a great way to start off this compilation.
And it doesn't stop here as tunes worth of hearing keep on coming. Up-and -coming singjay Arkaingelle has a real nice flow on "Harvest" riddim and makes a good impression with "Song Of Praise". The "Discipline" riddim has lyrical legend Vaughn Benjamin of Midnite coming up next with the wonderful "Judgement In Measurement". Recently we've heard Jahdan Blakkamoore excel on Lustre Kings' "Culture Dem Vol. 3", and here is this ultra-gifted lyricist does it again with the title track for the "Flying High" riddim. Duane Stephonson delivers his next massive tune, "I'm Fine", which matches his previous efforts. Would love to see him team up with Zion I Kings for a full length album! Still 12 tracks to go, but that's more a treat than a torment.
"The Reason" is a decent effort from veteran singjay Junior P, while Lutan Fyah's cut "Discipline" is one of the best cuts on the riddim of the same name and alson one of the biggest tunes included in the collection. I-Sasha shows potential as he excels on the beautiful "Flying High" riddim with a song of praise entitled "Haile I". Another solid effort comes from veteran singer/producer Batch, who fully lives up to expectations with uplifting "Youths". It;s followed by Danny I's killer tune "Hold On", one of the standouts here. Since he emergerd on the scene with his strong debut album "Different Age", we've been on the outlook for more musical efforts from NiyoRah because he has that certain something in his vocal and lyrical delivery that sets him apart, and the powerful "Gone Crazy" is further evidence of the singer's great skill and talent. Earlier on Midnite's Vaughn Benjamin impressed with "Judgement in Measurement", but the wicked "Deep Tangle Roots" turns out to be an even stronger piece.
So far "Joyful Noise" has been a breathtaking musical journey and there's no sign this is gonna change in the last part of this massive roots reggae collection. Jahdan Blakkamoore's reality tune "Red Hot" is a very good cut over the "Grasslands" riddim, followed by Messanjah Selah's solid "Your Own World". Fyah chanter Sabbattical Ahdah, one of the lesser known names here but certainly one with a distinctive style, shows that he can become a force to reckon with in the near future. The compilation is rounded off in great style with two excellent tunes, "We Want Reparations" by the combination Batch, NiyoRah & Danny I, and Norris Man's "Power of Love" respectively.
Without doubt the best and most consistent roots reggae compilation of 2009 and thus strongly recommended for any self respectomg roots fan and especially those who are looking for a more inspired and interesting works than what's usually coming from Jamaican production houses in recent times.. 12/01/09
>> go there
|
