First and foremost I would like to state that Toussaint's "Black Gold" should be considered for 2010's Reggae CD of the year! If not, the decade, making it the premier Reggae release of the 21st century!
With all ras-pect due, I would say "Black Gold" is a true companion to the lost, lonely, frustrated and confused soul. An island of musical tranquility of the highest order.
I spent most of 2010 listening to "Black Gold" and in early 2011 realized I had not reviewed it on the site! (?) Well without further adieu I offer you the debut CD from Toussaint aka Toussaint The Liberator. BLACK GOLD!
I brought this CD with me on a couple solo missions to my local beach and found it to be a most thoughtful and uplifting experience. Toussaint's deep vocals and descriptive lyrics are a rare treat. An almost Reggae Meets Soul vibe that seems to have been long overdue. Think Marvin Gaye, or Sam Cooke singing the roots. A truly wonderful combination.
The opening track "Nobody Knows" begins with striking piano splashes and rolls right into a smooth comforting roots foundation. As a songwriter myself, I can hear the genius in the track "This Song", as it shows a glimpse into the creative mind, and the process behind songwriting. Some moments between a writer and their pen and paper, can seem innate and spontaneous all at once.
"Roots In Modern Time" is a hard hitting dance hall flavored party starter with a back breaking bass line. The back-to-back tracks "Sunshine In Morning" and "Beautiful" are the real meat and potatoes of this flawless set. Two of the most inspiring songs from the reggae world EVER! "Sunshine" with it's militant almost steppers beat, brings an urgency to the listener that could give sight to the darkest of vision. A real reason to live life to the fullest and embrace every day with wide open eyes! While "Beautiful" brings a stripped down acoustic guitar and piano layered ballad written for someone very important.
All in all "Black Gold" just keeps on keepin' on. From the buoyant bassy sounds of "Look Up", the true confessions of "Conquering Cocaine", to the militant-Rockers theme of "Marching", this CD is a KILLER!
And in the end we have "Rain Again". Oh what a blessing! Backed by Youssoupha Sidibe on Kora (a 21 sting African instrument that looks ans sounds like a cross between a guitar and a harp) and his impassioned vocal backing tracks, Toussaint captures the pure essence of the individual moments of our lives. The passing instances we take for granted. A gorgeous sunset, the soft embrace of life under the falling raindrops. A song best heard on a pre-dawn West Coast beach, with the dew collecting on the sea grass across the dunes, and the morning sun rising over your shoulders, from the East.
