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Tony Chin - Universal Love In a career that includes rhythm guitarist for the legendary Jamaican band Soul Syndicate (in its various guises) as well as being a key member of Jack Ruby's Black Disciples, American pop reggae band Big Mountain, the recent Tosh Meets Marley touring crew and countless studio sessions, Tony Chin was an in-demand team player long before he made his name as a solo artist. He's lived in Southern California since the early '80s, thus accounting for the many times I've seen him onstage in these parts, but his ongoing presence in reggae music bespeaks his Jamaican roots as much as his Jamaican, Indian and Chinese heritage helps account for his unique talent and perspective. Universal Love is Chin's latest album under his own name, and not surprisingly, it's a quality release on every level. He's got an animated but sincere singing style that serves the material well, including the heartfelt yearnings of "Samantha," "Prisoner of Love" and "Baby Come Back," such thoughtful meditations as "Rasta Na Bow" and "When Will It End" and celebratory declarations like the opening "Reggae Beat." The songs are mainly originals that amply display Chin's compositional skills (he's the guy who wrote the enduring "Stalag 17" riddim, after all), though he also tackles Bunny Wailer's "Let Him Go" in classic style. A whole heap of notable JA and CA players provide backing, bolstering 16 reggae tracks that make room for roots, pop, reggae rock and nyabinghi and reach a dramatic climax with "Indian Nation," a plea to the Almighty on behalf of those indigenous folks who still aren't getting a fair shake. As crucial as Tony Chin's longtime contributions to group efforts have been, it's great to see and hear him at the helm of this very fine music. -Tom Orr Underdog Records	Don Carlos - Don Carlos It seems odd that a veteran reggae singer like Don Carlos, he of the turban dreadlocks and Merlin-ish beard, would release a self-titled album like some up-and-comer looking for name recognition. I suppose that for his first solo release in a decade he's just looking to start again with a clean slate after numerous notable records on his own and as a member of the '90s incarnation of Black Uhuru. (A bit of good guest vocalist work with U.S. reggae band Groundation in recent years, too.) Doesn't really matter, since he's in peak form on a set of songs that combine the snap of early dancehall with unpretentious themes of love and consciousness. Carlos has always had a pleasantly sandy voice and a clear delivery that doesn't lean too heavily on patois while consistently imparting lessons worth learning like the warning to rude boys on "Go Easy" or common sense of "Changes (Things in Life)." "Lady Luck" and a few other lovers' tunes go for a softer, almost easy listening approach, though Carlos knows when to stoke the fire and does just that with "I Love Jah Jah," "Hallelujah" (featuring Chaka Demus) and particularly "Oh Lord," which sets the reggae beat aside and instead rides a soul/gospel feel that Carlos' seasoned pipes handle with assured grace. For good measure there's two arrangements of a song called "My Life," one brooding and ballad-like, the other sporting an African/Caribbean lilt. It goes to show what a great singer Don Carlos is (remember the name!) no matter what the setting. A long time coming, but this disc is a strong addition to his body of work. -Tom Orr Liaison Music
Solomon Jabby - Firmly Planted in Dub A contemporary American who creates reggae music that sounds classically Jamaican, Solomon Jabby's work is aimed at those who crave the roots and he's hit the mark once again with his latest CD. Much as I try to steer clear of the term "old school" because of the implications of irrelevance that might be attached, such a phrase meant in the very best sense gives an idea of how vintage (another potentially loaded term) Solomon Jabby's reggae comes across. In case you're not familiar with Jabby (one of an increasingly noteworthy number of Christian reggae artists), here's a bit of background: he's a multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger, singer, producer, engineer, mixer and general studio whiz who made two albums of completely do-it-yourself dub before his first vocal release, Firmly Planted, came out a couple of years ago. By that time he'd changed his home base from Atlanta to Los Angeles and was hiring other musicians apart from himself, yet still remaining very much the guiding force of a sound influenced by the production styles of King Tubby and Augustus Pablo and heavily spiritual roots singers like Yabby You. All of Jabby's releases are indispensable for roots aficionados, though as his first dub version of an originally non-dub album, Firmly Planted in Dub is of special interest. Take note of the fact that the CD itself looks like a vinyl 45, for the music therein matches that look by recalling the 1970s pre-digital days of the absolute best Jamaican dub. Real instruments, lovingly applied effects, relaxed but intense riddims and echoey mysticism flow like the River of Life by which Jabby plants his roots as he simultaneously accesses the dub sound of old and makes it his own. If you don't have Firmly Planted, fear not. This dub reworking is massive enough to stand on its own. If you've heard the source disc, you'll bask in the dubs and notice added original material including "Rub-a-Dub Version," on which Jabby, in addition to all his other talents, cuts loose with some terrific U Roy-style deejaying. Devotees of deep roots and authentic dub, take heart. Yours is not a lost cause, and Solomon Jabby's got what you need. Firmly recommended. -Tom Orr Lion of Zion	Various Artists - Global Reggae Selection Vol. 1 Some nice stuff here, though this is largely a hit-and-miss collection with not enough high points. Most of the songs are roots/dancehall hybrids, a reasonable approach that nonetheless doesn't work on a number of tracks where intrusive vocal cadences that take too many cues from American-style rap (as opposed to Jamaican toasting) detract from the reggae vibe. Still, the good songs are very good, among them Elhadji's opening salute to the Senegal-based Baay Fall Sufi sect, FC Apatride UTD's ominous "War Party," the Sonny Okosun-like "Nelar" by Mathew Tembo and Silaba's "Traveling," ending the album on a sweet benedictory note. Some of the other selections are partly redeemed by spiritually conscious themes that manage to overcome backing that sounds canned and vocals often not sounding much better. And then there's the liner notes, which include a fairly accurate and concise recounting of reggae's history (though such glaring errors as referring to Johnny Osbourne and Cocoa Tea as MCs stand out) but no biographical information whatsoever about the artists on the CD, not even the countries from which they hail. Yeah, I guess the flags pictured next to the names listed on the back cover are supposed to provide a clue, but I'd prefer something a bit more solid. Perhaps Vol. 2 will be an improvement or perhaps Vol. 1 will sound just fine to listeners with standards different from my own. I don't know. I'm just thankful for technology that allows skipping tracks at the touch of a button. -Tom Orr Urban Sedated Records
Inner Circle- State Of Da World People whose awareness of music doesn't venture beyond the pop charts will forever associate Inner Circle with the once-inescapable "Bad Boys," but that's okay. Hey, I've liked that song for 20 years (despite, or perhaps because of, never being a fan of "Cops") and nowadays my kids like it too. But you gotta move on, and Inner Circle's been doing that for more than three decades. After the death of original lead singer Jacob Miller, after the crossover success that at times softened their sound too much, after lineup changes (original members Bernard "Touter" Harvey and brothers Roger and Ian Lewis remain) and peaks and valleys in the popularity of reggae music and the band itself, Inner Circle is back with a strong, varied album that's equal parts roots sensibility and progressive vision. As the title asserts, the disc deals head-on with modern day runnings, from a starting point of dub poet Mutabaruka firing off an abbreviated litany of what stinks nowadays and marching militantly forward through songs of love, war, perseverance, herb, spirituality and Africa. More than half the 15 tracks feature guest artists, threatening to turn the disc into an overly star-studded affair. Still, State Of Da World shows as never before how assured Inner Circle, as one of reggae's few self-contained bands, can be both on their own and with the likes of Luciano, Jr. Reid, Bushman and Lutan Fyah on board. The group gets in some solid shots of their own via "Down in a Africa," "Gun Ting" and the title track while also solidly supporting Morgan Heritage's Gramps on the peace-mongering "Real Soldiers," Bushman and David Hinds of Steel Pulse as they preach the truth about "Religion," and Luciano's viable alternative to that very thing, "One God One Aim." The disc isn't quite 100% killer- Marley brothers Damian and Stephen are surprisingly uncharismatic on the weedy "Smoke Gets in My Eyes" -but all told this is the mightiest statement Inner Circle has made in quite some time. -Tom Orr Shanachie Records	Gramps Morgan - 2 Sides Of My Heart Volume 1 I had the pleasure of interviewing Morgan Heritage a few years ago and can attest to the fact that they're a band with something to say on a variety of spiritual, cultural and personal levels which have served them and their music well. And now it's clear that the first I've heard of the group's emerging solo projects is likewise well rounded. The voice of Roy "Gramps" Morgan is to Morgan Heritage what Peter Tosh's was to the original Wailers: low, authoritarian, a bit menacing, a take-heed combination of mystic and macho. Those pipes are in good form and cover a lot of ground on 2 Sides Of My Heart Volume 1, Gramps' debut release on his own. Sure, reggae is the dominant sound, but the perspective ranges from that of a suffer-no-fools singer seeking unity ("All Together") and taking government and religion to task ("Roll Call") to a vulnerable guy making a few pointed observations on love ("Hush," "For One Night," "One In A Million"). There's more than a trace of r + b on such songs as "Hold On" and "Lonely" (the latter being the only track on the disc that comes off too mushy) while the roots are loud and clear on "Wash The Tears," the very Tosh-like "Time" and the Lucky Dube tribute "Always And Forever." And on an interesting note, even before I heard "Always And Forever," I was struck by how much Gramps' "Where Has Mama Gone" put me in mind of Dube's "Remember Me," a similar lament about a missing parent. Higher ground is tread on "Power Of Prayer," a gospel buildup with Buju Banton, and even when Gramps is at his friskiest, as when trading verses with India Arie on "Therapy," there's a lack of pretentiousness that makes the song sound more than just lustful. Whatever the future may hold for Morgan Heritage individually or collectively and whatever Gramps may have in mind for Volume 2, he's thus far got a very good thing going on the side. -Tom Orr Dadason Entertainment
Harry Mo - Back to Africa A whole heap of great reggae music is coming from the Virgin Islands nowadays and it doesn't look like the flow is going to stop soon. Given the generally high quality of the VI output, I say keep bringing it on. I don't know how new he may or may not be to anyone else, but the latest VI reggae guy to meet my ears is Harry Mo, who's got a voice that can both soar and meditate 'pon whatever reasonings he's got an opinion about. On his very fine Back to Africa CD, he wonders why peace is such an elusive thing ("My Dream"), seeks the Most High ("Jah In My Life"), respects the fairer sex ("Show Her Love"), looks toward the spiritual home of the Rastaman ("Back To Africa", "Ithiopia") and takes a personal perspective when necessary ("My Pride"). As familiar as his themes of continuing struggle and mashing down Babylon can be, his snappy roots riddims and sincere vocals keep everything fresh. "Positive Vibration" and "Mystic Man," for example, resemble the Bob Marley and Peter Tosh songs of the same titles in name only. Those and a dozen other top rank modern roots tunes make up a disc that has only the smallest hint of dancehall and no skimping on forwarding a consistently thoughtful vibe. As Harry sings on "Mystic Man," "I don't like to deal with no idiot," and he ain't kidding. Back to Africa is a strong release on every level, with Mr. Mo's instrumental work on guitars, keyboards and percussion just as sharp as his vocals and input from such other Virgin Islands notables as guitarist Tuff Lion sealing the deal. -Tom Orr Yellow Hill Music	Groundation - Here I Am In addition to being among the most musically skilled American reggae bands, Northern California's Groundation is one of the most popular, having toured internationally to great acclaim and released six full-length albums thus far (seven if you count their dub disc). Their latest, Here I Am, opens with "Run The Plan," the first two-and-half-minutes of which might have you checking to see if you've dropped a jazz fusion disc instead of a reggae CD into your player. But in due time the reggae beat takes over, the band is moving forward sure and strong and singer/guitarist/composer Harrison Stafford is getting mystical in his characteristically gruff vocal style. Actually, the jazzed kickoff isn't unprecedented: Groundation's core members were schooled in jazz and elements of it have recurred in their music from the beginning and still do. Such a background has always given their reggae a sophistication that, while far from highbrow, takes the music to heights and depths that seem more ambitious with each release. Their previous CD, Upon the Bridge, even had the distinction of being what used to be (and perhaps still is) called a concept album, certainly a rarity in reggae. Thankfully, Groundation remains well able to meet expectations for the high bar they set. Here I Am is another solid work of jazz-tinged roots, full of rich arrangements that make space for well-placed horns and Marcus Urani's keyboard expertise. There's twists and turns to this reggae, but it's gloriously good reggae because, not in spite of, those twists and turns. Veteran percussionist Sticky Thompson does some guest work as do Pablo Moses and the Congos, who've had a hand in vocals for past Groundation projects and contribute soulfully here. Half a dozen albums under their belt, and this band remains in peak form. Here I Am is a highly recommended addition to their body of work, thanks to a winning combination of Stafford's visionary lyrics and wise-elder singing style with musical backing that expands upon the basics of reggae while paying them due respect. Their status as an American reggae band aside, Groundation truly ought to be regarded among the top reggae artists on the planet -Tom Orr Groundation Music/YTR
Pressure Cooker - What She Wants This band out of Boston has been putting an original stamp on reggae, ska and rocksteady for quite some time, getting ever stronger as a recording and performing unit in the process. Their album Committed from a few years ago is an absolute must-have and their latest, What She Wants, abounds with goodness. A key part of what makes Pressure Cooker cook is horn and rhythm sections that are unfailingly excellent, plus the ability to give their reggae just the right amount of party time flavoring without sounding watered down. Vocalist Craig Akira Fujita (the dapper gent pictured on the CD cover) leads the way with a singing style that's as much reggae as it is soul, pop, jazz and mento/calypso, urging the band's tight, bubbling grooves onward and hanging back at intervals to let the players shine through. Even at their most serious subject-wise on such songs as "Without Purpose," "Blessed," and "Secondhand Soldier," Pressure Cooker cuts loose with the same dance-urging style they roll out on "Rocker's Delight," a deejay/dub piece showcasing just how snugly the band's individual strengths fit into the whole. And just when you think you've got those strengths figured out, along comes "Darkest Hour," a sweet piece of Memphis soul that paves the way for the rousing call-and-response of "Live" and stomping "You're the One," which ends the proceedings with the same sort of nod to feminine mystique as the opening title track and a few songs in between. Pressure Cooker has cooked up a mighty tasty one here. Dig in! -Tom Orr Jump Up Records	Soothsayers Meet the Red Earth Collective - One More Reason There were reggae riddims harnessed to good effect on the previous two albums (Lost City and Tangled Roots) by the UK's Soothsayers, though the discs were mainly affairs that blended stripped-down Afrobeat with shadowy funk, jazz and hip hop. On One More Reason, though, reggae is the recurring sound and even when the one-drop is absent there's a dominant dub feel in the mix. A brief intro hints at what's to come before the reggae-rock of "Music" rips forth like a long-lost Eddy Grant cut, flavored by the horns of Idris Rahman and Robin Hopcraft, who also supply the energetic vocals. By track 4, guest singer Johnny Clarke is on board for the slinky, menacing "Bad Boys," his cautionary voice trading space with a slightly eerie melodica and abrupt timbale fills. Clarke also voices the more tender but no less potent "Your Love" and fellow Jamaican vet Michael Prophet gives "Tears of Sorrow" a conviction that the tentative acoustic intro paves the way for. A recently resurgent Linval Thompson is out front for "History," a bit of jazzy reggae intellect that's a prime example of the seamless fusion found all over the album including "Mama Said," a sort of African dub poem voiced by Bob Skeng, and Mellow Baku sparring vocally with Michie One on "Irie." A more straight-up reggae and dub vibe fuels "Hold On" as Baku once again takes the lead, and if you want to hear what Soothsayers might have sounded like as the house band at Studio One, wrap your ears around "River Effra." This is, quite simply, a fantastic album with much that reggae lovers will love along with anyone who craves great grooves, varied vocals and sounds that are both earthy and out of this world. Much as I like and would recommend Soothsayers' earlier stuff, they've outdone themselves. -Tom Orr Red Earth Music
Clinton Fearon- Faculty of Dub As former bassist and vocalist (both harmony and frequent lead) with the Gladiators, Clinton Fearon’s reggae credentials were established long before he split to Seattle and formed the Boogie Brown Band. He and his post-Gladiators crew carry on in a true roots style, and on this dub disc, with a beaming Fearon caricatured on the cover as every bit the knowledgeable reggae professor that he is, are stripped down to bedrock riddims and hard shards of melody that leave no doubt of it. You’ll detect a few melodic traits of Fearon’s old band as you listen, though his intent to create mind-bending dub succeeds with shadowy finesse. The dubs (listed on the back cover as a series of “Lessons”) range in feel from militant to murky, with an unflinching tightness that reminds me of the High Times Players’ ‘80s works and enough eccentricities in sound (check the spooky voices that seem to be wrestling some sort of inner conscience on “Street Talk”) to show that this all isn’t just trying to recreate the classic Jamaican sound. But lovers of that sound will find a lot of goodness here, thanks to the guiding hand of Fearon as guitarist, bassist, producer, composer and more, plus the presence of greats like veteran drummer Nelson Miller. So learn these lessons well and bask in the teachings of Prof. Fearon as he imparts crucial information from his syllabus of dub. -Tom Orr Kool Yu Foot	Zema with the Gladiators Band- Jubilee A diminutive dynamo whose attire and floor-length dreadlocks make her look like a prophetess of old, Zema continues to create some of the most spiritually and melodically alive reggae currently out there. She’s an American (based in Southern California for a lot of years) who does most of her recording in Jamaica, and the caliber of musicians she attracts assures not only authenticity but gives her already considerable skills as a singer, composer, arranger, producer and keyboard player an even sharper edge. As on her last album Overcome, she’s got the bulk of the Gladiators band backing her up here. Also staying the same is Zema’s drawing upon the Bible for lyrical inspiration (specific passages are cited alongside the printed lyrics) coupled with the way she consistently sounds like a humble servant and not a pompous preacher. Apart from a nice cover of Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine,” everything here is geared toward a greater glory and stronger for it. When Zema entreats the Almighty with words like “make me Your lioness,” she’s on fire and the warmth she’s sharing is genuine. And so it goes with the title track, “Reap What You Sow,” “Do It In Love,” “Trod” and all the rest. Jubilee is pure jubilation, a gem of modern roots made even more precious with four dubs rounding out the disc and showing the extent to which the underlying music builds the foundation on which the messages are delivered. -Tom Orr Melchizedek
Natural Vibrations- Ultimate Vibes: The Best of Natural Vibrations Although I’d heard of these guys and was aware of their status as Hawaii’s most acclaimed reggae band (or at least one of them), this is the first album of theirs to find its way to me. And I like it. Natural Vibrations have five previous releases under their belt and obviously know a few things about lovers rock, conscious themes, songs in praise of herb, uptempo reggae-rock, shades of dancehall and good-time tunes that address the pleasures of both Hawaii and reggae music. The prevailing feel is pop reggae (a notch more so than, say, fellow Hawaiians Ooklah the Moc) that will appeal to fans of UB40, Katchafire and the like, but not having heard Natural Vibrations’ previous releases, I don’t know how heavily this best-of might be stacked in favor of the more easygoing stuff. One sure thing is that I now want to hear more this group, particularly what they are capable of in a deeper roots respect. The liner notes are scant, including little more than a photo and a list of the band member’s names minus any specifics as to who does what. So rather than single out anyone in Natural Vibrations’ ranks, I can instead only affirm that they deliver fully in both the playing and singing departments. Longtime fans will be interested in two new songs- the breezy “Shawty” and the cautionary “Man Down”-that bookend the selection, and neophytes like me can get acquainted with Natural Vibrations via standout tracks like “Freedom Fighter,” “Balls Rolling” and the meditative “Okana Road.” It’s nice to finally know what I’d been missing. - Tom Orr Natural Vibes LLC	Soul Majestic - Better World It’s been a few years since this band out of Northern California released Until That Day, a CD they were kind enough to spot me a copy of while I was tentatively milling about in the backstage area of a reggae festival I was covering at the time. Soul Majestic was at the bottom of the bill at that particular festival, but their performance was more impressive than many of the reggae veterans who followed. The CD was plenty impressive too, and became an ongoing favorite of mine. And so long as that was the case, I didn’t mind waiting for the next full-length Soul Majestic album. Now that Better World has arrived, I can only state unconditionally how very well worth it the wait has been. This disc won’t make anyone forget the riches of the last, but it’s got an abundance of its own that makes it a nearly perfect successor. Once again a modern roots sound predominates, and once again the lead vocal duo of Eric Iverson and Oriana Sanders give the words a glow every bit as warm as the players of instruments achieve in laying the riddims down. Overall, things sound a touch more contemporary this time, from the polished drum accents of the title track and the minimalist “Next Generation” to the noticeably downtempo vibe of the almost-jazzy “Guidance” and the echo treatment given to the vocals on “Seek the Truth.” The arrangements are sparser, with horns playing a lesser (but still significant) role, no dub versions (the only thing I’m going to complain about and there, I’m done) and a seemingly greater emphasis placed on lyrical messages. That’s just fine, since the messages here are precisely the sort that discerning reggae listeners have come to expect (and in the face of potential slackness, demand). Iverson sings with just enough of a chant inflection to make such songs as “First Light” and the nyabinghi-powered “One Heart” sheer poetry, while Sanders’ vocals on “I Rise,” an account of the faith and strength that helped her survive cancer, and “Send the Train,” a prayer for paradise, are both stunning. If it’s a better world they’re after, Soul Majestic are doing their part to achieve it by making reggae as high quality as this. -Tom Orr Music/Loa Tree Records
Dub Skin- Love in Spite of… Track one on this disc is titled “The Overture,” and insofar as an overture can be something that lays the foundation for what is to come musically, it’s a suitable foreshadowing: a slow, echoey, keyboard-laden, one-drop instrumental that’s almost a textbook example of how entrancing reggae can be. The similar-in-feel “For the Strong” follows, and until vocals come in at about the one-minute mark, you almost believe the album is going to make its case without words. But no, this Colorado-based outfit is a full service reggae band, and a solid one at that. Their strengths include the understated, slightly menacing lead vocals of Ifficial, the ongoing use of classic dub tricks and a vibe that’s contemporary and true roots at the same time. The players (Yroc on drums, The Dean on bass and keys, guitarist Seeps and Jah Sonic handling keys and effects) construct tight but relaxed riddims that frame Ifficial’s sometimes unpredictable vocal cadences in a manner often similar to that of the band Midnite, while the space age production techniques employed throughout suggest the influence of such U.K. experimenters as Adrian Sherwood and Jah Warrior. And be sure to prick up your ears to get all the lyrical nuances, since the effort is well worth it. For variety’s sake, things go a little hip-hoppy on “Mission Control” and jazz scatty on “Look What Dem Do,” but as “Body God,” “African” and “Yah So” demonstrate, the roots are deep and in charge. If that sounds good to you, Dub Skin will definitely get under your skin. -Tom Orr Dub Skin	David Hillyard and the Rocksteady 7- Get Back Up! New York-based saxophonist David Hillyard, who’s a crucial link in the sound of such bands as the Slackers in addition to leading his own primarily instrumental combo the Rocksteady 7, has long been mixing reggae riddims with jazz-style soloing. Thus it is with his latest, a skanking feast of choppy grooves, instrumental trade-offs, dubby interludes and occasional surprises like veteran percussionist Larry McDonald doing a lead vocal in Spanish on “Esta Tarde” and a version of Fela Kuti’s “Trouble Sleep Yanga Wake Am” that brings Afrobeat into the mix. Actually, there’s other noteworthy things going on in the cover department, like Hillyard and company’s nimble runs through “Sunny” and the Hippy Boys’ “Death Ride,” but Hillyard is also an originator. Pieces such as his own scorching ska compositions “Change of Plans” and “Soul Thing for Ray” join the title track’s instantly engaging onslaught of horn-led melody and the nyabinghi swing of “RNA” in drawing a straight line from 2009 New York to 1960’s Kingston and losing nothing in terms of freshness along the way. Ska’s jazz roots are not only amply revisited, they’re brought along for the transitions into rocksteady and reggae as well. The rhythm section of McDonald, drummer Eddie Ocampo and bassist Dan Jeselsohn get in some crackling licks of their own and open up the space for good works by keyboardist Dave Wake, guitarist Justin Rothberg, Rich Graiko on trumpet, Phil Cooper on trombone and of course Hillyard himself doing his thing on tenor, soprano and baritone saxophones. This is a loose, rousingly enjoyable set of Jamaican and jazz flavors, played by a crew who know precisely where the two converge. -Tom Orr Brixton Records
The Devastators - Better Days The cover of this disc shows a live plant sprouting forth from a panel of electronic circuits. San Diego four piece are obviously proud to make analog music in this digital age. Their cd has stickers promising to be "pitch correction and drum machine free" giving you just real honest roots reggae music. Guest musicians include players form both Big Mountain and Groundation. The First notes notes of "Find Away" take you to A. Pablo's sound, but then the songs morphs into Devastator's own stamp encouraging the downpressed to stand up for themselves and "Fly Away." Eleven Songs PLus four bonus Dub cuts. Killer sax solo kicks off "Surrender" an uptempo lovers track telling his lover to "Make hat whole body sing." Things are so bad on earth that "it's time to call upon the one, Jesus Christ" praying to see some "Better Days" dueling guitar and organs lead into a blazing guitar solo and drum n bass breakdown. The riff at the start of "Torture" sounds like Iron Butterfly on this song about a spurned love. "Light People" has a great old Maytals style musical sound and shouts out to those who praise the Most High. Dancehall style is the order of the day on "Why" a song appealing to win a gyal's favor a theme repeated on "Last Night." Dubby melodica reappears on "Make them Fall" a song livicated to tearing down babylon. More pining lovers on "Been a Long Time" has a Chicago soul sound mixed in with the reggae. Quality American roots reggae along the lines of SOJA vocally and Roots Of Creation/Jah Roots muscially. Ras Adam Simeon Peaks and Valleys Productions	Pato Banton - Destination Paradise If slack and violent dancehall is a cancer on reggae, then Pato Banton is the cure. This cd oozes positivity and messages of hope. Pato is part of the Urantia Foundation movement, a group formed in the 1950's who were said to have received their sacred text from celestial beings. Like fellow reggae artists LT. Stitchie and Judy Mowatt, Pato now follows his performances with his spiritual prayer sessions and teachings, but his music is not outwardly over-preachy. . "Heal This World" calls for a greener planet by using renewable energy and growing sustainable crops such as hemp. The song has a lead guitar riff that recalls BMW's "Heathen" as well as guest a rapper and vocalist. Pato sings and djs warnings not to count on material things and that Jah "Love will Help Us Through" hardships in life. "Let there Be Love" is over a Soul To Soul type piano R&B groove and rapper DBX and Pato trade call n response words about life in the hood and how to heal it with positive vibes. Pato bears his heart on the lovers track "special To Me" telling his queen she's "More than a lover you're my best freind." The song "Life & Light" is over a heavy beat similar to Aswad's "Soul Fire" and imagines a world of peace and love. My fave cut is "Loving Service" a ska rave up about giving yourself to others. This release features twelve strong cuts all with positive healing messages for the world.The dvd size case contains a book of full lyrics. Ras Adam Simeon Coral Music Group
VA Classic Rasta From Jamaica & Beyond Vol 1 Professor Skank has been a St Louis Reggae fan and radio DJ for many years. Some records made such an impression on him and he wanted to share his passion for them with the world so he created a record label to reissue them. He also started putting out compilations of various songs that especially moved him. His "Crucial Reggae From Outside Jamaica" series exposed folks to the many great artists all over the globe putting out quality reggae music. His new series; Classic Rasta features twelve tracks sharp from twelve international roots reggae acts. Veterans like Clinton Fearon (Who's Game Is It) are here alongside newcomers like Deyansa(Pain & Sorrow). A self-confident Niyorah explains how the "..underdogs are truly champions "on "Nothing to Prove", a great track with soft flute throughout. The aptly named "style" has plenty of it as Koko & Oolah The Moc represent some of the 50th state's best. Nasio and Groundation's singers voices are very unique and some reggae fans prefer them in smaller doses so this compilation works well for that. Dutch band Poor Man's Friend sing about the guy we all know who gets the ganja jones "The Coffee Shop Man." Ossie Dellimore teaches on the triangle slave trade on "Caribbean And American." Great extensive liners notes include not only bios but full lyrics which is something you don’t see that often. This is a strong collection with something for everyone. Ras Adam Simeon Skank Records	Tuff Lion - Ten Strings Tuff Lion is a guitar wiz, session man and band leader who plays on many of the top reggae cds and tours coming out of the US Virgin Islands. On this album we hear that guitar wizardry featured in the spotlight as the main "voice" on his great new solo cd. These 18 tracks transport you in their atmospheric nature to different moods and places. The rain stick like sound on "Yad Along" sounds to me like desert sand sifting on a journey and the twang of the soloing has a western vibe to it. Great horn riffs anchor "Vibes Preservation" as Lion wails a bluesy lead "vocal" with his metal strings. "Majestic Honor" also has a majestic horn section that recalls the work of classic Aswad and features some dubwise effects sprinkled in. On "Ivahlasting" he changes things up with back-masking sounds, programmed funky drums and tons of wah wah. The bouncy programmed track on "Love is All" could work easily under a Mary J Blidge hit. Just about every song features Tuff's searing electric guitar solos which easily stand aside the best in rock guitar recordings. This album is not just for fans of fancy fretwork. A large part of the record would appeal to fans of instrumental easy listening or new age music and I don't mean that as a diss, rather showing it's potential broad appeal. Production from the famed Lion & Fox studio in VA means extra crisp quality sound. The cd closes with the fun "Ancient Trees" a beautiful acoustic guitar track with touches of melodica. This release has a nice cohesive sense of unity and wholeness to its sound and identity.Recommended. Ras Adam Simeon I Grade Records
Burning Spear - Jah Is Real At 63 years young, Winston Rodney; The Burning Spear is in fine form. Still doing live shows, (albeit smaller) tours, recording and even blogging on his website. Spear made a rare move in the reggae world. He and his wife Sonia followed his hero Marcus Garvey's advice of self-reliance and took total control of his career. Tired of so many years of rip off producers, agents, distributors and labels, the Rodneys now call all their own shots and do things their own way and in their own time. They also bought back the masters of his back catalog, again a brilliant, but almost uheard of move in the music game. Burning Spear's songs are autobiographical. “Run For Your Life" tells his tale of getting away from the music industry leeches. "The Cruise" recalls his sea trip singing how "number 3 cabin were jammin" while the trombone lays down a low fog horn note. The cut "700 Strong" is about a intimate private concert he held at Marcus Garvey Lawn for 700 fans to raise money for The St. Anns Infirmary in 2006. His world travels from kenya to Ottawa are recalled in "Step It." The title track implores to the ungrated ones what a difference Jah can make in your life.There's almost a highlife guitar pattern to "One Africa" pleading with the continent to make a move towards unity to gain prosperity. A note to young reggae musicians to "Stick To The Plan" of concentrating on making quality original music and not worry about fortune and fame. He makes the disclaimer on "No Compromise" that his Music "..carry no half-naked people" to sell it and it certainly does not. The horns, the percussion and all the Burning Spear classic sounds are hear played in expert fashion with wonderful production clarity. Guest musicians include the legendary P-Funk alums Bernie Worrel and Bootsie Collins. Thirteen strong tracks plus a jungle remix of “Step It”! Haile recommended. Ras Adam Simeon Burning Music Records	Super Tough - Dance Worm Bruce Benjamin and Wally Sound are two long time California bredrins. Bruce became a serious reggae drummer and Wally a talented musician and studio wiz. These two make up the backbone of Supertough and they invited many great Jamaican and American talents to finish out this project. Lead track "United" sounds like an Augustus Pablo track with a blues guitar over it while Al Pancho gives thanks and praises to Jah. My fave cut is Tony Moses crooning "Fly Me To The Moon" a classy cover with a great horn hook, a jazzy sax solo and Moses Djing like Uroy towards the end. This song gets many rewinds on my stereo. Country & Western music was always huge in Jamaica and Marty Robbins' classic hit "Cool Water" is covered here in a soft lullaby fashion with bells as well as the Nashville hit "D-I-V-O-R-C-E." There's even a first time in history reggae cover of Syd Barrett's(Pink Floyd) "See Emily Play." This project is a first class affair with both great playing and production. Run go get it! Ras Adam Simeon Super Tough Records
Johnny Osbourne - Truths & Rights/ Deluxe Edition Johnny Osbourne is a reggae legend who’s had big songs in the 1960's,70's and 80's. This record is really the one that put him on the map. This Studio One production is lovingly reissued here with an impressive six bonus tracks. "Truth and Rights", "Jah Promise" and Love Jah So" are all major Rastafari anthems and all three are included here. "We need love" rides a riddim based on the Spinnner's soul hit "I'll Be Around." On "Sing-Jay Stylee" Johnny demonstrates his talent on that very skill of DJing(rapping) in a sung fashion. Three of the bonus cuts are released for the first time on CD and the others are extended mixes of songs from the album. Extensive liner notes include an interview with session ace and master producer Cleveland “Clevie” Browne. I just saw Johnny Osbourne recently perform and he is still in top form. If you don't already own this classic recording, I Haile (sic) recommend you run go fetch it. Ras Adam Simeon Heartbeat Records	Kirk Davis Don't Deny Me Kirk Davis has had a career in reggae from teenage years as the dancehall singer Little Kirk and a member of the Shocking Vibes label camp. Kirk has since grown physically to a big man and spiritually into a Christian reggae artist. "Peace On Earth" starts off with his young daughter Breanna making an appeal to end child abuse. Kirk flows effortlessly from singing to djing on this powerful message song. He sends a proposition out to the young inmates that if they had "One More Chance" to get their lives right sung over a Bongo Herman heartbeat binghi riddim. Davis has several guest singers and djs who add a bounty killer like style but with positive lyrics to win over the youth's ears. Like fellow big framed singers Gerald Levert and Ruben Studdard, Kirk has a huge rich voice with such sweet tone. Some Christian artists express their faith explicitly in their lyrics and some make more subtle songs that only allude to spirituality. Kirk Davis doesn't hide his religion at all and most songs mention Jesus Christ and his faith directly. The uptempo gospel rave up "If A Neva God" features his famous brother Moses “Beenieman” Davis whom Kirk implores to get saved in his liner notes. These sixteen tracks are super well produced with expert musicianship. This cd will appeal to Gospel, Contemporary Christian and Reggae fans alike. Ras Adam Simeon EMS Music Records
Steve Steppa- Justice Must Come On Justice Must Come singer Steve Steppa continues his work spreading Jah word and positive messages for the masses. He remarks on the "Everyday struggle" to find hope and pray and "To chant a psalms with Binghi drums and chant king Alpha's song." Musician/Producer James "Dr. Seuss" Lord is young in years, but has paid dues in the reggae industry; from radio, to sound system, to road touring, to Jamaican studio work. The disc has a nice sound quality showing Lord's hard work and exposure has paid off. Steppa's voice is not the strongest and sweetest, but he works within his range and ability and keeps it honest and real sounding,at times,a bit like Martin Campbell.Twelve nice tracks plus two dubs are book ended by a reggae riff on the Animals "House of The Rising Sun" this time dubbed "The House of the Rising Lion." Standing out is "Live On", a strong cut that really shines as both well written and performed. Singing songs about love and life’s ups and downs and social justice, Steve Steppa is a genuine reggae artist. Ras Adam Simeon Irie Sounds International Records	SkinnyBeats & Dub Pulse - The Reggae Tribute To Todays Hottest Hits One time in my youth I found Beatles record at a local drug store and the price was very cheap. When I got home and put it on my record player I was dismayed to find out it was not in fact the Beatles singing, but rather some schmaltzy choral singers doing cheesy covers of the Beatles. Then I scoured the album and found the fine print where it explained that it was Beatles hits "as performed by..." This cd transformed me right back to that day of my disappointed youth. On the surface it looks like reggae remixes of popular rap and r & b hits, but it's in fact a couple of guys in a studio; one on the keys making beats n music and the other rapping and singing. The vocals and sequencing is not terrible, but these tributes add little to the original cuts. The selection of Sean Kingston and Sean Paul as artist to reggaefy is odd since they are already reggae crossover acts. The line dance song "Cupid Shuffle" has a specific tempo & style of beat like the Electric Slide and it loses its point here. "In Da Club" by 5o cent is yesterdays hit and not a good translation. Soulja Boys "Crank That" is not improved by the phony caribbean accent. I would stick with the originals and dj blends that mix accapellas by rap & R&B artists over authentic reggae beats. Ras Adam Simeon Pam Am Records
Taj Weekes & Adowa - Deidem Hailing from the Island Of St Lucia Taj Weekes offers a serious work tackling tough topics over haunting roots rock reggae. His band name Adowa is from a famous Ethiopian battle,a tribute his Ethiopian grandpa. The album starts off with "Angry language" where he reconsiders his biblical teachings. He questions the truths we are fed in "Propaganda War" and the cycle of man's Violence on "Since Cain." Oppression and judgement of dreadlocks is addressed on "Kink and Crinkle." "Dark Clouds" , "Orphans Cry" and "Hollow Display" all touch on heavy subjects of inhumanity and broken hearts. Through the dark and heavy messages shine a few rays of hope; on "We Stand" he intones that "We've got to Find a way" and fight against the odds to keep that "Litle Fire" lit and burning. Taj has a very high sweet unique voice almost like a Pablo Moses. His band is very talented and has a Tosh/Lucky Dube feel. The discs final cut is "Lousiana" a slow balad about Hurricane Katrina. Despite the dense material the disc is not depressing, rather it's serious message music and food for thought. Ras Adam Simeon Jatta Records	Rootz Underground - Movement When I heard there was a new Jamaican reggae band i was very excited to get a copy and have a listen. In Jamaica most of the "bands" that exist are backing bands for multiple singers and djs(rappers) and are not independant recording bands unto themselves.The majority of reggae acts we know are singers and djs that record and tour with a variety of session muscians; musical guns for hire. A few exceptions to this are groups like Third World, Morgan Heritage and England's RasItes. Rootz Underground show they're here on the scene with 18 strong original tracks and one bonus remix. While this disc may be the first we have heard from them, the cds starting shout out from Stone love's Rory is from 1993 showing they havent "jus come." The rock-solid musicianship is masterfully co-produced by Bobby Digital and Dean Frazer and the lyrics are well rasta conscious. Singer Stephen Newland's voice reminds me a lil of Damien Marley's on his song "Road to Zion." When so many groups live off of recycling old riddims and lyrics this is really great to have fresh material.recommended. Ras Adam Simeon Riverstone Records
Half Pint - No Stress Express This album combines some older classics and some newer shots to make for a fine release. The California punky reggae band Sublime,(later Long Beach Dub Allstars) were big Half Pint fans and their acoustic surf reggae vibe is present on "Unity" and "A Girl Like You" featuring their guitartist Jack Manness who gives them a slight crossover feel. The Boom chune "Just Be Good To Me", produced by Beres Hammond's Harmony House in 2000, is reoffered here along with a dub mix. Halfpint and DJ(Rapper) Dollarman deftly revive the Jr Reid Classic The "Babylon Release The Chain." Fans of 1980's new wave may enjoy a corny cover of "My Best Friend's Girl" by the Cars.The Riddim Twins Sly & Robbie lay down heavy tracks on "Blessing Darling" and "Children Of His Majesty." Popular DJ Sizzla guests on the track "Too Much Bad Boys In The Street." This disc shows Half Pints talent and versatility in flipping easily between Lovers/Message Music, originals/covers, yardstyle and Cali style. Ras Adam Simeon Universal	Prince Fatty - Survival of the Fattest Mike Pelanconi aka Prince Fatty knows good reggae music. As an engineer and producer he has worked with Gregory Isaacs, Michael Rose, Ranking Joe, Dub Syndicate, Sinéad O'Connor, and Adrian Sherwood and others. Lead track "Curious" and "Don't Give Up" feature the great rasta vocalist Little Roy and "Big man Cry" is sung by Winston "Mr Fix iT" Francis. The cover art features a great collage recalling the old greensleeves 12" record jackets. Some of the charicatures on it include A.Pablo, Haile Selassie, J. Cliff as Ivanhoe Martin, the DATC Lion, the lone ranger and even a super ape. Musically this cd is a total throwback to the heart of the 70's similar to 10 ft Ganja Plant. Rock solid drumming comes courtesy of Style Scott from the Radics and raw hammond organ is by Bubblers from Ruff Cut Band. The production is flawless with heavy bass right up front in the mix.The only odd piece in the batch is the unlucky last track # 13, a reggae version of Snoop Dogg's Gin & Juice.The promo disc even came wrapped in a sweet smelling crokus bag.This is a 100% first class release. Haile recommended! Ras Adam Simeon Rasa Music
VA Spirits in the Material World A Reggae Tribute to The Police At first glance, the title "Reggae Tribute to the Police" throws you, because for many years reggae artists have railed against babylon(the system) and Police. This "Police" though, happens to be the popular 1980's pop trio from England.Thirteen Police classics are reinterpreted in reggae stylee by a mix of reggae stalwarts and some lesser known, but talented artists. Junior Reid kicks off the disc with "Synchronicity" a perfect fit for his sound. Toots Hibbert does a great ska version of "De Do Doo Doo", Horace Andy tackles "Invisible Sun" w/ Lee Perry on its dub version. Younger Neville Brother Cyril sings "Wrapped around Your Finger" and his fellow New Orlinean, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux does a rousing "Spirits in the Material World." Folksy pop singer Joan Osbourne does a nice Bonnie Raitt-like "Every Breath You Take" and Wailing Souls and Gregory Isaacs cover "One World" and "So Lonely" respectively. Least favorites are UB40 singer Ali Campbell's "Everything Little Thing She Does is Magic" not for his fine singing, but for the cheesy synth line track and (Sublime clone) Pepper's "Can't Stand Losing You" which is a straight cover that adds nothing new. The disc closes with the red hot singer Tarrus Riley killing it on the "King of Pain." Whether Sting and the lads were a big part of your musical past or not, this still stands up as a pretty good reggae collection. Ras Adam Simeon Shanachie Records	Maimon And The Mongoose Band - Third Ear This group from France offers a lushly produced quality reggae release. Lyrics range from the atypical in the tune "1945" a song about a post WW2 town trying to cope with loss, to the more typical "She's Swayin'" and Shakin The Tree" songs about winding up yer waist w/ a gal and falling in love. The band trys to rouse the apathetic with "Slumber City" and shun brutality on "police Terror." The song "Uman" is sung in their native tongue and you can take a guess what "Puff & Relax" is about. The cds 13 cuts have big overarching themes of peace and positivity. The slick cd booklet with hip graphics comes with full lyrics and was produced by Ronnie "Stepper" McQueen. Songs have You can tell a lot of love went into this project. Ras Adam Simeon Skank Records
Yellowman- Live In San Francsico King Yellowman aka Winston Foster is a trooper and onstage he's a dynamo. Jamaica society wasn't too kind to albinos and he later in life he went through taking out a big section of his jawbone to beat cancer. Despite these huge hurdles life threw at him, Yellowman has not only survived but thrived. With over`60 albums of recorded material to draw from, this live show contains many of his beter known hits like"Yellow Like Cheese" as well as bits of covers like the Wailers "Comin in From The Cold" and "Keep On Movin." Shaggy's hit "Oh Carolina" is done here mixing in Coco Tea's rasta anthem "Holy Mount Zion." Oldies are done medley style with "2 to 6 Supermix" "Oh DR" "Operation Radication"and "Lost Mi Love Upon The Queens Highway. Fats Domino's "Blueberry Hill" oldies is covered along oldies like "Mr Chin" , "I'm Getting Married IN The Morning", "Bam Bam", "Girls Can't Do What he GUys Do" and "ZunguZeng." TheSagitarious Band is wicked and can stop on a dime. The classic "Jamaica Nice/Country Roads" breaks down into 70's schmaltzy cover Stephen Bishop's "On and On." King Yellow is a true showman and this concert covers much of his career and talent. This release comes witha DVD film of the show and an audio cd.Yellowman hasn't slowed a bit and this cd proves that. Ras Adam Simeon 2B1 Records	Gregory Isaacs - Live In San Francsico The Cool Ruler has had a career of ups and downs.Years of on and off drug use, many no-shows at live concerts and a voice that comes and goes depending on his health or whether he has his teeth in; have all left many fans wary.Those who love Gregory from his heyday really want him to do well and whenever he turns in a great performance they are quick to spread the word to alay the nay-sayers. After a quick instrumental medley Gregory Launches into a fast rendition of "Number One" then blends into "Stranger in Town" and "Tune In." Sadly Isaacs' high and nasally voice sounds rough and has lost its lushness."Soon Forward" sounds a bit better as do "Private Beach Party"and "My Only Lover." You can tell by the sing-alongs on "All I Have is Love" how much the audience knows and treasures his songs. His voice warms up a bit on "Storm(Hang On)" and "Oh What A Feeling." A fast version of "Hard Drugs" is tailed by the classic "Night Nurse." This release comes witha DVD film of the show and an audio cd. Overall this is not his best performance. Ras Adam Simeon 2B1 Records
Lee Scratch Perry - Chicken Scratch Deluxe Edition Most people know Lee Perry as the mad genius who says he's married to a Swedish vampire and who once burned down his own famous Black Ark recording Studio (yet not before recording some of the finest spacey effect laden roots reggae ever recorded.) What most folks don't know however, is that before the recording engineer work he started out his career as a crooner over classic ska music. This collection, just reissued from Heartbeat Records, showcases that early work. If you are a fan of old Derrick Morgan and Prince Buster material and love that early Skatalites sound that was recorded with one mic in the center of the room and has that old 78 RPM vibe, then this one is for you. Sweet backing vocals come courtesy of Rita Marley's Soulettes as well as the wailers. Liner notes are lovingly written by Perry aficionado David Katz who penned the great scratch biography; People Funny Boy. A killer secret bonus cut sounds like it was recorded much later and has Scratch riding the wailers Jailhouse riddim while he toasts about Rastafari. The music, played by mainly Skatalites personnel, has that old school influence of New Orleans boogie woogie blues all over it. If you like classic ska music, or are a big Perry fan, this is interesting to hear his efforts from early days. Ras Adam Simeon Heartbeat Records	Mighty Diamonds - Inna De yard One of my favorite tracks on the Bob Marley Songs Of Freedom box set was a medley of acoustic songs;just Bob and his guitar. Makasound Records from France must have a similar affinity for stripped down reggae.The Inna De Yard series is one that pairs Reggae's great singers with acoustic guitar, hand drums and not much else. The end result is wonderful, as you can clearly hear all the individual elements. One of the great traditions in Reggae is the vocal trio and one of the best from the 1970's roots reggae era is the Mighty Diamonds. While some past singer's voices show lots of wear & tear, the Diamonds show here they are still in fine form. "I Need A Roof", "Country Living", "4000 Years" and "When the Right Time Comes" are some of the ten classics songs revisited here in unplugged fashion. Many old school trios have changed personnel over the years, but the Diamonds remain Tabby, Bunny and Judge. If you don't like overproduced slick records and you love sweet harmonies over binghi heartbeat drums and nylon strings check this cd out.Ras Adam Simeon Makasound Records
Brimstone - Signs Brimstone is a Canadian based Jamaican singer who has put forth a quality roots record. From the jump, the uptempo "Africa Is Calling" sets the tone for what you know will be a cultural message cd. Calling the African's abroad back "Home sweet home to the promised land this is where your roots belong."His soft yet raspy voice recalls Dark Fire Cloud, Clint Fearon at times and on the track "World Sick" the late Lucky Dube. Bible psalms are touched on in "Spiritual Wickeness", "I will lift Up My Head" and Signs." Brimstone extols the value of "Virtous Woman" on a classic Isaacs/Radics style version. Some familiar riddims here "tings and time", "I can't hide" some original. The production is not super slick, but well played and mixed. Vocals not the mightiest, but well heartfelt. "Sweet Reggae Music" from the heart of the rastaman. indeed. Ras Adam Simeon Socan Records	Phillip Fraser Dancing Time I'm a big fan of Philip Fraser and I'm a big fan of the reissues from Silver Kamel label, but this release, to me, is a real mixed bag. The title track was a big hit in the eighties and still holds up today. This disc features nine vocal tracks an eight dubwise versions. "I've Got Sunshine" is a slightly corny cover of the Temptations "My Girl" over a digital Gussie Clarke style riddim. Dj Double Ugly combos Shaba style on the Heptones cover "I Need a Fat Girl." A better track,"Come Give Me Your Loving", has a more organic feel to the music and Frazer's voice lilts over the top in fine style. The statutory vibed "High School Girl" also is an older recording on classic riddim and is a winner. The ultra fast beat of "Far Away" and the slow warlbed vocals are an odd pairing. The dub version of that song featuring gun sound effects master Joe Lickshot is far more interesting than the vocal here. He decry's the gangster's terrorism on "Them A Gunman" a solid track with a very catchy horn hook. A next older track "Give Me Sensimena" explains that while "some say it a traquilizer, me smoke it fe get wiser." This release,for me, teeters between quality and cheeziness and digi and roots, overall it's a bit hit and miss. Ras Adam Simeon Silver Kamel Records
Various Artists When Rhythm Was King What if you were a huge soul fan and Berry Gordy handed you the keys to vault of Motown and said pick some fave cuts to make some compilations. Heartbeat records Chris Wilson had the Jamaican version of that dream with Coxone Dodd's Studio One tapes. This compilation is a boomshot of pure niceness. Classic hit after hit are collected here to move yer dancing feet. Bob Andy's "Unchained", Al Campbell's "Take A Ride", Heptones "Fattie Fattie" and "Smile" by the Silvertones are among the 18 great classic trax on this disc. Besides the singers, DJs Dillinger and Michigan & Smiley offer classic rhymimg toasts. Thankfully there's many more songs yet to be mined and re-released and I am looking forward to them all. recommended. Ras Adam Simeon Heartbeat Records	Steve Steppa Introducing ... The Dub Selecta At the online reggae forum versionist.com reggae fans, performers and producers get together to share and critique recent work and also to collaborate on new works. In this digital age it's simple for people on opposite ends of the globe to create songs together by sending files back and forth. Steve Steppa, formerly Sayan, is based in California, but his cd features 3 tracks from producer El BIB in the UK and 3 from Flow Prod. in Switzerland. Steve writes, sings, performs and produces most of this cd and that is an impressive feat. His style kind of recalls Martin Campbell. String bass guitar, old shool keyboard, and even a melodica are bathed in a digital ocean of beats and sounds. Some tracks are more polished others sound more homemade, but overall this album is a good showcase of Steve's many talents. Ras Adam Simeon Steve Steppa Records