Album Notes

Saturday, March 17, 2007
ALL MUSIC.COM REVIEWS IBA'S MANY LIVES
"Not a weak track within..."

by Jo-Ann Greene - All Music.com

Saint Croix born and raised, but now residing in Connecticut, Iba first began garnering attention with his contribution to Mt. Nebo's 2002 Talkin' Roots - Volume 1 compilation. The following year brought his Jah Lion - Children Of The Nile debut album, a fine set, but one that suggested the singer still had a bit of musical maturing to undergo. With Many Lives, fans will discover an artist that has now come into his own.

One can still hear slight echoes of the late, great Prince Lincoln, an influence that too haunted his previous set, but now Iba better straddles the dancehall and singer worlds, his strong, deep tenor evoking the soulfulness of a Frankie Paul or even a Beres Hammond.

And it's this emotive quality that imbues the entire album, as Iba delivers his strong cultural messages with absolute conviction. And nowhere more so than on the sizzling "Love Life" and the fiery "World Crises", two of the most powerful tracks on the set. Another excellent pair, "Africa" and "Babylon Don't Like", feature DJs Ijah Menelik and Rafijah respectively, with the sizzling "Zion Trail" also delivered in dancehall style.

But a clutch of numbers boast a much sweeter styling, "Don't Talk" amongst them, with "Many Lives" and "Jah Teachings" adding a soulful quality to the honeyed brew. The gentle "Smile" (not The Silvertones smash) is more upbeat, while "On the Road" is delicately etched, although it's the infectious "Vibes" that is guaranteed to become an instant fan favorite.

Once again Bambu Station both produce and provide the superb roots backings that power the entire set, and there's not a weak track within, with every song worthy of note. Iba had previously raised ears, now he's raised the bar, and proved himself a cultural artist ready for the big time.

(Source article available at http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:2amsa9yg523k)