British-born Jamaican Michael Taylor, better known as Mikey General, cut his teeth in the early dancehall scene in England and scored some early hits there, but returned to his Jamaican roots in the nineties and began following Rastafari in 1994. This inspired several strong albums, particularly "Spiritual Revolution." On his fourth release, "Exalt Jah," he continues with the brand of singer's roots that he and Luciano have popularized. The backing musicians on this album are a veritable who's who of reggae- The Firehouse Crew, Steely and Clevie, Mafia and Fluxy, and Sly and Robbie, all of whom lay down some impeccable music for Mikey's voice to soar over. One of the better tracks- "Mind Over Matter"- was previously released as a single but fits well here. "Change of Attitude" is another excellent track, but the flat-out killer tune here is a duet with his bredrin Luciano- "Red Ina Rome."
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Mikey General has been around a surprisingly long time as a couple of pre-dread lovers rock albums that have recently surfaced show but most of us became familiar with him as a part of the Xterminator posse during Luciano's reign. Exalt Jah... shows Mikey has finally emerged from Luciano's shadow through fans of the former will have every reason to enjoy the current work of the one-time protege. This disc gathers productions (some previously released on singles) from 321 Strong, Qabalah First, Young Blood and others with high points including "Change of Attitude," "Mind Over Matter" and the succinct "Babylon in A Mess." Guests include Adigun Minkah on the title track, Turbulence on "Thank You, Jah" and Luciano himself (for whom Mikey opened shows for years) on album highlight "Red Ina Rome." .... offers a positive, thoughtful and engaging message to the world .... Mikey comes across as very sincere about what he's saying and Exalt Jah is an excellent release from an excellent contemporary practitioner of roots reggae..
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Ex-London resident Michael Taylor aka Mikey General, most well-known for his association with the "Messenjah" Luciano, first came to notice with a series of strong dancehall tunes for Fashion Records in the eighties. In 1992 Mikey General moved to Jamaica where he met Luciano during a recording session at Castro Brown's New Name studio in Kingston. Then he teamed up with Xterminator producer Phillip "Fatis" Burrell for whom he recorded some notable roots singles and the albums "Sinners aka Stronger Rastaman" and "I'm Just A Rastaman". In 1998, along with his friend Luciano, Mikey left the Xterminator camp to freelance before forming their own "Qabalah" label. Early 2000 Mikey General unleashed his third album entitled "Spiritual Revolution". His brand new album "Exalt Jah" contains 15 tracks of sheer quality produced at various different studio's in Jamaica including Black Scorpio, Music Works, Steven Stanley Studio, 321 Strong, Big Ship, Mixing Lab and Studio 2000. Expertly backed by some of the best musicians around such as The Firehouse Crew, Mafia & Fluxy, Steely & Clevie and Sly & Robbie, Mikey's assured vocal approach comes to full expression on every single track. Included here are former 7" singles like the excellent "As A Man Thinketh", the awesome "Mind Over Matter", the stepping "Love Chant", the dancehall flavored "Count Your Blessings" and "Conquer All My Foes", the latter delivered across the wicked "Addiction" riddim. Furthermore we're also treated to fresh tracks. Especially "Strive", "Change Of Attitude" and the combination tunes "Thank You Jah" (with Turbulence) and the killer roots "Red Ina Rome" (with Luciano) can be pointed out as the most notable efforts. "Exalt Jah" is a well varied set with fresh positive messages that show there is no limit to this man's musical talent. Satisfaction guarenteed for modern roots followers!
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First, proceeds from this album goes to the Mona Children`s Home in Kingston, Jamaica. Second, this is some seriously good conscious reggae. Mikey General originally born in the UK moved to Jamaica when he was two and has spent 20 years in the music industry. With a firm foot deeply rooted in Rastafari much like Bob Marley, Mikey General presents spiritual and conscious reggae rather than the more `slackness` of dancehall. That leads to a refreshing and more of an up feel than some of the mainstream reggae has offered the past decade or so, or at least since Bob Marley passed away. Of course Rastafarians have always divorced themselves from oppressive social life instead opting for positive religious values so it`s no wonder that most of the lyrical content is about Jah. The production throughout the album is impressive and offers many real album standouts like "Fly Away, Runaway" and "As a Man Thinketh". I think that anyone regardless of their likes or dislikes could find themselves grooving to this album. Go get it and hear some real reggae for a change.
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