Album Notes

Hear what music reviewer Chuck Foster called, "Crisp understated riddims....draw[n] from early dancehall and roots reggae for a unique homegrown approach." (The Beat, Vol. 24, No. 1, 2005. Check out the hit song "Mr. Collie Man."

From New York with Jamaican roots, singer/songwriter Ras Jammie (aka James Rouse) has been playing for years in the U.S.A. "Most striking are lead singer Ras Jammie's deep baritone lead vocals, which definitely make for a distinctive sound." (Chuck Foster, The Beat, Vol. 24, No. 1, 2005). With meaningful lyrics that showcase a masterful control of his commanding baritone voice, this new release contains a well-balanced mix of reggae styles -- old-school, ska, lover's rock, dancehall. Ras Jammie, who wrote all the songs, also sings backup on several songs that bring out a higher vocal range so surprising from a singer with such a powerful baritone voice.

Females especially love the soulfully jazzy tunes "Hey,Woman" or "Which One Would You Choose" while others can remember their DJ experience with "Froggy." A night out listening to the reggae poet Mutabaruka is relayed in "Ras Jammie and Queen Bethie." The reggae-blues number "Shackled and Chained" speaks of social injustice, while straight-on reggae songs "Peace", "Runnin", or "Dread With No Conscience Head" question nonsensical values. Whatever the song, Jah People of Today presents "stories with love" from a heavy reggae roots tradition, but with undertones of blues, gospel, and jazz that has young and old alike on the dance floor.

For official "Mr. Collie Man" merchandise, visit the RoV Roots Creations website at www.rovrecords.com.