"Ras Michael is a roots master and a Nyabinghi specialist. He tells you as it is." - Bob Marley
Since the early 60's Ras Michael has remained a unique figure amongst world class & commercially popular reggae artists. His music, based on roots rhythms and African percussion, is referred to as the Nyabinghi sound. It is different from anything you've heard, unless you've heard Ras Michael. With "Dadawah" and "Rastafari", he was in fact the first to bring the Nyabinghi sound to mainstream reggae, which has since used its influence to great effect on singles by Anthony B, Beanie Man, Capleton, Shabba Ranks & Buju Banton. He's worked with Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Bad Brains, Stevie Wonder & Roberta Flack. In other words, his influence cannot be overestimated.
"A Weh Dem..." is a stunning new album that sees Ras Michael's roots/Nyabinghi mix further evolving into a creature which still pulses with beauty and vitality. By incorporating into his Sons (and Daughters) of Negus a female vocalist & more pronounced use of synthesizers, not to mention the best studio musicians around (see Players below), Ras Michael has stepped up his righteous message of unity even further at a time when it is most needed; "Do the colors of the rainbow fight amongst themselves? What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul?" asks Michael. The lyrical themes that Michael adeptly weaves through the album, are endless in scope; Wealth & Power, History & Music are all given credence in both form and content: from "Rastaman Chant" through "Cry Moon" and beyond. Songs shimmer with the sparse elegance of Nyabinghi ("Nyabinghi Medley..."), others skank roots reggae style with the help of Sly, Robbie & Chinna ("Sweet Jamaica" & the title track) while sublimely maintaining an unmistakably Nyabinghi flavor. The mix provides a superb stylistic balance that never quite sits still (& neither will you). This album, ladies and gentlemen, is a masterpiece.
THE PLAYERS: Ras Michael, Natalie Azerad, Sly Dunbar, Robbie Shakespeare, Earl "Chinna" Smith, Organ D, Robert Lynn, "Dizzy" Moore, Nando.
Also available on ROIR: Ras Michael - "Rastafari Dub" (cd/lp) UPC# 05343-68251-2-4
One of the most sought after and most difficult to find albums in reggae history is "Rastafari Dub", which was first released in 1972 as a private white label LP pressing in a limited edition, timed to coincide with release of the full "Rastafari".
Press Quotes for "Rastafari Dub"
"One of the few dozen masterpieces of all time. 5 Stars." -Norman Weinstein, Pulse!
"Not only a classic but also a catalyst of the landscape of music itself...There are few finer dub reggae platters than this obscure but treasured 1979 classic now restored to print." -James Lien, CMJ
"It is still one of the all-time great dub albums not quite like anything else you'll ever hear from an artist who's still doing his best work today."
-Chuck Foster, The Beat
"Truly crucial dub from the early 1970's...this seminal album could be the dictionary definition of dub...there's not a weak beat on Rastafari Dub."
-Craig Tower, Rootsworld
"this album is still a treasure...and the fusion of electric, urban reggae and organic, rural Nyabinghi drumming is perfect." -Rick Anderson, AMG
"A truly excellent dub outing, outstanding...an essential addition to the collection of any dubhead."
-Teacher & Mr. T, Reggae Vibes
"So rootsy that one expects to find Jamaican soil samples clinging to the disc."
-Bunny Matthews, Offbeat
"It's sexy, skanky and earthier than more modern dub. It will move you, soothe you and titillate you - gently massaging." - Amy Watchel, CMJ Reggae Routes
"Every groove of this exceptional cassette has been etched into my soul." - J. Poet, Propaganda
"Excellent dub set. Uncompromisingly Rasta, committed and powerful." - Steve Barrow, World Beat
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