Album Notes

This is a review by Ted Boothroyd from Jahworks.org

http://www.jahworks.org/v2/musicreviewsdetail.asp?ID=94


Rating: A+

Sure, the reason these “Crucial Reggae…” compilations are so remarkable has a lot to do with Professor Skank’s good taste. I admit that. But when I look at the stack of reggae albums awaiting my review, I count roughly two from outside Jamaica for every one from within. Glancing back over the past several months, I see the same thing. So the well that the professor-compiler draws from is both deep and wide, and the richness of what he finds is hardly surprising.

With expectations therefore high, let’s listen to “Volume 3.” First up is Dominica’s Nasio Fontaine: heavily textured yet buoyant tenor vocal, dread and catchy tune. Next, Ras Attitude from St. Croix: rapid singjay dancehall mode in what the liner notes accurately call a “scorcher.” Then Inner Visions, representing yet another island, St. John: rock guitar, jazzy scatting, terrific groove, supple vocal, memorable melody. Soldiers of Jah Army from the USA: calm, soft and pretty intro, well-thought out arrangement, enthusiastic sing-along chorus (“It’s my freedom, can’t take it from me”). So far, so good. In fact, very good.

Track 5 brings Trinidad’s Prophet Benjamin: a no-nonsense approach to the rhythm, but fun lyrics (a reggae rarity) about competing for a girl’s attention with a “pretty boy fella”. I played this for a friend whose face was temporarily disfigured by a flying hockey puck, and he loved it. St. Croix’s second rep is drummer-turned-singer Batch: while all around him the music forges ahead, his pleading, almost quavering vocal pierces through. Next, USA’s Groundation with a tune from their first album: impassioned delivery, spare and strong musical elements, lyrics several levels above their present norm. Then follows gifted vocalist and songwriter Ossie Dellimore from St. Vincent and the Grenadines: “You scandal mongerer,” he sings, “you will try all kinds of dirty tricks.”

We’re at track 9, American band Jah Roots: delicious instrumentals, muttering vocal, strong progression. Then comes what may be the epitome of powerful reggae, as Khari Kill, another Trinidadian, sings compellingly about the slavery ship “S. S. Jesus,” with a haunting plea to “charge dem for rape, charge dem for slavery, charge dem for hate.” Next, Pressure from St. Thomas: his gruff and breathless dancehall vocal over roots riddim creates a real immediacy, fairly demanding our attention. And finally, Maïmon and the Mongoose Band from Canada via USA: bittersweet, gorgeous tune adroitly sung and supported by inventive arrangements.

So that’s “CRFOJ Volume 3,” just over an hour of contemporary roots reggae, ranging from very, very, very good to downright excellent, complete with a thick booklet featuring intros to all the artists, full credits and lyrics. All told, this is another tour de force from Skank Productions. It may be the best yet.