 Far from the shores of Jamaica, out in the Pacific Ocean, on the island of Hawaii comes a new production of the highest grade. The Conscious Riddims crew, brothers Logan and Will Silsley, have produced a two disc compilation titled "Gather The Remnant." This compilation features artists from around the world, from Jamaica, The Virgin Islands, South America, Hawaii, and California.
What impresses me most about this cd is to hear singers and musicians from around the globe coming together in one inity to bring the blessings of the his imperial majesty to the masses. This is easily one of the best albums I have I reviewed in 2008. The musicians featured on these tracks have a huge part in the success of these works. The rhythms were all recorded and mastered in Kingston, Jamaica at Tuff Gong studio.
"Gather The Remnant" was produced and arranged by Andrew "Bassie" Campbell. The two discs feature some of the finest musicians in yard, Andrew Bassie, Sticky Thompson, Earl "Chinna" Smith, Leroy "Horsemouth" Wallace, Lascelles Beckford, Lloyd Denton, and Phillip Porter, along with others. Hearing these musicians matched by heartical, talented singers of Rastafari faith from outside of Jamaica is a most blessed celebration.
The first cd presents many familiar names like Lutan Fyah, Michael Rose, Midnite, Jah Mason, Natty King, Tuff Lion, Iba, and NiyoRah. Also featured are artists King David, Ishence, Xkaliba, Ikahba, Biblical, Roots Gwaan, Tru Love, and Kali. They might be new names to some, but after this album they are bound to be household names cemented in the international reggae community. The music showcases contemporary Roots Reggae at its best.
There are so many outstanding tracks. Midnite's "Knowledge Increase" is like witnessing a new era of Roots Reggae. The combination of Andrew Bassie's "floating" bass style, Chinna Smith's solid veteran guitar licks, and Vaughn Benjamin's celestial word, sound, power is at the height of Rastafari inspiration.
King David's song "Oopakatan" displays this artist's undeniable talent and ability to raise a conscious vibe among those who are receptive to the message. "It's a universal love Emperor Selassie I the omnipotent, got to tell them again." Blessed works.
Two Tracks from Iba are worth mentioning, "Trod On", and "Sleeping." I always aprecilove Iba's song writing skills, his intelligent lyrics are a needed departure from the mainstream slackness in much of the popular music today. "time for us to decide, that it is time to control our own lives, cause we don't have much time, don't tell me you don't see all the signs," Time to rise up, no more mental sleeping!
The song "Betta Tomorrow" is proof to those of you who think good Reggae music only exists in Jamaica. California artist Ishence has tremendous potential and obvious talent. This here is one of his best songs to date. After hearing this tune, I hope he has more opportunities for voicing tracks with musicians from yard, it works. "Jah always gonna bless you, if you live your life pure and true," sings Ishence. Lyrics flow with natural progression, his style is original and fresh.
Jah Mason's "Forgiveness" is a big tune on the "life" riddim. The musicianship is superlative and Iyah Mason demonstrates his mic skills in a proper Bobo Shanti style and pattern.
Ending the album is another rising California Reggae star, Biblical. His message is always grounded firm in Jah teachings. His song "Soverign and Haile" is a prayer for the reverent who have love in their hearts for the creator. "babylon catcha fyah," Biblical declares. Meditate goodness, and goodness will prevail.
Starting off the second disc is "Hot Cup of Tea" on the "Impact" riddim from Bobo Desert. He sings about how he starts his day with a hot cup of tea. "Go a hold a reverence, and hail the trinity" a morning ritual shared by many. Rise and shine and give Jah the glory.
Another Midnite track "Tropics" is a timeless piece, with feeling, and emotion woven into the music. Midnite is finally gaining the support and recognition they deserve in Jamaica. Load up your chalice with some good ganja herbs, sit back and feel the vibes infuse your consciousness with higher heights.
The Iba track "Driftin" on the "Feelings' riddim is a must have roots reggae track, period. Iba conceptualizes Rastafari livity with forceful spiritual awareness. Empress Toyna accompanies Iba on backing vocals. He starts the track stating "The difference between religion and spirituality is that one is made by the hands of men, and the other is your connection to the almighty, to the earth, and the search for truth" Selassie I the first is I an I inspiration.
"Hills and Valley" is an irie refrain with Luciano, Bobo Desert, and King David. Niceness comes through, as each sings their verse and builds up an itesful vibration. The next tune is by another Cali artist, Soul medic. The track "No Time" A rising star in the California reggae circuit, Medic holds it down in his unique, high energy style. He can chant with the best of them.
"Days of Wine and Roses" from legendary singer Sugar Minott is a touching ballad about the future and our role in it. What will be your contribution to humanity? "Are you part of the problem or part of the solution" asks Sugar Minott.
The biggest surprise for me was singer Ras Sparrow, hailing from South America. His song "Fountain of Truth" is a divinely inspired track, with uplifting lyrics carried by some heartical vocal harmonies. "Jah word is the fountain of truth, the wellspring of life for the old and the new." Backing vocals supplied by Leah Correo and Ras Sparrow family.
Other artists on disc two are Sista Kat(California), Steve Tulloch (Jamaica), and Jr. Pinchers(Jamaica). Ishence, Biblical, Xkaliba, and Roots Gwaan all have additional songs on the second cd as well as the first.
I give thanks to the most high, Jah Rastafari for his guidance and inspiration which manifest through these works. The Silsley brothers, Andrew Bassie and all the singers and players of instruments should be very proud of their achievements in this solid volume of modern roots reggae.
Adonai, Selassie I guide and protect.
M. Patton
Big Up Radio Staff Writer
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CD Review: Various Artists - Gather The Remnant
