Juno Recommends Roots / Lovers Rock February 2021

Review: Awesome reggae funk classic gets the Soul Jazz remastered 7 inch pressure reissue. Essential !

Review: South London-based band Soothsayers are nothing if not prolific. This is their ninth studio album and once again it is underpinned by heavy basslines, with solid grooves and most importantly, socially and politically charged lyrics. It is a broad record that has a rich pale with elements of dub, Afrobeat, improvisational jazz and electronica all feeding into it, while Brazilian flavours, such as the low-end Surdo drum, were combined with sounds more readily associated with reggae and Afrobeat. Complex but accessible, melodic but physical, this is an album that brings us all together with messages of unity, joy and meditative musical power.

Review: With history stretching right back to the late 1960s, including spells recording for both Bob Marley's Tuff Gong label and Channel 1, Wailing Souls are one of Jamaica's most stored reggae outfits. The link to Marley and his Wailers band is key, because the influence of both is obvious on new album Back a Yard, the veteran duo's first full-length for nearly four years. What's on offer is high quality roots reggae with a few subtle twists (think interesting instrumental choices and occasional forays into more dub-wise territory), with Winston "Pipe" Matthew's soulful lead vocals soaring above brilliant backing tracks produced by Alborosie with the assistance of a very impressive roll-call of guest musicians.

Review: Some seriously crucial sounds from the 80's here with the ASSAB rhythm section in fine form. First time around this was only ever pressed din small quantities so now a reissue is well in demand. First up, 'Loner Girl' is an impassioned ode to being single and looking forgive. The natty bass and neat riffs make for a rocksteady riddim, with some wonderful melodies layered over the top for extra style. On the flip, 'If That Was You' is a more digital cut with shiny chords, squelchy bass and huge, fat kicks. Both tunes come with dubs and are some of the more unique joints you could wish to hear.

Review: It's been a long time since the world renowned Channel One studio's heyday in Jamaica, and this is the first reggae instrumental album of its kind to come out of the hallowed place since the late 70s. It is a collection of original compositions and several classic adaptations arranged by Clive 'Azul' Hunt, aka Lizzard. He is by now a veteran producer associated with acts like The Abyssnians, Bullwackies, Beres Hammond, Jah9 and more and here he calls upon talents old and new such as Squidley Cole, Kirk Bennett, and Clive Hunt, among others, to help him.

Review: This first release on what we assume is the newly revived Deep Root label is a dub classic released as a 45 way back in 1997. The tune was first featured on the Outernational Dub Convention record also in 1997 and really showcased showcasing Jah Free and Vibronics. It's a rousing cut with warrior leads and nice silky synths as well as a bunch of fine studio effects that very much make it sound as if from the future despite its ripe old age. The MC work is extra incendiary but the dub on the flip is no less crucial.

Review: Amatah Keo is a new and talented artist from France with roots in Laos and here he works with Birmingham born, French based Kevin Tweed aka Ras Tweed to perfectly capture that trademark Lone Ark sound, created and perfected over the years by producer and engineer Roberto Sanchez. Keo's voice shows why he is such a promising singer as he gentle laments over a nice earthy, warm reggae beat that is finished with mad effects and a snaking bassline that incorporates subtle references to his Asian descent. Flip it over for a crucial dub.

Review: The cult Lone Ark studio and label is back with a second sizzling 7" to kick off this new Year. It perfectly embodies the signature sound crafted by expert producer and engineer Roberto Sanchez and is another killer cut from French based Kevin Tweed aka Ras Tweed, this time working with Lone Ark Riddim Force. 'Balance' is a well thought out tune with a call for us all to live in harmony. Tis delivered in heartfelt and butter tones and rides over a nice echo drenched beat with subtle horn stabs and plenty of celebratory feels.

Review: Zimbabwe-born British producer Paul Hussey put out this tune to very little fanfare 30 years ago. It was only when it got a natty video and put on YouTube in 2000 that it become something of a much sought after gem that often fetched upwards of L100 on eBay. It's well deserving of the long overdue attention as it has perfectly balanced electric guitar riffs and UK stepper crossover riddims. Chapmans voice takes the tune ever upwards and the Ragnam Poyser deejay section lay down some solid beats to drive it home.

Review: This is a sweet bit of Japanese roots and dub from the Youth of Roots. The original version 'Strawberry Girl' is all pained vocal longing, nagging chords and natty reggae rides with plenty of percussive highs, big horns and great production that brims with charm. It's a sunny jam that will warm anyone's heart. ON the flip is a lovely version that dial back to the rugged riddim.