VARIOUS ARTISTS

Bambú Station Presents Talkin' Roots II

(p) 2005-jan-31

CD:

Tracklisting:

 
01 Good Works - Tuff Lion  
02 Baggawire - Ijah Menelik  
03 Hold The Faith - Star Lion Family  
04 Never Change My Mind - Lady Passion  
05 Trod On - Jahman  
06 Dem No Tired - Danny I  
07 My Powaz - Pressure  
08 I Don't Know - Army  
09 Be With Me - Bashan  
10 Do Good - Ras Bumpa  
11 Battle Goes On - Ibednego  
12 Visionary Tools - Anhk Watep  
13 Haile I Selassie I - Black Culture  
MT NEBO RECORDS CD

The second album of various Bambú Station productions. All artists are also backed by this band from the Virgin Islands.

REVIEW IN ENGLISH:
SOURCE: ROOTS MUSIC Reggae & Dancehall
AUTHOR: Teacha Dan
(The original Dutch version of this review was published in the Cannaball paper, may 2005)



Very laid back reggae is delivered by the people of Bambú Station. After they released their praiseworthy album One Day in 2003 they seem to get more and more engaged with producing their brethren and their friends. A concoction of Virgin Island Rastas living in the US and those of St. Croix (do not pronounce this in French, please) yields a sound which recalls the reign of English reggae at the end of the 70's and the beginning of the 80's. The ethereal quality of the early melodic Aswad albums combined with the faster rock influence of Steel Pulse. Well produced with the stresses on all the right spots and a very steadily mixed and hence recognizable sound.

The combination described above exposes not only Bambú Station's strength but also their weakness. The production evokes the same feelings as does the body of work of the band Midnite. Also very well produced and delivered with honest conviction but drawing from too small a sound to keep a whole album exciting. Now I do not mean that Midnite does not make original or sincere reggae - so much "true" reggae is really not made anymore!

Bambú Station's productions are compiled on the Talkin' Roots series. In January of 2005 part 2 was released and on it you will find a selection of thirteen tunes. This compilation does not leave me bored nor sleepy, the album is energetic and it refreshes. The ones who were chosen to do their thing on Talkin' Roots II all do so with full commitment. Not all of them are technically well equipped and experienced but that is exactly what gives this album it's charm and what keeps the listener interested. The artists are a collective of men and women, singers, singjays and deejays, all backed by the mature Bambú Station sound.

The album starts nice and easy but then, alas, there is a too militant Ijah Menelik. Lady Passion's 'Never Change My Mind' again is a happy song tuned to a tasty skank. Deejay Pressure delves very deep and convinces like a true Turbulence, ouch nice! Much respect also to the singers Army, Bashan and Ibednego, all unknown names but all convincing and very professional performers.

Do not expect highly original arrangements, bombastic dance or bizarre breaks but an acoustic and well balanced ensemble of bass, drums and guitar in different reggae styles. Lots of organ, some overdubs and surprises like flute and percussion complete it.

(Teacha Dan)