VARIOUS ARTISTS

Kiddus Vocal Winshu vol. 01

(p) 2004

CD:

Tracklisting:

 
01 Jah No Go - Sugar Minott  
02 Keep The Faith - Earl 16  
03 United - Sugar Minott / Tony Tuff / G Vibes  
04 Do The Right Thing - Testifi  
05 Where Is The Love - Braveheart  
06 Truths And Rights - Abisha / Diatasya  
07 Silliy's Alibi's - Triston Palmer  
08 Ram Dance Hall - Little John  
09 Now Is The Time - Sugar Minott / Abisha  
10 Rock On - Tony Tuff  
11 Can't This The Man - Testifi  
12 Love And Hate - Braveheart  
13 Cheer Up - Abisha  
KM CD001 CD

REVIEW IN ENGLISH:
SOURCE: ROOTS MUSIC Reggae & Dancehall
AUTHOR: Douweh Congo



In the last few years Europe has become a fertile soil for a homegrown reggae industry. Germany boasts the likes of Gentelman, SEEED and Dr. RingDing. Holland, of course, is the proud home of Rude Rich and the High Notes, Out of Many and New Born Creation amongst others, while France has nursed countless newcomers, too many to mention.

The release reviewed here is a collaboration between French and Jamaican artists. The Jamaican contribution consists of veteran singers such as: Sugar Minott, Earl 16, Little John, Tristan Palma and Tony Tuff. The original (!!) riddims are laid down by musicians from France (French or residing in France). And a few young buck deejays and singers, also French, have been given the chance to spar with the veterans on some of the tunes.

First...you have to respect the fact that these artists have gone out on a limb with their own compositions, using strictly original roots riddims. It may take you a little longer to get your head around these tunes than it would with some vintage riddims, but it is well worth it. A clean, rootsy vibe is conjured up and everyone seems to be trying their best to make their tune stand out. Of course, it's not easy to compete with men such as Sugar Minott or Earl 16, but all in all the combination of old and new works well. The newcomers, Testifi, Braveheart, G. Vibes and Abisha fall into the category of LMS, Gentleman and Jr. Kelly. No over the top "fya Blazin" here, just a modern singjay approach to an organic roots riddim. It won't always strike you as world shocking, but given the chance these artists will grow into fine performers with their own distinct styles. Personally I feel that the old timers really carry this album. The new guys take some getting used to but as I mentioned before, give them some time and they will grow on you.

This release is a must for all those who love the new roots sound as it started taking shape around the end of the nineties. When the vibes was nice, the riddims dared to be original and the lyrics were uplifting. There is no "bun chi chi" or repetitive calls to "fya blaze" so these tunes are also enjoyable outside of the hype of the dancehalls.

France has given us another example to show that reggae doesn't have to be a strictly Jamaican affair.

(Douweh Congo)