Reviews

Living Heart Vol.1

A collection of rare jewels for Burrell fans that represent a father’s legacy being continued by his son The passing of 57 year old Phillip Fatis Burrell at a time of great nostalgia for his 1990s productions resulted in a huge outpouring … Continue reading

I-Octane – My Journey

I Octane now has two well written, bona fide albums under his belt Since the seismic shifts of the 80s, reggae and dancehall have coexisted – with many artists making both. Few however have straddled them with such comfort as I … Continue reading

Addis Pablo – In My Fathers House

“In my father’s house there are many mansions” is a biblical verse from the book of John that is rife with potential meanings. It is a significant saying in the culture of Rastafari and has been quoted in notable reggae songs … Continue reading

Midnite – Beauty For Ashes

The idea of a milestone album is pretty laughable if you’re Midnite. After all, with so many albums so many miles have been covered that marking any temporary resting place as one of special significance makes little sense. But Beauty for Ashes … Continue reading

Rob Symeonn – Indigenous

Jamaica’s 1970s roots reggae revolution gave a platform to a particularly uncommercial, otherworldly type of Rastaman who would never have cut through otherwise. Rob Symeonn out of New York is an inheritor of that tradition. Rob has been recording since the … Continue reading

Cornel Campbell in London 13th February 2014

Last time veteran singer Cornel Campbell was in London town with reggae Afrobeat horn-led collective Soothsayers was one of the hottest days of July at Lambeth Country Show. Having shared a bill with Max Romeo in sun-drenched Brockwell Park they followed up … Continue reading

Album Launch – Masterpiece by David Rodigan – London 5th Feb 2014

Internet era music journalists will be familiar with the concept of “the playback”. It’s when a label invites media to listen to a highly anticipated unreleased album in person (to avoid sending the music out before release). Playbacks are often … Continue reading

Tarrus Riley – Love Situation

With his flawless tenor voice and sophisticated soulful pop roots sound, no one makes reggae quite like Tarrus Riley. But he and musical director Dean Fraser have taken care not to repeat themselves. Debut album Challenges stirred an eclectic blend of reggae and … Continue reading

Mr. Williamz – Set The Standard

Mr. Williamz is something of a throwback to the foundation days of dancehall. He deejays in a cool yet serious style similar to Super Cat and maintains a dapper dress sense in the gentleman rudeboy fashion. Like the great deejays of … Continue reading

Sister Carol – Live No Evil

With a number of female Rasta artists in England whose names are prefixed by Sister European readers unfamiliar with cultural deejay Sister Carol might assume she is from the UK. In fact Carol is a Jamaican who lived in New York for much … Continue reading