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Roots & Culture (EFWA, 1999) Obscure independent releases often provide some of the most pleasant (read: unexpected) listening experiences, and Ababa's Roots & Culture is a prime example. Born in Trinidad but living in New York for much of his life, Ababa has a genuinely righteous message and a commanding voice similar to Peter Tosh (to be more precise, he sounds similar to another relative unknown, Ossie Dellimore, who in turn sounds like Peter Tosh). The music on Roots & Culture alternates between modern roots and dancehall, the former being Ababa's strongest sound. In fact, had he stuck with the powerful roots of tracks like the Ijahman-esque "Yaba Guide," the sultry "Silent River," "Holy Mountain," "Tricky Youth," and the fun ska/rock steady sound of "Dread Not," this could have been a classic album. As it is, the digital dancehall elements prove to be intrusive, and the '80s pop sound of "She's Gone" -- complete with a rap -- is just bad judgment. Still, if you can get your hands on this, Ababa's debut, DO IT, for finding roots this strong is rare these days. |
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