Changing People (One Drop Muzic, 2004)

*GUEST REVIEW*
Errol "Akila" Barrett is the son of late Wailers drummer Carlton Barrett and nephew of Wailers bassist "Familyman" Barrett. With those kind of genes, you'd expect him to make a good reggae album, and he does not disappoint. Changing People is ten songs and five dubs of blazing Rasta roots, dampened slightly by themes that are less than original ("Love Reggae Music," "Babylon is Burning") although the musical feel is consistently powerful and the younger Barrett's singing and producing skills are evident. The claim "featuring the Wailers band" isn't entirely forthright. Whereas some past and present Wailers (Familyman, Chinna Smith, Junior Marvin) do pitch in here and there, you could hardly call this a Wailers album. But there's little to complain about; the instruments are all real rather than programmed, the riddims are solid (particularly evident in the dubs) and Barrett has a commanding, convincing voice. Plus, the funky feel of "In Control," with its Santana-like guitar, is a gutsy departure from the reggae beat that keeps the pace as far as consciousness goes. This is a strong debut album from an artist with a good deal to offer and a true reggae spirit coursing through his veins.

- Tom Orr