Black Echoes (DEB, 1977)

A wonderful showcase for Dennis Brown's short-lived (1977-79/80) DEB label, Black Echoes smartly uses Brown himself to headline the album -- although by no means does he overshadow other artists.  One of Brown's trademark anthems, "Africa," is the most recognizable tune here, although his "The Half" is just about as evocative.  Also included is "Party Serenade," a horn-led dub of Brown's cover of The Heptones' "Party Time."  I only wish that a pair of singles he released on DEB -- "Oh What a Day" and one of his all-time greats, "I Don't Want to Be No General" -- were included on this otherwise excellent compilation.  Still, what we do have is Bob Andy flexing his songwriting skills on the poignant "War in the City," Junior Delgado howling as only he can on "Famine," The Heptones pulling out yet another dreamy serenade in "Come On Girl," and Lenese Linton’s groovy take on The Techniques' eternal "Traveling Man," entitled "Lonely Girl."  Although Brown is known for his work with producers like Joe Gibbs and Niney the Observer, he himself produced most of the albums released on DEB, sometimes with label co-founder Castro Brown.  Underrated as a producer, Dennis Brown crafts on Black Echoes (and on other label releases) a potent mix of piercing roots and woozy lovers rock, stirring in a dash of dubby echoes and digital effects to craft a sound that never gets dull.  The performers here, for their part, are equally adept, delivering heartfelt messages, whether socio-political ("War in the City," "Famine") or romantic ("Lonely Girl," "Come On In," "Girls Imagination").  Hear it at baddamusic.com.