Children of Jah: The Chantells & Friends 1977-79 (Blood and Fire, 1999)

The Chantells -- Tommy Thomas, Lloyd Forrest, and lead singer Sam Bramwell -- aren't exactly the best-known roots harmony trio, but their limited output included 1978's smash "Waiting in the Park" and a body of respected tunes, mostly romantic odes showcasing their sweet vocals.  Children of Jah doesn't contain "Waiting in the Park" or perhaps the group's best song, "How Can I Get Over" (which can be found on the High Note compilation The Reggae Train), but rather it collects tunes they recorded for Roy Francis' Phase One label.  As such, this album is less a Chantells showcase than it is a Phase One showcase (All 10 tracks are Phase One recordings, only 3 coming from The Chantells.  Indeed, it could as easily be subtitled Lopez Walker & Friends.), but I suppose since The Chantells are the biggest name of this relatively no-name bunch, Blood and Fire decided to showcase them.  Ironically, however, they don't provide the best material on "their own" album.  All of the tracks on Children of Jah feature positive messages and a staid, righteous air to go along with their classic, textbook '70s roots sound (courtesy of backing band extraordinaire The Revolutionaries).  Initial listenings may make it all seem a bit bland, but the subtle beauty creeps in eventually, particularly on Errol Davis' gorgeous "Path I Have Taken."  You probably won't recognize many of the artists here, but several have styles similar to more well-known acts.  The Terrors' "Assemble Not Thyself," for instance, smacks of The Mighty Diamonds, while Steve Boswell's "Cool Rastaman Cool" may remind some of The Heptones' "Cool Rasta," and Lopez Walker can sound like either Culture or Burning Spear, depending on the song.  Even The Chantells themselves have a Congos-like falsetto roots harmony on the title track.  Thus, any self-respecting fan of '70s roots reggae -- especially if you like the more obscure stuff -- should relish Children of Jah's prototypical roots sound.