Chant of the Lions I (Bambu Station, 2007)

*GUEST REVIEW*
The latest compilation from Mt. Nebo records, released amidst great fanfare, easily lives up to the hype and establishes itself as one of the very best reggae releases of 2007. The set list includes conscious selections from a rich array of DJs, toasters, chanters, and singjays from the Virgin Islands. With two solo songs, including the lead-off track, Ickarus makes his presence felt throughout the collection, showcasing his dextrous vocals on "I See Danger" and "Lead the Way." These strong contributions should heighten expectations for his forthcoming album Mind of the Ictionary. But while Ickarus may be a promising contender for the singjay crown, Pressure shows he is still the reigning champion. His slowly smoldering "Firebun Day" is the hottest of the album's 14 tracks and he turns "I-land Hopping," the farewell jam by now-defunct Star Lion Family, into a freewheeling rocker. Other standout tracks include Rafijah's silky smooth "Jah Iz" and NiyoRah's ultra-cool "Blues Experience." With its quality, its cohesion, and its seamless integration of a wide variety of reggae styles, Chant of the Lions I is a tremendous achievement. Highly recommended.

- Reggie