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Independence
(EVER-G Muzik, 2003) Jamaican-born
EVER-G (real name Everett G. Streete) is a veteran musician currently based in Virginia
who has performed with the likes of Gregory Isaacs, Don
Carols, Michigan & Smiley, Sanchez, Half
Pint, Red Dragon, and Ninjaman and has opened shows for Third
World, Shabba Ranks, Yellowman,
and Peter Tosh.
Although he has performed with various regional bands in his 20-year
career, Independence is only his second solo release, and based on its
content, it's easy to see how he's built a solid following along the East
Coast. Stylistically, EVER-G lies
somewhere between lover man Beres Hammond ("True
Love," "Miss Beautiful," "Miss Vanity") and the more spiritual Luciano
("Chant Jah Children," "Trod On," "African Children")
-- although
his voice actually sounds a bit more like Prince
Malachi than Luciano. As with
these two icons, his music blends roots, lovers rock, and light dancehall; in
fact, several tunes on Independence borrow rhythms previously heard on
Luciano and Hammond songs: "What About the Children" (Hammond's "Hold
On"), "True Love," (Hammond's "They Gonna Talk"),
"Life" (Luciano's "Your World and Mine"), "Chant Jah Children" and
"Come On Over"
(both Luciano's "Sweep Over My Soul").
Frankly, I was already familiar with
the majority of riddims on this album (including music used on The
Abyssinians' "Satta Massagana," Yami Bolo's
"Put Down the Weapon," and a few others that I frustratingly can't place
at this moment), which on one hand lends an air of comfort and familiarity,
although on the other hand, nothing feels particularly unique or groundbreaking
here. Still, EVER-G makes the most
of this familiar material -- more so than the similarly-themed
what's-old-is-new-again album Quality Time by Alpheus.
Independence is solidly engaging with a genuine heart, a positive
message, and a polished sound, as EVER-G's years of experience are evident on
standout tracks like "Miss Vanity," the anthem of national pride
"Yardie,"
and the exhilarating title cut. |
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Track
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Mission (EVER-G Muzik, 2005)
EVER-G returns with his third album, cementing his refreshing throwback sound. As with his previous effort, this one hearkens back to the classic reggae of the early ‘70s, in part because the music from that era is liberally revisited, including "Teach Us to Love" (Culture's "Two Seven's Clash"), "In Love With Jah" (Alton Ellis's "I'm Still in Love With You," recently a hit again courtesy of Sean Paul), and "True to Myself" (the legendary Sound Dimension instrumental "Real Rock"). Overall, however, the riddims on Mission are perhaps not quite as readily recognizable as on Independence, so there's less chance of a recycled feel. Adding to the nostalgic vibe are EVER-G's dreamy melodies, evocative harmonies, and soulful delivery (at times reminiscent of the Wailing Souls' Winston "Pipe" Matthews). His style here is along the lines of Glen Washington and Alpheus, who frequently adapt Studio One's classic music. Even if the rhythms sound familiar, though, EVER-G manages to breathe fresh life into them with professional skill, a sense of fun, and a genuine sentiment, whether crooning love songs like "Goodbye" and "Every Woman" or cultural statements like "Run Babylon" and my favorite track, "Mission." Other highlights include "Love Is Stronger Than Hate," "Teach Us to Love," "Pretense," and "What’s Up With the World." See ever-gmuzik.com.
| Track Listing 1. Goodbye 2. Love Is Stronger Than Hate 3. My Queen 4. Run Babylon 5. Mission 6. In Love With Jah 7. Take a Look 8. Teach Us to Love 9. Every Woman 10. Pretense 11. True to Myself 12. What's Up With the World |
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