Jahcoustic (Jahcoustic, 2003)
Is there a band whose name more clearly identifies its sound than Jahcoustic? I mean, other than, say, Funkadelic or Zamfir, Master of the Pan Flute? Jahcoustic was perhaps a bit ahead of its time when it released this self-titled EP (4 vocal tracks, 4 dubs), as Makasound's acoustic Inna de Yard series would begin the following year. Jahcoustic uses more instruments and thus has a fuller sound than that French series, but the band still sports an organic live-band stylee that's refreshingly simple, serene, and rustic -- like a trip to a secluded beach. Lead singer Mike Meyers' vocals are equally laid-back and downright Marley-esque at times, particularly on the crown jewel of the EP, "Believenjah." The Marley similarities seem to be intentional, as "Believenjah"'s lyrics include the words "misty morning" and the group even employed legendary producer/mixer Karl Pitterson -- who engineered Marley's Exodus -- to work on the album, but Jahcoustic doesn't feel derivative. They take their cues from those who came before them, but they have forged their own unique sound: it's Jahcoustic!
| Track Listing 1. Standing on the Shore 2. Overcome 3. Believenjah 4. Feeling Good 5. Dubbing in the Ocean 6. I Go 7. JAH Believe 8. Feeling Irie |
| Greet With Fire (Jahcoustic, 2005)
Greet With Fire is a solid follow-up that delivers on the promise of Jahcoustic's debut, continuing the soothing, eclectic sound that seemingly has found a way to cohesively blend reggae with country and folk. Karl Pitterson again lends his steady touch to the production, helping to craft a professional end product. Despite the "Jah" in the band's name, the lyrical content here isn't so obviously religious and lacks the standard reggae lexicon and iconography -- thus lending a greater universality that, combined with the inviting music, should appeal to a broad base of listeners. Highlights include "Maintain," the seductive "J Groove," and the bluesy instrumental "Scary Dub Train." See jahcoustic.com. |
| Track Listing 1. Maintain 2. Imagination 3. Midnight Sway 4. J Groove 5. Seek Sound 6. Reflection 7. Eternal Vibration 8. One Man 9. No Settle 10. Scary Dub Train |
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