Jah Servant & Friends (Servant, 2006)

Over the past couple of years I've noticed the release of a nice compilation (two volumes thus far) entitled Crucial Reggae Outside Of Jamaica (Skank Records). If there's a volume three in the works perhaps Professor Skank should consider some of the artistes who appear on the excellent Jah Servant & Friends disc which is reviewed here. With the exception of Owen Uriah (UK) -- heard on Unity Riddim Sessions Volume 1 -- and Bro. J (Canada), all of the participants are based in Trinidad. Jah Servant & Friends is a rather impressive collection of roots reggae music, some with singing vocals and others in chanting style -- and sometimes a combination of the two. Standout tracks include the massive lead-off single "Live It Right" featuring Drae's smooth yet "street" vocals and a seriously conscious message. The rhythm track, courtesy of Jah Servant, is fine natural roots reggae with some nice jazzy guitar lines to sweeten it up. Other big tunes include "Follow No Bad Man" from new group Sons of Zion, golden-voiced Owen Uriah's provocative "Were You There," and the sunny "Smile" from Mention, which has a pleasantly unorthodox start and flows nicely from there. Particularly noteworthy is Servant's Dwight Pinkney-esque guitar flourishes in the intro to "Follow No Bad Man". Clearly this project gives him room to stretch out and have a bit of fun, which is plain to hear throughout, while staying within the limits of tasteful restraint. Drae's "Planted In Zion" is another strong cut, voiced on a slow one-drop beat and with lyrics in which the singer expresses his position of living in the world while not being of the world. The melodica provides a nice touch here too. "All I Want (Tink I'm Crazy)" further reveals Jah Servant's affinity for the throwback sounds of reggae music as Drae presents a devotional message to the Lord Jesus and halfway through passes the mic to Gitta Dan who comes in chanting in vintage style, embellishing the established message with his own unique twist. Enhancing the classic sounds are some nice trombone lines and a saxophone solo over the rhythm. This is the real thing! "Were You There" featuring Owen Uriah is a masterpiece as his vocals embrace Jah Servant's throbbing bass line and pose a challenge to the church to have faith which produces good works. Filled with social commentary, "Were You There" epitomizes that which is classic roots reggae. I was thoroughly impressed with the punctuating guitar fills and the surprise dub section which begins about halfway through. The unorthodox deejay vocals of Bro. J makes for an interesting collaboration on "Wave Your Hands" where Jah Servant spices things up with what sounds like some vocoder-processed guitar. Nicely done female backing vocals add an effective contrast. "Turn" is an intriguing experiment where Tramaine's pretty vocals are washed out and faded amidst an ambient dubscape. At the very end the admonition "turn from your evil ways" is clearly heard as the project comes to a close. Her other vocal in this set, "In You," took a bit to grow on me with its R&B stylings, but in the end proves a successful collaboration as Jah Servant's sparse rhythm provides the openness to make it work. Only Gitta Dan's "His Words, His Love" clearly falls short as he seems to chant freestyle over a rub-a-dub rhythm. The result is rather rushed and unpolished. Jah Servant & Friends is a roots lover's extravaganza with enough variety, musically and lyrically, to earn a prominent place amongst releases for 2006. Where most Jah Servant productions place in him solidly in a supportive role, this project clearly reveals a more playful artistic side as he steps more to the forefront. (And keep in mind, no two "riddims" are the same here.) Whether it's utterances of praise, testimony, or social commentary this is purely conscious reggae music where retro and imaginative sounds come together.

- Mike Roots