|
Chant (King Katt, 2000) The tragic passing of Dennis Brown in 1999 left an unfillable hole in the world of reggae, but, while no one can replace him, several younger artists continue to carry on his vibe. One that you may not have heard is Katt (AKA Alston "Delroy" Burton), a Jamaican crooner who has worked his way up from the hotel circuit to the opening act for major stars like Michael Rose, Mutabaruka, and Toots and the Maytals. Katt's uncanny, smooth vocals often sound so similar to the Crown Prince of Reggae, you may have to rewind and listen again. Appropriately enough, Katt covers Brown's "World Is Troubled," and he does so with confidence and aptitude (and with an R&B flair). In fact, several of the tunes here are so catchy, you might wonder if more of them aren't Brown remakes. Katt seems uniquely in touch with Brown's vintage roots and lovers rock sound -- as witnessed on cuts like "Wage Increase," the folksy "Bawling, and the instant classic "Lucifer's Powder" -- although he throws in a bit of light dancehall (on the catchy "Wrong Man") and R&B, giving Chant a sound reminiscent of a mid-90's Dennis Brown album. This strong debut establishes Katt as a singer in his own right, however, something more than a Brown emulator. And, supported by solid production and songwriting on tracks like "Mama," "Rum Tree," and "Natty," he can undoubtedly help lessen the gap left by Dennis Brown's death. |
|
Track Listing |
 |