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Reggae
Rock Hop
(Empower, 2003)
With the name Shaka Buku, you would expect an
African -- or at least an African-inspired artist -- but Shaka Buku, whose
real name is Chad Nellis, takes his stage moniker from a Japanese term used by
Buddhists. His name loosely
translates to the goal of his music: "to remove suffering and bring happiness
to all people by awakening them to their inherent greatness."
While such a lofty goal might prove daunting to most, Shaka
Buku attacks it with a single-minded fervor that can’t help but be at least a
little infectious. And his music is
similarly catchy. As the title of
this his second album (after 2000's Good Vibrations) indicates, it is a
fusion of styles; his major musical influences are stated as being Bob
Marley, Stevie Wonder, and Led Zeppelin.
Certainly no one will ever fully successfully combine the legendary greatness
of these acts into one record, but Reggae Rock Hop takes a bold stab at
it. While some of the tunes are fairly straightforward reggae
("Master of My Mind," "What a Day," "Wise Man Arise"), it would be a
stretch to label some reggae at all (the Barenaked Ladies-like "Sunday Sunday
Monday" or the light funk of "Heart of a Buddha"), while most are
pop/rock/jazz/funk fusions incorporating reggae elements.
Although I admit that such an amalgam of sounds is not something I
gravitate toward, the songwriting is so darn catchy and the music has just
enough bite to keep you intrigued. While
Shaka Buku's vocals lack an edge often found in reggae artists, he makes up
for it with energy and a sense of genuine devotion.
Reggae Rock Hop is not an album for everyone; it has a distinct pop veneer that might irk the more hardcore reggae listener, but I think
the
all-encompassing sound suits the artist's message of universality.
Basically, if this fusion of genres interests you, then you'll probably like it;
if not, then it might have to grow on you. Though not necessarily my cup of tea, I still can
appreciate it as an utterly listenable good time. Reggae Rock Hop is music for the masses in the best
sense of the phrase, a buoyant set that succeeds in grabbing your attention -- a critical step when trying to convey a message. Check it out at
shakabuku.com.
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