Talkin' Roots Volume 1 (Mt. Nebo Records, 2002)

It's rare that I get so excited to review an album, but such is the case with the compilation Talkin' Roots Volume 1 -- partly because it is so little-known and partly because it's just that good.  A product of the Maryland-based Bambu Station Studio and the newly formed Mt. Nebo Records, Talkin' Roots is a compilation for any proponent of keeping roots reggae alive and fresh.  The music here is organic, vibrant roots with discernably live instrumentation and a funky modern edge not unlike Midnite, Dezarie (who appears here), and the Easy Star Volume 1 compilation.  This isn't necessarily a coincidence, of course, because Bambu Station Studio musicians (who also make up the group Bambu Station) like lead guitarist Tuff Lion have played on albums that include Dezarie's Fya and Midnite's Assini, Nemozian Rasta, and Ras Mek Peace.  Don't think that the lack of big names on Talkin' Roots means a lack of talent; beyond the awesome, propulsive roots music, the vocalists (both singers and DJs) are truly top-notch undiscovered (relatively, that is) talent -- even more amazing considering the fact that they're all from the Virgin Islands, not generally considered the hotbed of reggae that Jamaica is.  From the rich Ossie Dellimore-like baritone of Iba to the raspy singing of Ankh Watep to the ethereal Dezarie (who can do no wrong in my book) to cultural DJs like Yah Shiloh I and Natty Empress, these performances are as good as any international reggae stars you've heard of.  It's hard to pick out a cream of this crop -- it's all pretty creamy -- but I particularly enjoyd Ankh Watep's "Massive Hysteria," Dezarie's "Woe!," Bambu Station Studio founder (and Bambu Station lead singer) Jalani Horton's "House of the Living," and the Star Lion Family's fun ganja anthem "The Draw."  I can't recommend Talkin' Roots highly enough for fans of quality conscious reggae.  It's potent stuff.  Available at cdreedom.com or mtneborecords.com.