Children of Rastafari (Young Elderz, 2004)

One of the most difficult things for a musical act to accomplish in this been-there-done-that day and age is to sound unique.  With their striking debut Children of Rastafari, Young Elderz does just that.  And to quote Martha Stewart, "That's a good thing."  This multi-gender group of singers and musicians blends rich roots harmonies with strumming guitars to form a truly engaging listening experience.  The closest comparison I can make is if you were to blend Morgan Heritage with Tracy Chapman.  While the Chapman-esque folksiness comes through on tracks like "Woe!" and "Deliver My Soul," that by no means is the extent of the group's sound.  "Children of Rastafari" and "I Don't Know" have a propulsive '70s funk edge, "The Crossing" and "Towers of Return" feel like swaying '50s R&B ballads, "Marcus Garvey" has a jazzy touch, and "Spirit" has a gospel vibe, not to mention the traditional one-drop groove of "They Fighting."  And the most amazing thing is that it all works!  As with the recent acoustic Inna de Yard releases from Earl "Chinna" Smith and Kiddus I, the folk guitar sound doesn't diminish the reggae foundation on which the music here rests.  The vocals are soulful and layered, providing a mild gospel feel throughout.  Lyrically, Young Elderz deliver humble, righteous messages with a charming universality that transcends Rastafarianism on tracks like "Marcus Garvey," which notes that "This is not racial or political, or even whimsical or prejudicial, or even ethical or superficial, or social or even spiritual.  This is the truth that none can deny: Marcus Garvey was a great guy."  If you want a taste of something a little different, check out Children of Rastafari at cdbaby.com.