|
|
Click pic to buy! |
|
Rasta (Virgin, 2001 [orig. released 1977]) Virgin is slowly but steadily re-releasing the remarkable array of quality late '70s/early '80s reggae they've hoarded in their vaults for years. You might have noticed their Mighty Diamonds, Gladiators, Culture, U-Roy, and Prince Far I CDs recently, for instance, but out of nowhere comes Delroy Washington...who? This Jamaican-born, UK-bred singer, although releasing a couple of albums on the prominent Virgin label, never received the level of prominence and recognition that he deserved. Of course, this is partially due to his lack of output, but even the stuff he did release hasn't gotten the praise it deserves. Rasta, to put is plainly, is a sheer marvel, a relatively undiscovered masterpiece. It's the child of the worldly, experimental '70s musical vibe (The cover art echoes '70s jazz fusion albums by Miles Davis, the Headhunters, et al.), melding its roots reggae core with a steady though subtle dose of jazz/funk and blues/rock fusion. The funky electric blues guitar of songs like "Mystic Revelation," "Dress Back," "You Know I Want to Be," and the title track in particular sets Rasta apart from the generic roots sound. This album is terrifically sound from beginning to end with nary a low point, the title track being a stunningly evocative portrayal of the plight of Rastafarians... So what are you still sitting there for? Go get it! |
| Track Listing 1. Chant 2. Rasta 3. Mystic Revelation 4. Brothers in Trouble 5. Wake Up Jamaica 6. Zion 7. There Must Be a Way 8. Dress Back 9. You Know I Want to Be 10. Chant II |
|
|
Click pic to buy! |
I-Sus (Virgin, 2002 [orig. released 1976])
Virgin has chosen to re-release Delroy Washington's first album, I-Sus, after his second, Rasta -- presumably because the latter seems generally to be more highly regarded. Still, you shouldn't overlook I-Sus, particularly if you enjoyed the folk-funk-reggae stew of Rasta. I don't understand why Washington disappeared so quickly and so completely from the reggae map; his music engulfs the listener in a trippy '70s cornucopia of sound, incorporating roots reggae horns, blues harmonicas, funk organs, and rock guitars in a Stevie Wonder-like whirlwind. At the same time, the tone is still rather mellow and at times even somber; although it includes outside influences, it never strays from its righteous roots core. On its own, yes, I-Sus is not quite as striking as Rasta, but it's still excellent, and when combined, the pair present quite a body of work in only two short albums. Highlights include a wonderful cover of Bob Marley's "Midnight Ravers," the vivid tale of a man searching for his woman in a packed and steamy dancehall, as well as "Jah Wonderful," "Stoney Blows," and the powerful "Observance."
| Track Listing 1. Jah Wonderful 2. Generation Game 3. Midnight Ravers 4. Stoney Blows 5. Freedom Fighters 6. Gotta Keep On Movin 7. Observance 8. Time Passage 9. Clean Hearted People 10. This Ya Reggae Music 11. The Streets of Ladbroke Grove |
 |
