CD Review

“Strictly Vocals”

Various Artists

[Reggae Vibes]

by Laura Gardner

f a compilation includes a track by Luciano, it generally gets an “A” in my book. Well, that’s not entirely true, but this collection, in a somewhat deceiviIng cover, is a sweet collection. Reggae Vibes pulls together some of the best veteran singers in the industry with Gregory Isaacs, Yami Bolo, Toots Hibbert, Luciano, Dennis Brown, Tony Curtis, Johnny Osbourne and Wayne Wonder, and showcases some newer artists with Mikey General, Khani Jones, Kymani Marley, and Mahlon Stewart. Whether a spiritual or lovers slant, all of these tracks effuse spirit and emotion.

Highlights include Mikey General’s “What Are We Fighting For,” Luciano’s “Sudden Attack,” Kymani Marley’s “Who We Are,” Nittie Kutchie’s “Nah Play Friendly,” and Nico’s “Halleluyah.”

All the tracks were either recorded at Mixing Lab Studio in Kingston, or at Reggae Vibes Studio in New Jersey. Ricky Myrie, Donald Dennis, Beeperman, George Miller, and Paul Crossdale back the vocalists in their always-professional manner.

What I find so strong and compelling about this compilation is the original character of each and every tune. There is no monotony. There are no tracks to fast forward. This is what reggae music is all about!

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Laura Gardner is the Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief of www.jahworks.org and is known for her in-depth interviews with top international reggae artists. Her work has published in the BEAT Magazine, Reggae Review Magazine, the KALX Radio Program Guide, as well as other reggae-based websites. She can be reached at editor@jahworks.org.