CD Review: Nazarenes' 'Meditation'

Nazarenes
Meditation
I Grade Records

Steeped in Rastafarian grooves, produced by a St. Croix native, and two brothers as singers, Noah and Medhane Tewolde, come from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The European-based brothers incorporate pan-African elements, island grooves, Jamaican jive, and pop-funk creations. The reggae-inspired album contains jazzy influences, funky beats, and vivid vocals with meaningful lyrics and spiritual connotations. The lyrical worldplay and dancehall sound showcases Nazarenes diverse song repertoire with a laid-back, funky feel that is anything but boring. Fourteen Jah-inspired musical tracks showcase the great amount of creativity and soulful inspiration that give Meditation a shining element that succeeds without a doubt. "Mamy Blues" is an album favorite that seems to combine the pop music styles of Ethiopia and West Africa with the sincerity of French blues and a little Caribbean ambiance. Anyone interested in the music of Jamaica will find happiness on Meditation. ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: Midnite's 'Kings Bell'

Midnite
Kings Bell
I Grade Records

The reggae infusions of Andrew Bassie Campbell, Vaughn Benjamin, Leroy Wallace, Earl Smith, Squidley Cole, Sticky Thompson, and others, shine through on the St. Croix, Virgin Islands and Jamaica release. The Caribbean reggae sound is very much alive and a pervasive influence in the highly-spirited and intellectually verbose wordplay throughout Kings Bell. Reggae fans will notice the great bass, drum lines, guitar, and keyboard dubs that make any reggae album stand out from other sounds and genres. The sixteen tracks are infectious and soulfully-driven with good lyrics and fun rhythms. The successful career of Midnite spans dozens of albums over the years and shows no signs of quitting or decreasing in quality. Reggae fans unite and party with Midnite all 'nite' long. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Toussaint's 'Black Gold'

Toussaint

Black Gold

I Grade Records

The soulful vocalist, Toussaint, represents an embodiment of a new form of reggae music with Afro-Caribbean and American roots. It can be appropriately called 'reggae soul' or 'reggae roots music'. Though, reggae music is largely a socially based creative construction that also includes personal tragedy, triumph, and power. Toussaint provides an engaging listening experience spanning fifteen songs all sung in English. Black Gold's reggae ties are entwined with funk, jazz, soul, R&B, and folk/rock elements. The diverse instrumentation with reggae elements, classical jazz, island soul, and earthy vocals are characteristic signatures of Toussaint's musical abilities. Notably, not a single weak track exists on Black Gold. As a whole, Toussaint's 'golden' voice secures Black Gold's legacy as an invaluable addition for anyone interested in reggae soul and reggae roots music. ~ Matthew Forss