CD Review: New Kingston's 'Kingston City'

New Kingston
Kingston City
Easy Star Records

New York City-based and reggae proud, New Kingston adds an element of urban hip hop, world fusion, and island rhythms stemming from their Jamaican roots. The twelve track album contains edgy, fluid tunes with witty lyrics and a heady delivery with guest singers such as, Maad T-Ray, E.N. Young, Kimie Miner, The Wailing Souls, the late-Sugar Minott, and Sister Carol, adding a well-rounded crew of talent. The innovative reggae label of Easy Star continues to find, hone, and spread the word of reggae to the world. New Kingston is no different, as their Jamaican roots and grooves head to the forefront. Some of the songs are more straight-forward and pop-driven, but the reggae influence is never too far behind. Fans of urban reggae music, world fusion, and great, contemporary music will find it most satisfying. ~ Matthew Forss

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