From Jamaica With Love - Classic Roots

From Jamaica With Love - Classic Roots Compilation - VP Records/Hardwax (2007)

 

Roots music is a term that is used both frequently and ambiguously in the Aotearoa music scene, often to describe anything ranging from Shapeshifter to Hollie Smith. However in the world of reggae, 'roots' has a pretty specific meaning. It refers to the genre defining sound that exploded across Jamaica during the 1970s when traditional African rhythmic patterns, Rastafari consciousness, and more than a lickle collie weed came together to spawn the rockers music. It was sound of unprecedented musical and spiritual depth that offered hope to a generation of ghetto sufferahs in Jamaica and beyond.  

The Classic Roots compilation in VP's From Jamaica with Love series attempts to capture the essence of this sound with a collection of classic tracks from the rockers period. The founder of VP, Vincent Chin, owned and operated Randy's (one of most prolific studios in Kingston during the 1970s) so they had a pretty impressive vault of dub plates to choose from and this is certainly reflected in the quality and diversity of the selections. A number of heavyweight tracks are featured from artists such as Gregory Isaacs, Sugar Minott, Black Uhuru and Wailing Souls. However for me there are three stand out tracks.

The first is Beres Hammond's Last War. It is a track that will be instantly recognisable to many reggae followers as the original riddim sampled in the recent Collie Buddz hit Come Around. For me the original is streaks ahead of the Buddz version. Hammond's husky, soulful voice sits perfectly above this surging, horn driven riddim as he sings about the need for unity and justice in the face of sufferation.  

The next stand out track for mine has to be the classic rockers anthem Forward Ever Backward Never by the legendary Jacob Miller. In this track the Miller (who was tragically killed in a car accident at the age of 27) brilliantly applies his unique staccato vocal style over a bass heavy Sly and Robbie riddim. The marching steppers beat is a prime example of the skills that have led to Sly Dunbar being considered the premier drummer in the reggae world. The track is bursting with militancy and righteousness that leave the listener with the impression that Jah music is truly unstoppable.

Another track that deserves special mention is the seminal Junior Byles cut, Fade Away. The track is built around a Soul Syndicate riddim that is heavily stripped back so as to not distract from the poignant melodies of Byles voice. Byles was a true sufferah who struggled terribly in the Babylon system. The track was recorded in 1976 at a time when he was in and out hospital battling severe mental illness. The haunting message that Byles delivers is one that decries the exploitation of the poor brought about by the pursuit of material wealth. The line 'He who seeks of only vanity and no love for humanity shall fade away' is a warning that seems just as relevant today as it must have thirty years ago.  

New comers to the beautiful sound of 70's roots reggae should be aware the production quality is not technically perfect. The extreme treble highs and earth shuddering bass lines don't always make for ideal listening on headphones. However if you utilize a decent sound system you'll really appreciate the warm, heavily saturated sound in its fullness. All in all I think the Classic Roots compilation is an excellent way to dip ones feet in the world of Rockers music. However there is an ocean of roots reggae out there to discover so this album should be seen more as a launching pad rather than a comprehensive guide to roots and culture. Forward movement...

 

Naram 

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