The ideal. If you take all of these wonderful themes and messages that we are given in listening to this amazing music -- Roots Reggae -- you'd hope that maybe someone, somewhere is tuning in and actually applying them to their everyday life. Hopefully, at least in some aspects, that "someone, somewhere" is You and I but you'd also hope that such a nice thought has a wider-reaching personal impact with the masses. Furthermore (and, perhaps, even more importantly) it would also be nice if the artists, themselves, actually lived up to the music they made and, though such a thing may be virtually impossible in a total way (because we are all flawed and prone to making massive mistakes) (which is, presumably, where the saying 'follow the message not the messenger' comes from), surely people are capable of implementing certain things within their lives which they make their living teaching to others. We've seen evidence of this throughout the years as well with individuals doing things as simple as speaking out on injustices locally and internationally (outside of musically) to as detailed as others running charitable organizations and foundations, such as Sizzla Kalonji and Bounty Killer most notably, Making music brings in money and fame and (deserved) adulation so it's always refreshing when you see someone who is willing to put those things to work and spend the TIME it takes to do other things which may not bring in much of any of those as it distinguishes them as someone who TRULY does care about their work from... maybe someone who just uses it as a means to make money who just happens to have a musical talent. I'd also, loosely, include in that the work so MANY of them do in terms of bringing forth a younger generation of positive artists. In the most recent review I wrote prior to this one, we dealt with Eesah who was clearly very much influenced, both directly and indirectly, by Chronixx (someone else who has done a great job away from the microphone) and there're literally countless examples of this happening in Reggae music and that is something definitely to be proud of (I did just mention Bounty Killer, after all). Still, with that being said, there are others still who find ways to even further immerse themselves in the music they make and the messages behind it.
Reggae music has taken people all over the world in the pursuit of making it, performing it and for a variety of different other reasons. It seems to be almost routinely around these parts that I mention someone who has made their way to the Reggae-starved continent of Europe because there they will find ample audiences (and producers) with whom to ply their trade (most recently there was Mosiah. New album, "I-Frequency", out now). This is a trend which started years ago and has not seemed to diminish much, if at all, over time (and you'll find far more examples of artists who may not have full relocated to Europe, but primarily do their work there). Rarer, however, is the situation we take a look at today as we have someone whose travels have taken them from the birthplace of Reggae music to.... the birthplace of EVERYTHING. When I first saw the name Sydney Salmon -- would have been just a few years ago now -- and took a listen to his music, I just had to learn more about the man behind what I was hearing. There was a certain quality to his work (more on that in just a second) that was SO DAMN impressive and so refined that I was pretty surprised that I hadn't knowingly ran into his work before. It seemed like something I would have remembered. When I did get into his story, it turned out that Salmon was born and raised in Kingston where he began his career in music and, as a young adult, relocated to New York where he furthered it, as well as an interest in Rastafari, before relocating again... this time to Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia. One of the pillaring tenets behind much of Roots Reggae music is repatriation and returning to live in Africa and Salmon actually did it and, apparently, with him he took a TON of talent.
I don't recall exactly what led me in Salmon's direction, initially, but whatever it was I'm delighted that it caught my attention because when I did actually tune into his work, I heard such a BRIGHT and VIBRANT Roots sound and one that though clearly inspired by older sounds was still fresh and pliable for the current generation. It was just such a full vibes that I took a mental snapshot and knew that one day it would be a fun write-up to tell you wonderful people about what I heard and today is that day. I almost want to say that it feels older, but officially it was just a couple of years ago that Sydney Salmon, along with his Imperial Majestic Band (which, I think, came from New York with him, or at least partially), released a downright dazzling piece of Roots Reggae by the name of "The Ultimate Challenge". The album came via the same Imperial Majestic Productions that handles pretty much all of Salmon's music that I can find note of, with one recent exception. Sydney Salmon has actually mixed with a friend of ours, James Lord [aka Dr. Seuss] of Irie Sounds International just this past December in creating a LOVELY tune by the name of 'My Banner' ["My banner give honour for all the world to see what Rastafari has truly done for me"]. Lord's story is similar to Salmon's as he is someone who spent years of his life making Reggae music before packing up and moving operations to Ethiopia (and what a BEAUTIFUL union those two could make if ever they were inclined to make a full project in my opinion). As far as Sydney Salmon's style, as I said, he's someone who has clearly been captivated by an older and more foundational type of sound which is well reflected in his music. Vocally, you could make several comparisons, because of who I spend my time listening to, I'm going to make one that no one else likely will (they won't), but his delivery reminds me a bit of someone like Tuff Lion. He has a FINE singing and chanting voice (it comes off as being either very strong or nearly pitch-perfect for the type of music that he makes when he does push it to my ear) and he veers back and forth between the two exquisitely. He's also very refined and he HAS to be given the total SOUND of his work. As I alluded to, it is simply.... CANDY to the ears of Roots Reggae fans, to the point where it became hard for me not to pay attention to it in a major way. I don't know if I'm able to do it justice in this way but I am definitely up for this challenge and I'd like to tell you all about it if you're not too busy.
I'd have no idea to whom, directly, I would give such a credit, but whoever put together the cover art for this project has done a great job. Like the music it heads, it is very inviting. Looking at it makes you want to know more about it and hear what's going on. What is going with "The Ultimate Challenge" from Sydney Salmon & The Imperial Majestic Band is absolutely delightful and it gets up and going courtesy of its glowing titling effort (always looking for new and interesting ways to say "title track") ("titling (which may or may not be an actual word) effort" is fantastic and you know it).
"We must first look unto The Almighty God, Who has raised man above the animals
And has endowed us with intelligence and reasoning
We must put our faith in HIM
He'll not permit us nor allow us to destroy humanity
Who were created in HIS own image
Give thanks to The Lord, God, Almighty"
This EPIC opener really touches the listener in every way possible as it shines lyrically and musically when, roughly halfway through, 'The Ultimate Challenge' dashes the vocals for the most part and goes instrumental for a downright dazzling spell (and just a REALLY good idea, in my opinion). When I first heard this song, as I alluded to (or at least tried to), it both impressed me and made me damn curious as to what was to follow that golden first taste. Awesomely (that might not be a word either), the case could be made that what directly chases the title track is an even stronger piece as the sublime 'Africa Arising' is up next. As its title suggests, this track is one for the upliftment of Africa, in general and fully, and Salmon touches on various aspects of the continent to instill some pride in all of its children. It also sounds fantastic. It isn't BIG or terribly intense, but the vibes on 'Africa Arising' quickly find a perfect groove and they OOZE out for your listening enjoyment (those horns!) on, easily, one of the sweetest tracks on "The Ultimate Challenge". I also have to mention how much FUN it seems they had in making 'Africa Arising' as well, which is always a nice touch to hear. 'Lions in Captivity' is charged with keeping the quality levels high and it does not miss a beat at all. This one is a celebration of freedom and liberty and its importance to EVERYONE and how much we lose when we unnecessarily restrict people. What a tune!
From what I gather, the Luciano-esque 'Never Colonized' is both one of the oldest and most popular offerings on the album (apparently it dates all the way back to 2011). It is, essentially, to Ethiopia, specifically, what 'Africa Arising' is to the continent as Salmon and co. set out to make a song that would lift up the nation for all of its beauty historically and currently. I also LOVE the vibe of 'Never Colonized' which is downright exquisite and, again, the fact that Salmon does show love to present day Ethiopia. You rarely hear messages like that: If you really think about it, most Reggae songs about Ethiopia (and there're hundreds) focus almost exclusively on the historical aspect; but as someone actually living there, you would expect a different perspective like the one provided here. Also, because I'm a giant nerd, I simply must mention the fact that though the song is listed as being a very healthy 5:59 in length, it's actually more like 5:12-13 as the final forty-five seconds or so is just void (don't know what happened there). Next up is an absolute scorcher in 'Carry On', that soars alongside some of the best material that "The Ultimate Challenge" has to offer altogether.
"Said the poor man to his son:
'I know my time has come'-
To be moving on, I know that my work is done
And now it's your time, to let your light shine
Pick up the mantle and carry on"
'Carry On' is about progression of a few different ways, but steadily moving forward and it is framed in such an interesting and compelling way that, lyrically it stands out so vividly. The sound is more subtle and laidback and so wonderfully underpins a golden message and delivery. I saw the title 'Show Business' and was somewhat surprised by it because it didn't seem like it fit the direction of "The Ultimate Challenge" and, in listening to it.... Yeah, it is kind of jarring to some extent. The song that follows, surprisingly, doesn't stray far as 'Jams Addis' is, as far as I can tell, Salmon's ode to a Reggae club in Addis Ababa (which Google says has since been closed down). Neither of these tunes are bad (they're both at least above average) and 'Jams Addis', for what it's worth, is pretty strong (with its grander significance than just being a song about a club), but I wasn't expecting either and that is an addition to "The Ultimate Challenge" because we always appreciate versatility when it is done in such a way. This challenge peaks [PROBABLY] next as someone leaves the gate open and in walks the MAMMOTH 'Yakob Rule'. Let me tell you something; If you wanna talk about a tune that has EVERYTHING covered, in terms of the message and the music, you're going to be talking about several from this album, but none from a higher region (biggup JahSolidRock) (be telling you about what they've been up to pretty soon) than 'Yakob Rule'. This one comes off as if Salmon is speaking (in an analogous type of way) about how The Almighty put the inspiration of making music in him and what he's attempted to do with it... then it BLOSSOMS out into this stunning track which keeps you moving and thinking throughout.
As "The Ultimate Challenge" winds down, it serves up another pair of big winners in the closing 'Warriors' and 'Coming Soon'. The flying former is the brightest gem of the two as it STIRS!
"Since I was a boy, I've been a warrior
I was born and raised to bring down barriers
To trample di beast
Warriors from the east
A son of Jahova"
The vibes on 'Warriors' are downright destructive and either Salmon adopts a few different styles or he does pass the mic around a bit to members of the IMB. Were you of the mind that 'Warriors' was the single biggest moment on "The Ultimate Challenge", I wouldn't put up much of a fight at all. It stands am EXCELLENT call to action and one which has the strength to be successful (you literally feel like doing SOMETHING while listening to it). For its part, though a ways more chilled and relaxed, 'Coming Soon' manages to make a big impact as well. On a biblical vibes, Salmon warns all to get ready for the return of The Almighty and it takes him a very appetizing nearly six minutes to get the point across (technically, it's the album's longest selection given the strange ending of 'Never Colonized'). Speaking of biblical compositions, there's also the beautiful 'Psalms 64'. Fairly straight forward, Salmon constructed a piece of music around the passage and did so in such a way that has made it impossible to ignore. YOU LISTEN TO THAT THING! With this HUGE and blaring sound, 'Psalms 64' full on dares you to not give it a proper attention in its time. I'm going to say pretty much the exact same in reference to 'Blood Brothers' as well. It may require a little in the way of a 'gestation period' and it comes on top of a foundation directly from scripture. The sound on that one is... almost Country/Gospel, neither of which are favourites of mine at all, but I do not dislike 'Blood Brothers'. If you do (that's fine, you're entitled to your own opinion. Nothing wrong with that at all), give it a second listen before tapping out completely. Finally, check 'Guardian of Love'. Yes. I know. The title is kind of sappy and you could even say the actual song is a little on the mushy side at times... that's fair; but I'd also tell you to give this one just a bit of extra time to develop and pan out. Maybe it never grows on you at all but it did on me somewhat and a tune that I did not very much at all initially is one which I now look at as being quite solid and a full credit goes to the female singer who joins in and gives the song -- and the entire album -- another very much appreciated texture.
Overall, "The Ultimate Challenge" is something FAR more than "quite solid" to my opinion and I'm recommending it to fans of Roots Reggae both new and old. Given the total sound of the album, I think it appeals to more hardened fans as something they know and love and newer fans with its RICH sound. Also, the uniqueness of such a project as we mentioned, with a Jamaican artist building a vibe in Ethiopia, FOR Ethiopia and with a unique perspective is also something I think that has a backing that is readily enjoyable by many types of fans. EVERYONE (everybody, in the entire world) has a story behind them, but in a genre like Reggae where so many of our artists' background is so wonderfully varied and well-traveled, what Sydney Salmon and The Imperial Majestic Band have going for them is even different in a terrain that breeds originality and that comes roaring through on a wonderful debut album, "The Ultimate Challenge".
Rated: 4.4/5
Imperial Majestic Music
2022
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