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| "Roots Foundation" by Earl Sixteen [JahSolidRock Music] |
I don't know if the term 'CLASS', as a descriptor, is one with which we typically associate Roots music. In the entire genre of Reggae, it's typically reserved more for Lover's Rock singers i.e. Gregory Isaacs, Beres Hammond and the likes or maybe even, occasionally a Dancehall DJ who has demonstrated an exceptional level of skill (and, particularly, only during a time when the skill is the only thing in question and not more controversial subject matter.
However, if you really think about it, we have more than a few Roots singers who have demonstrated a certain level of elegance and confidence -- traits which, when combined (and maybe with one or two others) are what we refer to as "class -- throughout their entire catalogue. Of course I'm looking at someone such as Luciano who, despite making a brand of the music which also features this very 'dusty' and humble quality to it, has also exhibited loads of grace and refinement during his storied career. There've others like personal favourite of mine, Mark Wonder, ETANA, Glen Washington a slew of others. If such a thing exists, CLASS is an underused term in Reggae circles, in my opinion.
I took this route for this particular release because when I listened to the latest set from grizzled veteran, Earl Sixteen, I was immediately (and unsurprisingly) taken by the overall quality of what I was hearing. That surely has tons to do with an entire career of such output from the singer and it also helps that E16, on his latest body of work, finds himself linking with one of the polished outfits in all of Reggae music today, our good friends at JahSolidRock. Throughout the years of the existence of this blog, JSR along with maybe two or three others (such as the Zion I Kings) have been responsible for producing CONSISTENTLY some of the finest music in all of modern Roots Reggae that we have come across (and even before then as well for a few years, if I recall correctly) and when they've released new music, it's always gotten my attention be it from one of their favourites like Chezidek or Addis Pablo, or ANYONE. Way back in 2011, Earl Sixteen and JahSolidRock would link for an exquisite full project by the name of "The Fittest" ["Only the fittest will survive, that's what they say. Only the strong stay alive"] and now, a very brief baker's dozen of years later, the duo reunites to build "Roots Foundation". Pack your bags and make sure your shoestrings are laced as Earl Sixteen and all of us HAPPILY return to the highest region. Let's go!
'Brave Enough' & 'Brave Enough Dub'
The opener, 'Brave Enough', is an all kinds of interesting love song. That is, effectively, what it is: A 'love song'. However, with that being said, it isn't the stereotypical lovey type that you may be expecting.... 'Brave Enough' covers those bases quickly and then primarily spends its time focused on THAT GRIND that love can be. I found this one so interesting because, first of all, after seeing the title I wasn't at all expecting this type of a song and then to see E1 uses the word (correctly) "BRAVE". Loving something or someone, in particular, definitely does take courage. It takes courage to express those feelings and to act on them and, if they're reciprocated, begin the process of.... whatever that may mean for you at that time. It was being brave to go through but you so rarely hear that expressed and having it done here makes for an excellent move.
The dub version of 'Brave Enough' takes the riddim, which is fairly simple and plodding 9and I mean that in a good way. If you enjoy Roots Reggae music (and you do), you will LOVE this track), and builds upon it in all the way you're expecting it to. The criticism with 'Brave Enough Dub' is an obvious one: It's over half a minute shorter than its vocalized counterpart and, perhaps it's just my opinion (it is), but I do enjoy longer dubs as, seemingly, without vocals it takes more time to develop a vibe and I would have LOVED to hear more of what is one of the finest compositions on "Roots Foundation".
'Natty Dread a General' & 'Natty Dread a General Dub'
With its almost immediate big horns, 'Natty Dread a General' comes blaring through following the more laidback 'Brave Enough' before ultimately settling down. 'Natty Dread a General' is absolutely gorgeous. It's my favourite tune on all of "Roots Foundation" and, at least for me, the spine of its strength is anchored in this wonderful 'matter-of-fact-ness'.
"Dread a General
Dread a General
Rastaman a di original"
That EASY, no frills kind of vibe is delicious behind this one (even as it does develop) is GOLDEN and really matches the feeling of the entire project from the simple cover and title.... you look at this one as JUST VIBES. The dub does continue along in such a way following, again, that big beginning. I won't speak for you and I won't pretend to be such a person myself but I would think that certified Dub heads would eat 'Natty Dread a General Dub' UP! The horns kind of 'trace' the composition, remaining present throughout but never overbearing and it channels up and down in terms of intensity delightfully.
'No Love'
You'll find no dub version attached to 'No Love', unfortunately, but what you will find is another sterling effort from E16 and JSR. I believe the tune is a remake of an older one and E16 more than pays homage to the originator as his take is a big social commentary on the broader side and just a solid offering. I will warn you to not get too comfortable with 'No Love', however, as not only is there no dub, the track is also the single shortest to be found on 'Roots Foundation".
'Every Nubian Is a Star' featuring Mutabaruka & 'Nubian Star Dub'
You may actually recall this next one as a cut of 'Every Nubian Is a Star' also featured on Addis Pablo's joyous "Melodies From The House Of Levi" from just a couple of years ago. Here, we find E16 linking with the legendary Mutabaruka on a piece that was created to place a GIANT CHUNK of pride into Africa and all of her children around the world. Every single one of us. Mission accomplished.
I was actually pretty excited to hear the dub of 'Every Nubian Is a Star' because it was completely new to my ears and, given the fullness of its riddim, I thought that it might make for a nice and 'Nubian Star Dub' does not disappoint. This is a selection where it pays greatly to focus on some of the more subtle details in the sound because you'll begin to notice different sounds (like those gorgeously TEASING drums that come and go once or twice, but never stick around long enough!) that you might not hear AT ALL on a more cursory spin.
'Ghetto College' & 'Ghetto College Dub'
Were it not for the aforementioned 'Natty Dread a General' then I would lay the distinction of the best tune of "Roots Foundation" being this MAMMOTH shot, 'Ghetto College'. I based this write-up on the concept of CLASS and CLASS is dripping off of 'Ghetto College'. It's on the floor and the walls and you can smell it in the air! The idea here is one which lifting up the importance of 'street-smarts' and the type of education that you cannot receive from reading books and being taught in some institution of learning. Furthermore, i do so love how E16 directs the idea to the leaders who may have not had that experience which can be so vital for one's own self but for UNDERSTANDING OTHERS as well.
As for 'Ghetto College Dub'.... when I first heard this thing, I thought "what the hell am I listening to"? I was thinking maybe they mislabeled it and it was supposed to be a part of something else or maybe it was just an unattached dub that JSR made and attached it to "Roots Foundation". Again, if you REALLY tune it in, you hear that same pattern from the vocal version immediately before it steps outside of this.... shadow (which is exactly what it is, musically speaking). As it moves along, what results with 'Ghetto College Dub' is EASILY one of the best of its kind (or any kind) to be found here (feel like I'm saying that too much, but I don't feel like going back and changing anything at the moment). It is amazing!
'Amazing'
Also amazing is, 'AMAZING' (I originally used the word "sublime" but upon remembering the next song's name, I changed it!)! "Roots Foundation" ends as it began with a love song of sorts - this one being more terrestrial than the wicked 'Brave Enough'. 'Amazing' is straight forward but most certainly isn't sappy or dramatic in any way. The riddim behind is downright stellar (which makes it all the more unfortunate that we do not get a dub of it. JSR has spoiled us all) particularly during its later stages (the riddim suddenly LEVELS UP at approximately the 3:11 mark) and Earl Sixteen uses the moment to deliver a tune high on RESPECT and the all of the wonderful values necessary for a healthy relationship.
"Roots Foundation" by Earl Sixteen and from JahSolidRock Music is available right now and you have no good reason not to listen to it.
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