This powerful release from a veteran performer and songwriter showcases a well-balanced mix of reggae styles -- old-school, dancehall, ska, lover's rock -- based on a heavy reggae roots tradition with undertones of blues, gospel, and jazz.

10 MP3 Songs
WORLD: Reggae, WORLD: Island



Details:
Hear what music reviewer Chuck Foster called, "Crisp understated riddims....draw[n] from early dancehall and roots reggae for a unique homegrown approach." (The Beat, Vol. 24, No. 1, 2005)

From New York with Jamaican roots, singer/songwriter Ras Jammie (aka James Rouse) has been playing for years in the U.S.A. "Most striking are lead singer Ras Jammie's deep baritone lead vocals, which definitely make for a distinctive sound." (Chuck Foster, The Beat, Vol. 24, No. 1, 2005). With meaningful lyrics that showcase a masterful control of his commanding baritone voice, this new release contains a well-balanced mix of reggae styles -- old-school, ska, lover's rock, dancehall. Ras Jammie, who wrote all the songs, also sings backup on several songs that bring out a higher vocal range so surprising from a singer with such a powerful baritone voice.

Females especially love the soulfully jazzy tunes "Hey,Woman" or "Which One Would You Choose" while others can remember their DJ experience with "Froggy." A night out listening to the reggae poet Mutabaruka is relayed in "Ras Jammie and Queen Bethie." The reggae-blues number "Shackled and Chained" speaks of social injustice, while straight-on reggae songs "Peace", "Runnin", or "Dread With No Conscience Head" question nonsensical values. Whatever the song, Jah People of Today presents "stories with love" from a heavy reggae roots tradition, but with undertones of blues, gospel, and jazz that has young and old alike on the dance floor.