Parables - Tarrus Riley

Today I'm not in the mood to do much blogging but this album and artist is worth sharing. I've known Tarrus Riley since the late 90s and he's really come a long way from where he started. He believed in himself, he was determined, he persevered and it has paid off.
Scheduled to release another album this summer supported by a European tour I now introduce you to what I believe is a great piece of work released in 2006 - Tarrus Riley: Parables.

Fifteen tracks of contemporary roots, rock reggae. This album is sure to please the Reggae lover. The album includes his hit singles "She's Royal" and "Stay With You" (John Legend Cover).
If you're into the new faces of Reggae, you should definitely check out the works from this artist and get "Parables", a great album to check out in my opinion. 

Here's his video "She's Royal"

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ICONIC - Appetite For Destruction - Guns N' Roses

This album was released way before I was interested in Rock music. I wouldn't have even known the name of the band till (ashamed to say it..) I was in my 20s and I still wasn't even interested in listening to their music.
It wasn't until I bought "Slash" the autobiography of Slash - their lead guitarist when I said to myself "I'm learning a lot about this guy and his band yet I have no idea what their music sounds like. Its only fitting to get the album". So I went and got Guns N' Roses "Appetite For Destruction" .

I was eleven years old when this album was released and as I said I wasn't into Rock nor was I exposed to this genre at that age.  But listening to it, reading the book and watching TV interviews with all the rock stars from the 80s I can tell that this period was when music & expression was still at its rawest from.  I can literally feel the energy from the band every time I listen to "Appetite For Destruction"

Twelve tracks of raw expression from Guns N' Roses. Well produced & mixed. I can just imagine in the 80s how "organic" it must have been to work on this record compared to how we do things today.
I don't have any faves on this album, they're all great songs, from "Welcome To The Jungle" (track 1) to "Rocket Queen" (track 12). Also I didn't now how well Slash played until I heard this record. The whole band was awesome.

"Appetite For Destruction" is a must have in your collection, this album is ICONIC and set the standard for what all the young rockers are doing today. Hey, when you have sex with your girl in the vocal booth, record it and put it in a song on your album ("Rocket Queen"), if that doesn't say "Rock Icon" the term doesn't exist.

A great album to check out in my opinion.


Here's "Paradise City"

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Smokin' At The Half Note - Wes Montgomery

As a musician I try to listen a wide variety of music. I was always encouraged at an early age by my father to do so and thus I have developed an appreciation for a wide variety of music genres.  Being a guitarist I often seek and find inspiration in listening to other guitar players, especially those that came long before my time, those who are innovators and who stand out "above" the rest (in my opinion at least).  Wes Montgomery is one such guitarist, and some years ago while trying to find something "new" to inspire me I found "Smokin' At The Half Note".

I was, and still am truly inspired whenever I listen to this album.  Recorded in 1965 at The Half Note Club in New York as well as at Van Gelder Studios in New Jersey, Wes Montgomery is accompanied by Miles Davis' rhythm section ('59-'63) - Wynton Kelly, Paul Chambers & Jimmy Cobb.

"Smokin' At The Half Note" has eleven tracks of straight ahead Jazz and a few Jazz ballads - "Misty" & "Portrait Of Jennie". My faves would be "Four On Six", "No Blues", "Misty" and "Unit 7". 


I'm not a Jazz guitarist and at present have no intention of becoming one but hearing a great musician play always gives me a good feeling, no matter the genre. So if you are into Jazz and are a collector of a wide variety, this is a great album to check out and a must have.


Here he is performing "Impressions" in Belgium 1965




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A Common Case Of Disappearing - Amber Rubarth

A few months ago I had the pleasure of meeting Amber Rubarth at a gig. Coincidentally we both were going to be in Jamaica the day after our meeting and my dad and I were invited to pass by the studio where she would be recording. Amber was actually working on some recordings as a member of a group with Dave Eggar which by the way is an amazing Cellist. 

Anyhow, I asked her if she had done any recordings on her own, she said yes but didn't have any copies at that moment. She eventually emailed me a link to download  her album - "A Common Case Of Disappearing" 

 

If you know me well, there are only a few genres I don't listen much so I'm always open to new things. This album is labeled on iTunes as "Singer/Songwriter","Pop". Some of the songs remind me a little bit of when I used to listen to Norah Jones' "Come Away With Me", but it's not a Jazz album.  

It always amazes me the amount of new music and artists that exists in the world but we are only exposed to that which the major companies want to push/promote to be "commercially successful".

"A Common Case Of Disappearing" has nine tracks of which my favorites are "Letter To My Lonelier Self", "City Starts To Bloom", "Mirror" and "One Last Look".

A really nice album to listen, chill, have a drink. If you're into guitar oriented singer/songwriter styles of music, this is a great album for you to check out in my opinion. 

Here's a video showing the making of some of the tracks and a little bit of history behind the album

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Electrifying Grooves Of DiVersion - Robert Dubwise

After this album's initial release in 2010 it was withdrawn from all online stores due to an unforeseen issue. Now slated for release again this month with two tracks that weren't previously released, check out "Electrifying Grooves Of DiVersion" - Robert Dubwise

As you all know I am Robert Dubwise,  so I thought it best to hear what others had to say about this album instead of going at it myself.

"As a radio host I love the vibrant and expressive sounds that come from this body of work. Taking me back to the authentic bedtracking used to deliver the news and special broadcasts on radio during primetime hours.
Eclectic, Evolving and Enticing are a few simple words to describe 'Electrifying Grooves Of DiVersion' " - Carrie Mullings (Host of Rebel Vibez On CHRY 105.5 FM Toronto, Canada)

."....guitarist Robert "Dubwise" Browne establishes himself as one of the top instrumentalists to come out of Jamaica. From the urban contemporary groove of  "You Got Me" to the to the achingly romantic  "It's So Beautiful," to the electrifying pace of "On My Mind," this recording can be played in any format: reggae, smooth jazz, traditional jazz and dancehall. ...... "Electrifying Grooves Of DiVersion" solidifies Robert "Dubwise Browne's place in this pantheon. -- Shelah Moody (former writer/journalist for San Francisco Chronicle).

This album is a great album to have in your collection for one reason, there is no other like it on the market today, there never was, and there probably never will be another. So check it out, hope you enjoy my "Electrifying Grooves Of DiVersion"  

Here's Robert Dubwise performing "You Got Me" & "Sun Is Shining" (Bob Marley Cover)

Have A Great Day!








 

Perfectly Matched Team Of Musicians - Renegade Creation

Michael Landau: Session guitarist for  Joni Mitchell, Seal, Michael Jackson, James Taylor, Richard   Marx, Steve Perry, Pink Floyd and a host of others.

Robben Ford: Named one of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of the 20th Century" by Musician magazine.

Jimmy Haslip: Founding member of The Yellowjackets and has worked with  Chaka Khan, Al Jarreau, Donald Fagen, Anita Baker and many more famed artists.

Gary Novak: Session drummer for  George Benson, Alanis Morissette, Brandon Fields, Lee Ritenour, Michael McDonald, Natalie Cole, David Sanborn, Anita Baker and many more..

Other than the roster of legendary & popular artists these musicians have worked with, they have something else in common - "Renegade Creation"

Already with very successful careers of their own, these top notch musicians collaborated in 2010 and the end result was this great Blues/Rock album "Renegade Creation".

Robben Ford & Michael Landau share the lead vocals throughout the album and of course show us how great they are as guitar players. With strong support from the awesome rhythm section of Gary Novak & Jimmy Haslip one couldn't imagine a better team of musicians for this album - perfectly matched.

Eleven songs of which my favorites are  track 5 "The Darkness" and track 9 "Who Do You Think You Are". This album is one you should definitely check out if you're into guitar oriented music - Blues/Rock.

 Here they are performing "What's Up"




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"For me, music and life are all about style." Miles Davis: Cool & Collected

"For me, music and life are all about style". - Myles Davis.

With a statement like that, we can all grasp why this man's approach to music wasn't much different from that of his life: He played is trumpet & lived his life with style.

"Cool & Collected" is a compilation of Miles Davis' recordings from 1956 to 1984.  With such a time span you'd expect about a hundred songs, but this album only has thirteen.
Fret not, these are thirteen well selected songs from he legend's repertoire. If you're into jazz you'll be familiar with songs like "So What", "'Round Midnight", "Seven Steps To Heaven" & "Milestones".  The album also has the MJ cover "Human Nature" & "Time After Time" (the Cyndi Lauper cover).

I think this album shows how diverse Miles Davis was in terms of genres & styles. With this collection of songs one can hear how he progressed through the jazz scene in the '50s & '60s then later crossed into the pop/smooth jazz and experimental arena in the '80s quite effortlessly.  

If you're into Jazz or you're just in the mood to listen to something quietly that ranges from intense to really soft and mellow then "Cool & Collected" is a great album you should check out in my opinion.

Here's Miles performing "So What" & "Human Nature"





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'The Strong One' Brings A "Better Tomorrow" - Etana

Often referred to by the title of her debut album "The Strong One", Etana has been around since maybe 2007/2008. And though she already has two albums under her belt, I've only recently heard the album that I think is her best work to date - "Better Tomorrow".

Released February 25th 2013 by VP records (argumentatively the premier record label that releases/distributes Reggae worldwide by Jamaicans), "Better Tomorrow" isn't the typical reggae album with a slew of singles compiled from various record producers - which was the norm in the past. Fifteen tracks including a two minute interlude, really pleasing to the ear with her soulful vocals accompanied by great compositions. Though Reggae is the primary genre on the album,  there are songs with strong African & World Music influences which shows her versatility and ability beyond being just another Reggae singer, the title track is an example of this.

My faves include "Better Tomorrow", "Queen", "Silly" (Deniece Williams cover), "Smile" and "Strongest".

"Better Tomorrow" is a great album in my opinion for you to check out if you're looking for something fresh, appealing, uplifting and entertaining. 

Here's Etana's Video for the song "Wrong Address" which made her popular in 2007

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Teen Pop Sensasion makes - "FutureSex/LoveSounds" Justin Timberlake

I never owned an 'N Sync album even though I liked some of their songs. But when this album by a former member of the group came out I had to get a copy - "Futuresex/Lovesounds" - Justin Timberlake.

Great work by the former teen star who has proved to the world that he's more than capable to carry on and make great music well pass his teens and without the support of four other group members.

Thirteen thumping tracks on this album, well, not all thirteen, there are a few slow numbers as well - "(Another Song) All Over Again" - one of my favorites and "Set The Mood Prelude/Until The End Of Time". I believe the main producers on this album was Timberlake himself & Timbaland (American R&B/Hip Hop Producer/Rapper -  Ginuwine, Missy Elliot & Aailyah).

I have many faves on this album - "Sexy Back", "Sexy Ladies",  "Let Me Talk To You/My Love" featuring rapper T.I., . ..... Actually, I was about to list all the songs but decided to only name a few :-)

A great R&B/Pop album in my opinion which was nominated for four Grammy awards, winning two in 2006 and the following year winning another two including Best Male Pop Vocal. The album also earned him four MTV Music Video Awards in 2007 including Artist Of The Year.

If you're into R&B, Pop, or both... this is a great album you should check out in my opinion. I've also heard a few of the songs on his album coming out this March and it's gonna be another great one so look out for Justin Timberlake's "The 20/20 Experiene"


Here are two of his videos - "Sexy Back" & "(Another Song) All Over Again"(Live)









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Committed, True To The Cause - C-Sharp: The Invitation

When most people hear the word Reggae, they first think of Bob Marley.  Only the avid Reggae fan would be aware of the not so popular Reggae artists as well as the bands/groups that has had international success over the years - Inner Circle, Third World, Black Uhuru, Wailing Souls, Israel Vibration etc.

These days there are several other bands making their own mark in the industry and one of my faves is C-Sharp with their album "The Invitation".

They've been around for a little while, building their name in and around Jamaica as a band while gigging/touring with other artists individually or as a group. They've even made it as far as China, spreading Reggae, their music & Jamaican culture.   I really admire their commitment to each other and their musicianship. Its not easy to stay focused and "true to the cause" nowadays, I know this from experience.

"The Invitation" has thirteen well written and produced songs with a few covers. This is not your typical chill out kind of Reggae album. You can get up and dance to some of the tracks, sing along and just feel total joy.

 My favorites are "Family Man", "Reggae My Song", "Get Lifted"(John Legend cover) "Book Of Rules" (amazing cover of The Heptones classic) & "The Invitation".  C-Sharp teamed up with Reggae veterans Third World on Track 8 "Better Day Coming" and features the popular Dancehall DJ Busy Signal on the title track.

Show your support for the new and coming generation of Reggae bands/artist by checking out this great album - "The Invitation"

Here's their video "Somewhere"
 


Have A Great Day!!

Sweet Soulful Rocker - Tessanne Chin: "In Between Words"

Looks can be deceiving especially when you meet someone as beautiful and sweet as Tessanne Chin.  Don't get me wrong, she is a really nice person, but if after being introduced she said "I'm a singer", Reggae would probably be the last genre you think of, better yet, Rock wouldn't even come to mind. But that's exactly what she does - the best fusion of Rock & Reggae (IMO): "In Between Words"

I've had the pleasure of meeting and working with Tessanne a number of times. In fact I played guitars on Track 11: "Family"....I may have played on Track 13: "You & Me" as well,  not sure... maybe, maybe not lol.
The majority of the production and guitar work however is credited to a good friend and awesome musician/producer Rudy Valentino Jr.

The album has fourteen songs, a mixture of Rock & Reggae, some songs fuse genres and her soulful belting vocals matches the fusion perfectly.  She does her own writing on this album and touches on a variety of subject matters - love, abuse, social commentary.....
My favs on this ablum are "Hideaway", "Flying High",  "Messenger", "Are Yah Gonna (Control)" and "You & Me" which features her older sister Tami Chynn.

"In Between Words" is not the kind of album you'd expect from a Jamaican artist, especially one that looks more Asian than Jamaican. But the question is, what does a Jamaican look like? Think about it, we are a very mixed nation.

This is a great album to check out if you love Rock, Guitars and Reggae.


Here are two of her videos - Hideaway and BlackBooks




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"....Pygmy Singing On The Radio" - DEEP FOREST

More than 3,000,000 copies of the album sold. It became Platinum in the USA, France and New Zealand; Double Platinum in Australia and Greece; and Gold in the UK and Norway. The album was certified 2x Diamond by the SNEP Export Awards in 2002. (Info taken from Wikipedia.com)

Deep Forest is the first and eponymous album by the musical group Deep Forest: French duo Eric Mouquet and Michel Sanchez.

"Somewhere deep in the jungle, there are some little men & women....." The very alluring narration which kicks off the album into the first track "Deep Forest".

The creators of this project were very creative, taking field recordings from UNESCO -  music from Zaire, the Solomon Islands, Burundi, Tibesti and the Sahel and mixing it with contemporary instrumentation to create this unique sounding album. The first of it's kind to my knowledge, but not the last.

Though released in 1993, it's still a good listen today. Eleven tracks of pure chill out and relax music. You'll be intrigued by the sounds and voices of Pygmies singing "Sweet Lullaby" among other songs. If you're the kind of person that makes it an issue if you can't understand what's being sung, this album isn't for you. If not, you will enjoy all the different languages and vocal tones captured in the recordings.

"Sweet Lullaby" would be my favorite but they are all really nice songs, well produced, thought out and put together.

If you are open-minded and are willing to hear something different for a change, this album is one you should definitely check out in my opinion.

As you may have noticed, I was unable to find a link to this album on iTunes & the amazon.com link only offers a physical cd (no downloads). I am sure if you're interested and don't mind 'digging' that you will find Deep Forest available for download somewhere in the world wide web. 

Here's what appears to be a video for "Sweet Lullaby"



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Tribute To Studio 1's Musical Director: Jackie Mittoo

Anyone who has been following  Jamaican music over the years will come across references made to The Skatalites and Studio 1.  These two entities contributed greatly to our culture musically, and has helped put a piece of Jamaica  in the homes of many across the world.
Keyboardist Jackie Mittoo was a founding member of the Skatalites as well as the in house musical director at Studio 1 Recording Studio, Kingston Jamaica.  Though he passed away in 1990 his music and influence can still be heard wherever there is Reggae, Ska or Rock Steady being played and
in 2004 VP records released a tribute to this legendary keyboard player - Interpretations & Improvisations: A Tribute To Reggae's Keyboard King Jackie Mittoo

Quite a long name for an album (you think?). And the album it self carries on the pattern with eighteen tracks, even though it's only about 65 minutes long. Most albums these days are 55mins max (if my memory serves me correctly).
The album features cover songs that were either originally written and/or performed by Jackie Mittoo, played by some of Jamaica's most outstanding Keyboard players - Jazz Pianist  Monty Alexander, The Wailers' Tyrone Downie and Third World's Ibo Cooper to name a few. All accompanied by some of the best session musicians Jamaica has produced to date including Sly Dunbar (drums), Robbie Shakespear and Glen Browne (Bass).
This is a really easy listening type of album, nice Sunday evening instrumental Reggae music. I really don't have any favorites on this album, they're all really nice songs, well produced, arranged and compiled.

If you're into the history of Jamaican music or you're just in the mood to relax and take it easy, "mellow out" this is a great album to check out.



Here's Jackie in studio doing his thing.



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"Exodus, Good God Almighty! Movement Of Jah People" - Marley's "Babylon By Bus"

"Arguably one of the most influential live reggae albums ever, "Babylon By Bus" captures Bob Marley & The Wailers during the European leg of their Kaya tour in the spring of 1978." - Excerpt of an iTunes review.

Though I was only two years old in '78, when I started practicing and taking music seriously this album was indeed a big influence on me some thirteen years after it's release, and I'm sure it still influences and inspires many across the world today - "Babylon By Bus"

I remember when I first saw the CD by my father's house, curiosity struck at the sight of that unusual cover. Then I realized after taking a good look what the design actually depicted. I didn't listen to the album right away, must have been a few weeks or so when I finally asked to borrow it and got totally immersed in the whole album. For months I was a member of The Wailers, I could play the whole set at the drop of a dime. Truly an inspiration.

Thirteen songs performed in the set, though they might not be perfect representations of the recorded versions, the set is so kick ass that you forget about the recording and enjoy the performance just as the audience did in 1978 (which you can hear in the audio).  Bob, the I Threes & The Wailers throwing down 'high grade' Reggae music in it's purest form. Songs like "Stir It Up", "Is This Love?", "Exodus", "Concrete Jungle" & "Jammin" makes this album a real pleasure to listen. My favorites however include "Kinky Reggae", "Rat Race" & "Heathen".

Few artists manage to make a big impression on the world during their lives and even fewer continue to influence and inspire long after they have passed away. Bob Marley is one in a million. And "Babylon By Bus" is one of his best work which keeps reminding us of his Legend. In my opinion "Babylon By Bus" is a great album for you to check out today.





Bob Marley & The Wailers performing in Germany 1980




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Once A Man Of The World Now "Man Of God" - Junior Tucker

I've had the pleasure in my career as a musician to meet and develop relationships with artists which I admire and thus along the way doing work with them.  I remember growing up and hearing about a child star who later on proved that he was more than just a "child star".

Junior Tucker has seen success as a Reggae artist from a very young age and continued on that trend in his adulthood giving us hits like "Don't Test" , "Love Of A Lifetime"  and the cover of Benny Mardones' hit "Sixteen (Into The Night)".

These days however he's been singing songs of worship and praise since becoming a Christian several years ago. Junior has released several albums focused on the gospel, and his most recent project which I am happy to say I was a part of came in 2011 - "Man Of God".

Reggae, Christian & Gospel is the description on iTunes. This sums it up perfectly.  "Man Of God" brings "The Word" to the world in the form of Reggae. He's not the first artist to do this, but in "gospel" music there are several other genres that spread the word so it's only fitting that Christians across the world who love Reggae can have the opportunity to listen to "The Word" in a style of music that they love and appreciate.

Fourteen songs that touches your spiritual side (if you are so inclined). I am not a Christian but I do appreciate great music and this album has some great songs.  My favs are "Still In Love With You", "I Repent" & "Rescue".

Whether you are into gospel music or not, Christian or not, I believe music is a universal language which breaks through all barriers  - social, political, religious etc.  So "Man Of God" is a great album for you to check out in my opinion.


Here are two video performances, songs from his prior album.



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Billboard top R&B/Hip Hop Albums - #1 4/5/02 - 06/06/02: "Full Moon" Brandy

With the release of her most recent album "Two Eleven" in October 2012 I'm sure Brandy was hoping (as all artists do) to top what could be considered her best album to date. But the reality is that only a handful of artists ever manage to consistently release great albums with each better than the next. There might be a number of reasons for any particular album to be a hit, same goes for those that miss. However, be it the production skills of producer Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, writing styles of L. Daniels (a writer on the album) and/or Brandy herself, in 2002 all the stars were aligned in her favor and there came the hit album "Full Moon".
I must add - though prior albums sold more copies and won more awards (Grammy & Billboard), "Full Moon" had more chart success. 

I fell in love with this album when I first saw the video for the title track "Full Moon".  Just listening to the album as I'm writing this brings me back to that emotional state, the peace, calm, love I felt listening to her sweet vocals on the ballads - "He Is", "Come A Little Closer" and "Love Wouldn't Count Me Out". Sixteen well written and produced songs in what I'd call classic Brandy fashion - there is no mistaking a Brandy song. 
I could easily name ten favorites on this album, let's start with the cover of PM Dawn's "Die Without You", then of course "Full Moon", "I Thought", "When You Touch Me",  "Apart", "Nothing"......you get the idea. 

If you love and follow American R&B, this album should be in your collection.  If not, "Full Moon" is an album you should definitely check out in my opinion.


Here's the title track "Full Moon"




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Not Just "Another Rockaz Moment"- Morgan Heritage

Preparing dinner one evening in 2007 my cell phone rang and it was a call to sub for a guitarist in a band that I had admired and was a fan of for years - Morgan Heritage.  Lukes, their rhythm guitarist & the one who deals with most of the business side of things for the band laughed at how surprised I sounded to be getting the call from him. I accepted the job but the catch was, their schedule didn't permit any rehearsal so I had about two weeks to learn over thirty songs. I met up with the bass player who handed me some CDs with the instructions "just listen to all of them but the show will be almost exactly the same show on the 'Live' album" which turned out to be "Another Rockaz Moment".

They're one of the best Reggae bands on the road today in my opinion and are in leagues with  The Wailers, Third World, Steele Pulse and Inner Circle. The only thing which separates them seems to be that illusive hit record to open the doors to commercial success.

Morgan Heritage was formed in 1994 by five children of Jamaican Reggae artist Denroy Morgan. They grew up in New York and recorded their debut album there but moved to Jamaica  shortly after that and began working with some of the island's top record producers.  Since then they've gained some success and have recorded several albums over the years including two live albums.

"Another Rockaz Moment" lists 19 tracks which takes you on a journey that makes you feel like you're at their concert at the Paradiso in Amsterdam. Lead vocalist Peter Morgan delivers each song effortlessly with his kick ass band & siblings supporting him all the way.  Mojo, Gramps (his brothers) & sister Una takes the lead on a few numbers as well, showing us that they're all truly talented.  Songs from several of their albums were performed in the set - "Don't Haffi Dread", "Liberation", "Best Friend", "She's Still Loving Me", songs which were popular in Jamaica, the Caribbean, some parts of Europe & Africa.

All in all it's a great album. I grew up on Bob Marley's "Live" & "Babylon By Bus" and "Another Rockaz Moment"  in my opinion represents in our time what Marley's albums represented back then and still does - Roots Rock Reggae music in all it's Elements.
This album is not just "Another Rockaz Moment", it's an album you should definitely check out in my opinion.

Here's a performance of "Works To Do - Jah Works" (from the tour I did with them :-)






Have A Great Day!!