Rastafari Dub (Ras Michael)

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As the formerly cassette-only ROIR label continues to slowly reissue its catalog of classic punk, reggae and ska titles on CD, hidden treasures are coming to light again, some for the first time in years. Ras Michael, one of the foremost exponents of traditional Nyahbinghi drumming and chanting, recorded his Rastafari album in 1972, and a dub version of that album was released simultaneously in a limited edition. Scraps of it have turned up from time to time, some on legitimate releases and some not, but ROIR's cassette reissue in 1989 was the first complete and fully licensed release since the original vinyl first came out. It's too bad the non-dub version isn't included as well (there's plenty of space on the disc), but this CD is still a treasure. Ras Michael and his crew of drummers are joined by reggae demigods Carlton "Santa" Davis (drum set), Robbie Shakespeare (bass), Tommy McCook (flute), Earl "Chinna" Smith (guitar), and others, and the fusion of electric, urban reggae and organic, rural Nyahbinghi drumming is perfect. Particular highlights include the dub versions of "None a Jah Jah Children No Cry" (recommended especially in conjunction with its vocal version) and the very dry and heavy "In Zion."

© Rick Anderson /TiVo