The Observer Book Of I-Roy

Album review

Though he kind of shot himself in the foot by deriving his stage name so obviously from that of the legendary U-Roy, Roy Reid nevertheless went on to become one of the most influential reggae DJs (or rappers) of the 1970s, arguably the classical period of his chosen specialty. He was a hugely popular feature of King Tubby's Hi-Fi sound system, and recorded for many of the top producers of the day, most notably Bunny Lee, Gussie Clarke, and Lee "Scratch" Perry. He also cut 11 tracks for a young producer named Winston Holness, aka Niney the Observer. All of those tracks were compiled onto a single CD for inclusion in the VP label's excellent Deep Roots Observer Style box set, and was subsequently released separately on vinyl as well. The rhythms over which he chats are mostly derived from the hit records Holness was making with Dennis Brown at the time; in fact, the "Wolves & Leopards" rhythm shows up twice here, once on the very fine "Step On the Dragon," then again on "Sister Maggie Breast." The "Up Park Camp" rhythm makes an inevitable appearance as well, supporting an excellent toast on "Point Blank Observer Style." But the most enjoyable entry comes right near the end, with "Jah Is My Light/Wicked Eat Dirt," a showcase track on which Leroy Smart sings, and which segues immediately into a dub mix over which I-Roy toasts in psalm-like mode. Brilliant.

© Rick Anderson /TiVo