Great Jah Jah CD

Taking its name from Jezreel, the Biblical city founded by the tribe of Issachar, where God is said to have cursed Ahab for his greed, this singing duo's debut Wackies album is steeped in rasta spirituality. Clive Davis and Christopher Harvey step forward from the backing line on innumerable Sugar Minott sessions for example and into the company of the great JA vocal combos of the late seventies. As at home with Viceroys-style harmonies as with traditional impressions and doowop-derived flourishes; as comfortable riding Channel One-style steppers as with more laid-back, lovers grooves. Dug in behind them is drummer Jah Scotty's New Breed Band - also known as the Reckless Breed - falling between the Sylvester Brothers and Itopia as Wackies in-house crew. Included in the line-up this time are two of Lloyd Barnes' sons, Bob and Shaan. Appearing as Reggae Jerry, guitarist Jerry Harris is on top form, and as Jerry Hitster he contributes some startling keyboards (alongside Sylvesters' old-boy Roy Robertson), not least in the opening bars. Most of the rhythms are one-offs, though Roman Soldiers is the militant first outing of Natures Dub, and Living In The Ghetto is Kicking Scott from the same album. (On top, the sleeve features vintage reggae typesetting by Leslie A Moore, LAM Graphics Int.) This is a showcase LP, with all tracks extending into inventive dubs. Arrangements are by Lloyd Barnes and Jah Hamma, aka Prince Douglas, who also work the mixing desk.