Title : NEW TESTAMENT

Artist : THE ROOTSMAN

Label : METEOSOUND

Format : CD

 

Lets not mince words this is perhaps the finest Rootsman release to date. 'New Testament' features 13 tracks with a different vocalist guesting on each, including Earl 16, Sandeeno, U Brown & Mike Brooks. Tracks range from Cudjoe's fast chat yard stylings of 'Rocky Road' to Dayjah's spell binding 'Faith' the albums opener.

In the month or so I've had this album I've been totally bowled over by it & the highlights are so many it's difficult to choose only a couple to focus on here… 'Higher Place' ( one of two tunes that also feature on one of two 10" E.P's also now available & reviewed elsewhere on this page ) finds Mike Brooks ( Ex Channel One J.A ) in fine voice while on Sandeeno's 'Thinking Back In Time' The Rootsman provides a great head nodding groove whilst Sandeeno steps forward with a timely anti war, violence & crime anthem. Probably my favourite of all the tunes here is another preaching the message of peace & love, the wonderful 'Shelter From The Storm' by Earl 16. Opening with some great synthesized plucked strings & driven by a hypnotic hip hop beat the riddim gently rocks while Earl focus's on the prevalent anti war message of loves cure. A great tune to end the night, with it's eloquent & easy to understand peaceful messages.

With 'New Testament' The Rootsman has taken the required leap from a self producing artist to fully fledged producer, exercising all the discipline and restraint required in order to let the vocalist shine. 'New Testament's release seems to indicate a new chapter in The Rootsman's career. It's definitely his most adventurous and as I said at the top of this, possibly his finest release to date. Shine on. Bimble

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26/11/02 :- Checkout our brand new Rootsman Interview

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Title : FRESH PRODUCE

Artist : LOVE GROCER

Label : DUBHEAD

Format : CD / LP

 

Tasty new 'Fresh Produce' from The Love Grocer AKA The Crispy Horns who are probably best known for their continuing employment as Zion Trains horn section. Fresh Produce is a little more varied and experimental than the Grocers previous 'Rockin' With' album. Opening with the up-tempo Zion Trainesqe 'Waiting At the Gate' the album continues with 'No Turning Back' & No Turning Dub featuring Earl 16. These, my favourite tracks on the album have previously appeared on a strictly limited edition 10" & always do the bizzness on the dub dance floor. Earl rides the horns, congas and subtle acoustic guitars led groove that provides the perfect platform for his vocal. "I think it's time we should rise up".

Other highlights include 'Under The Stars' which also features on New Breed Of Dub 3 (reviewed elsewhere on these pages). An uplifting mexicano flavoured tune underpinned by some wicked horn solos from the Crispy's. Also the blissful 'Across the Valley' featuring, in turn wonderful solo turns from each horn including trumpet, trombone, sax & flute over a truly sublime riddim. 'Fresh Produce' closes with the wonderful 'A little Rain' that segues into 'A Little Version'. This awesome 11 minute groove opened the "Rockin With" album in it's original instrumental form, it was then reissued complete with Cheshire Cats wonderfully restrained chatterering on a limited 10" and is now represented to the digital domain that is CD for the first time.

Fresh Produce is a great second album, which naturally progress's from their debut with ease. For all fans of uplifting, horn led, forward thinking reggae vibes this is simply a must. Bimble

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Title : DUB FEVER

Artist : KING TUBBY

Label : DELTA MUSIC

Format : CD

 

Yet another bargain collection of the kings works. Brought to us once again by the label that brought us the excellent King Tubby: Crucial Dub collection a year so ago & reviewed elsewhere in these pages. The album is made up of tracks 'recorded at King Tubby's', produced & arranged by Fatman, so whether or not Tubby actually had his hands on the dials for these recordings is unclear. That said this remains a fine collection of outstanding dubs. Even better is the fact that you can pick it up for under a fiver. Unlike 'Crucial Dub' all the riddims here are credited to the same musicians being Sly & Robbie on drums & bass, Chinna Smith - Guitar, Winston Wright & Gladdy Anderson on keyboards.

Sticking the thing on you soon realise that hidden amongst the obscure titles lies an album of top quality dubs with loads of familiar riddims along the way. Including reversions of Studio 1 classics, also a killer version based on Marley's Keep On Moving' & loads more besides.

A cracking collection & well worth a little of your hard earned dollar.

Bimble

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Title : FROM THE GROWING ROOM

Artist : HYDROPONICS

Label : DUBHEAD

Format : Double CD / 2 Separate LP editions ( Vocal & Dubs )

Issued on double CD & 2 separate, simultaneously released vinyl albums. 'From The Growing Room' sees the welcome return of Hydroponics which builds on the success of their wonderful 'Let the Light Shine' set.

Disc 1 is the vocal set with a track each from veteran Prince Allah & the fine voiced Sister Maria. 2 tracks each are included from new names Singer Blue, Kenny Knotts & Pablo Diamond. Also there are 2 voicings from long time Conscious Sounds collaborator Culture Freeman. Disc 2 is (naturally) the dubs edition & features Mr Millgate pulling out all the stops inna mostly U.K steppers style.

Highlights include Singer Blues mesmerising 'Heavenly Father' and it's dub counterpart. A tune which has an uplifting vibe enhanced by some nice acoustic guitar work. Prince Allah reinvents the twinkle Brothers 'Never get Burn' lyric on 'Get Burn' whilst the Hydro's provide a deep sub backing. A definite play out tune will be the wonderful Skadroponics Style sung by Culture Freeman. This Ska meets deep sub Dub will roll the floor every time. Sister Maria's 'Moving' is indeed moving and is a sweet voiced nice contrast to this male dominated genre. The vinyl release closes with 'My Sound' again by Singer Blue who sings upon & of an upful dancehall vibe. The CD edition contains a bonus track in the instrumental 'Eye For An Eye'. A melodica driven recut of an old Augustus Pablo tune.

With so much U.K Steppers being merely pedestrian it's refreshing to hear such a lot of killer stuff coming out of the U.K at the moment & this release ranks amongst the top. Highly recommended on either format. Bimble

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Out on selector friendly double vinyl & C.D Nu Shoots Inna Roots - Dub Versions & is now available to buy direct.
Here's what our good friend Ed Snug said of the album. Bimble

 

Title : NU SHOOTS INNA ROOTS

Artist : VARIOUS ARTISTS

Label : FREE RADICAL SOUNDS

Format : CD / DBL LP

Wow. You couldn't really ask for a more sturdy and well-rounded collection of modern dubwise sounds ( and I'm not even being paid to say that ! ). Followers of contemporary UK roots will recognise many of these dubs that have been lighting up dance floors for the past couple of years, and as such, this is a superb introduction to the genre.

Relative newcomers like Bobo Black Star and Brighton's Shashamani Productions nestle alongside the movers and the shakers such as the Disciples, Manasseh, Vibronics, RDK Hi-Fi and Hi Tech Roots Dynamics. For me this boldly reaffirms where the real strength in British reggae lies - in the mixing of dubs; with special highlights being Martin Campbell's glorious dub of Robert Lee's 'Stride'. Also RDK Hi-Fi's pounding opener 'Dub The Brixtonites', Jah Warrior's versioning of the classic 'Declaration Of Rights' rhythm with our good friend Anthony Johnson revisiting his classic 'Africa' vocal in a healthy does on this dub wise version. Another highlight would be the rather tasty, exclusive mix of Creation Blues from Jah Free. Elsewhere Channel One veteran Mike Brooks' 'Over Yander' is given the stingray treatment whilst Gussie P versions Jnr Murvins ' Wiseman' collaboration with Londons Dubwise Productions.

There really needs to be more compilations like this, as musically this scene is so strong. A champion collection.
Ed Snugg ( Legion Of Dub / Rebel Bass )

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NU SHOOTS INNA ROOTS - VOCAL STYLE

OUT NOW

READ THE REVIEW

 

Also check these Nu Shoots Inna Roots related links :-

Links to profiles & interviews with artists featured on Nu Shoots Inna Roots

Links to info on all FRS releases

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Title : HARD GRIND

Artist : LITTLE AXE

Label : ON U SOUND

Format : CD

Skip Mcdonalds Little Axe produce the most futuristic and at the same time psychedelic blues tunes you're ever likely to come across. On 'Hard Grind' the Ex sugar Hill Gang / Tackhead & long time 'On U Sound' guitarist teams up with On U head honcho Adrian Sherwood to bring us the latest album from Little Axe. With Sherwood sharing the writing credits on all but the opening track, this must be the most dub friendly of blues based albums ever. A wonderfully laid back journey through the pasts, present & future of the vibe they call the blues.

Opening with 'Dark as the night, Cold as the ground' the scene is set. One of atmospheric slide guitar driven, future blues with Deep South blues men's spoken word samples, sitting deep in the mix. Fans of Moby's experiments in this field should take note, as there are a lot of parallels in vibe. Hard grind Closes with 'Seek The Truth' which features most of Tackhead's players reunited on a frenetic and pinned down groove whilst the sadly passed honeyed vocal tones of Bim Sherman take the lead. Around all of this Sherwood weaves various atmospheres and virus's as only he can. So kick back, tune in & yes, drop out to the sound of blues for the 21st century.
Bimble

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Title : KEDACO SOUNDS / KEDACO IS BORN

Artist : LITTLE TEMPO

Label : CUTTING EDGE RECORDS

Format : CD

Both these albums released at the same time are the latest collaborative work by Japanese reggae fusionists Little Tempo. By way of introduction Little Tempo are the originators of the Nu school Japanese reggae fusion scene, having been around since the 90's and having released many albums. Its original members have also spawned many of the newer acts that are gradually picking up media attention in the Western hemisphere. Members such as Uchida and Tocki Ticki have since displayed their skills with Dry and Heavy known to wider audiences through the Green Tea label. So to the album picked up whilst I was touring with Little Tempo in Japan. Why so long in the can? I asked myself the answer being that this is an extremely futuristic album that has taken me this long to fully comprehend it's impact, throwing away the template for which much of dub has hung onto.

This album feels like it has been delivered from a distant time and planet, mentions of ghosts are not by coincidence.

Whilst drawing on the rich tapestry of reggae with its drum and bass underpinnings it features serious pan playing that frequently and effectively acts as the main instrument.(the pan being possibly one the most recently invented instruments and mystifyingly absent in reggae until now.)Studiously well crafted by Uchi both albums have the same tracks but with slightly different mixes and features occasional vocals from Likkle Mai. Incredibly Little Tempo may well have crafted an album that in years to come we regard as the Pet Sounds of Dub.. Time will tell. Check it.Smart Monkey

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Title : NEW BREED OF DUB THREE

Artist : VARIOUS

Label : DUBHEAD

Format : CD

16-track sampler of killer U.K Dubs for under a fiver, what more could you ask. New Breed Of Dub 3 ( definitely the strongest in the series ) gives the listener a chance to sample a track from each of the latest Dubhead releases. With some yet to hit the shops and others just released & reviewed elsewhere on this page.

Personal favourites include Hydroponics 'Skadroponics Dub' a killer steppers piece from the Conscious Sounds studios. The 2 tracks from Mungos Hifi's new album (reviewed elsewhere on this page) are also awesome. 'Embers' from Etherealites is a wonderfully blissed out piece of laid back dub, a tune that makes you look forward to the imminent release of their album debut (watch this space). The set closes with 'A Little Version' from Love Grocer featuring Cheshire Cat already a sound system favourite after it's release on a sought after Dubhead 10" last year 'A Little Version' sets you down nicely after a wicked 71 minute journey through all that is current Dubhead. Simply a superb collection & oh what a bargain. Bimble

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Title : DUB PLATES VOL. 3

Artist : TWILIGHT CIRCUS

Label : M RECORDS

Format : CD

Up to now I've not been a particularly avid fan of Twilight Circus's recorded output. The vibe just wasn't getting me. On the other hand my good friend Smart Monkey really rates them, he lent me this and there's no denying the obvious weight to these dubs. Highlights include the Binghi inspired 'Session Plate', the dub dance floor friendly 'Floor Plate', which is a skiptastical, steppers, treat for the masses. Also the albums closer 'Binghi - Brain melt Mix', a truly subterranean dub that I suggest you avoid if you've had a few too many pulls on the old 'Mary Jane'.

Twilight Circus have a definite, instantly recognisable sound and for my money this is their finest release to date. Bimble

Alternatively here what Smart monkey had to say…..

Ryan Moore's latest circus outing on his own M records label is possibly his finest work by far. Ryan's dub niche is that he is a one- man band seemingly both in the studio and on stage. He stands as a multi-instrumentalist playing all the instruments engineering them and producing them himself. He also does the artwork. The music is deep roots dub that stirs and evokes the work of Tubby his hero. But Ryan is able to further that tribute with earth shattering consequences. This album is a collection of new riddims and riffs that defy imitation. When Rhythm and Sound finally get around to recording a roots reggae album they will be aware of the competition. This is industrial strength dub for the nuclear age…. boom. See you in the bunker. Smart Monkey

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Title : DARKNESS & LIGHT

Artist : SUBCULTURE SOUND SYSTEM

Label : ELECTRON SOUL RECORDS

Format : CD

Released on their own label this is Subculture SoundSystem's debut release. 'Darkness & Lights' vibe leans much more towards the former than the latter & these post millennium dubs would most suit the chill out rooms of the super club all niter. Which is in fact the scene that the Subculture Soundsystem emerges from, so that figures.

Top tracks include 'Eurostar' whose melody brings to mind Kraftworks 'Autobahn' album, whilst the riddim is a deep sub driven, post club ride. The perfect 5 A.M sunrise dub is provided here in the form of 'Chimera' complete with its soothing melody lines, earth shaking b-line & oblique samples. The albums penultimate track 'Empty Streets' is the nearest Subculture come to the traditional dub sound with its skanking keyboards & dub b-line.

A very digital / midi tools experience that would have benefited from a smattering of live / organic instrumentation. As it never, really, escapes the feel of programmed beats. That said, on the whole this is a great debut. More for your experimental leaning listener than your average purist roots fan. This is after all dub for the 21st century. Bimble

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Title : THERE SHALL BE LOVE

Artist : FUNDEMENTAL

Label : NATION RECORDS

Format : CD / LP

Following not so hotly on from 'Erotic Terrorism' and that E.P 'Why America Will Go To Hell'. 'There Shall Be Love' is a jaw dropper and a classic release. We all knew that Fundamental could be passionate, angry and energetic, but the audience will be amazed to see them convey it in this way and dare I say it with such love. Fundamental have hinted at it in the past with the 'Jahshataan' release and with their recent live shows but previous albums never held the listener so tightly as this.

'There Shall Be Love' works on many different levels, the first being it’s production quality, tracks such as “Sunday school” and “Tagai Soul” and the opener, “The Last Gospel”, make the hairs stand up. 'There Shall Be Love' also acts as a musical travelogue of cultural resistance, if you look carefully and you will see traditional musicians from South Africa , Eastern Europe and the continent of Asia all intoning the same passionate plea alongside the passion and technology of the Fundamental crew.

Ethno punkologists they may well be and this is their greatest moment on record so far. The revolution may well not be televised but it has begun to be recorded.
Smart Monkey

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Title : MUNGOS HIFI MEETS BROTHER CULTURE

Artist : MUNGOS HIFI

Label : DUBHEAD

Format : CD / LP

Debut album release from Scotland's Mungos Hifi who are definitely the leading light of Dubhead's recent signings. Presented in collaboration with sing jay toaster Brother Culture who for the most part provides solid chatterering throughout this release.

Highlights include the wonderful 'Wickedness', which I loved when it came out on its original 10" form & is reviewed elsewhere in these pages. Also the dancehall vibed tributes of 'Reggae Music Lover', the uplifting 'Flagpole Dub'& the deep sub driving 'Truth' & 'Truthful Dub' which will have your dub dance floor instantly getting on down. The album closes with the awesome 'Jah Come To I', which featured on the 'A Dubbers Guide' album. A deep sub driven wonderful close to this excellent debut album. Bimble

Reviewed By : -
Bimble ( Free Radical Sounds / Rebel Bass )
&
Guest reviewer
David Dubwise ( Dubwise Productions )