BAMBU STATION
Talkin' Roots - Volume 1
Various artists
(Mt. Nebo)

"Talkin Roots - Volume 1" is one crucial CD. This is hard-core roots reggae with a message, eminating from the U.S. Virgin Islands (with most of the artists hailing from St. Croix).

The first thing you notice about this disc is the conscious cover. Charles D. Ellison's artwork has students looking at a chalkboard with the following words written on it: "JAH, LIFE, POLITRICKS, WISDOM, CONTROL, SCRIPTURE." Thought-provoking cover, and I'll tell ya, some serious, thought-provoking (and absolutely killer) tunes.

The music was recorded by the group Bambu Station. Formed in 1996, it consists of Andre Llanos, Tuff Lion, Phil Merchant and Jalani Horton. These talented bredrin - Merchant is the current bassist for Midnite - mix and match their talents (for example, Merchant doesn't even touch his bass on this release; instead he plays drums, keyboards and organ). The result is some of the best roots you'll ever hear.

Starting off with "Chant" by Iba ("Chant a psalm a day, read a proverb a day, it keeps the bad vibes away"), this crucial CD contains 13 tunes and just over 60 minutes of hard-hitting tunes which are sure to blow you away. Guest vocalists such as Dezarie, Yah Shiloh I, Ankh Watep, Star Lion Family, Jalani Horton and Natty Empress will make sure you think while you're skankin' and definitely help showcase why the Virgin Islands is truly where roots reggae is happening.

Don't take my word for it, though. Click on the following link and give it a listen. Then once you realize the greatness of these tunes, pick it up. I'm tellin ya, this is a classic compilation that needs to be in your collection.



To listen to a real stream audio of this CD (thanks to IReggae)... LISTEN










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