BLACK UHURU
Mystical Truth
(Mesa)
This originally ran in the St. Louis Post Dispatch in 1992.
Black Uhuru, since its inception in the early 70's, has
been one of reggae music's most popular groups. Although
this vocal trio has gone through numerous changes, the
original members (Duckie Simpson, Don Carlos and Garth
Dennis) reunited in 1988 and have recently released their
latest effort, "Mystical Truth."
The 12 tracks here provide over 50 minutes of smooth
reggae, with 10 originals and two covers (a funked up
version of War's "Slippin' Into Darkness" and a mellow
rendition of Peter Gabriel's "Mercy Street"). The sound has
a 90's feel - crisp and clean - with the majority of songs
being well written and thought provoking.
With reggae's current popularity, look for some of
these songs to soon be on the airwaves. Standout tracks
include "Questions," "Bassline," "Give My Love," "Dreadlock
Pall Bearers," "Pay Day" and "One Love." The latter
(featuring DJ Louie Rankin) is an R&B influenced track that
deals with the current crisis in Somalia. It will also be
the group's next single and video.
"Mystical Truth" is a strong effort from this grammy
award winning group. Catchy songs, interesting liner notes
(by reggae scholar Roger Steffens) and the inclusion of the
lyrics show why Black Uhuru is still a force to be reckoned
with in reggae music.
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