ALBUM DESCRIPTION

"Children of The Jamoo Journey" is a celebration of the rich spiritual and musical legacy of the late, legenendary Ras Shorty I. Diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a type of bone marrow cancer, he passed away on July 12, 2000, apparently not too long after the recording of this album on which he participates more in the supportive sense by singing on chorus as well as playing tenor pan, guitar, and African drums. The vibrant spirit and purpose of Ras Shorty I shine brightly on "Children of The Jamoo Journey" nonetheless, as he allows the youngest six of his fourteen children to take center stage, continuing the gospel work which he had begun over two decades earlier.

Rich with socio-political commentary and observations from a Christian perspective, "Children of The Jamoo Journey" is a musical tour de force that serves to provoke thought and action. Clearly, son Sheldon possesses much of the same leadership qualities as his father with a strong, authoritative voice and rhythmic guitar as evident in songs like "Oshay Baba," "We Cyah Rest," "Christ Is The Way," and "Song For The Band." With lyrics like, "when you lift up the elderly, you enrich society," "Blessed Are The Elders" is a hauntingly melodic song with a great message.

In addition to Sheldon, sisters Avion, Nehilet and Marge, as well as brothers Eldon and Isaac each contribute both to songwriting and lead vocals. Of particular note is Avion's bluesy, jazzy calypso hybrid "So Free." Filled with poetic lyrics, it is an expression of wonder, awe and deep gratitude for the love of Jehovah. It is the testimony of one veering off the path and being graciously helped back on to live a life of freedom and victory. Featuring Marge on lead vocal, "Oshay," a song of praise, fascinatingly incorporates what sounds like a mixture of Hebrew and Celtic influences into a gorgeous melody, spiced with violins and subtle steel drums.

With Eldon singing lead, "Long Road" is an outstanding track with lyrics like, "it's a long, long road just climbing on a hill." Anthemic in sound and message, it's a song that exhorts the Christian to continue running the race despite the challenges and obstacle. Check these lyrics: "People are walking the road - but with a double mind/They say it's rough, it's too hard for them/They want an easy road to walk in/But I told them already it's a long road and you must, and you must have faith/You must be strong." Seemingly ever present choral vocals confidently reinforce the message along with lovely flute accompaniment weaving in and out of the tropical mixture.

Brimming with acoustic guitar, percussion, steel drums, flute, bass, drums, and choral vocals, "Children Of The Jamoo Journey" is an album filled with catchy, yet exotic music and melodies. Lyrically, it is filled with challenging and stimulating messages as wells as poetic utterances of thanks and praise. In an era where so much music is recorded with the use of electronics, "Children Of The Jamoo Journey" is a refreshingly good change of pace for lovers of positive and conscious music. Comprised of songs that speak to the individual seeking to find his place and purpose from day to day in a troubled world, Jamoo (or Jahova's music) lives on!

Review by Mike Roots