ALBUM DESCRIPTION

Jah Servant is back and this time he's in top form! It's been a while since we have heard a good riddim CD. On "Unity Riddim Sessions Vol. II", producer Mark Giles (AKA Jah Servant) blesses us with two fat riddims on one jam-packed disc! If you are a roots lover that prefers to hear real singers and live instruments, then this is the perfect compilation for you!

The first movement is over the Manna Riddim, an upful steppers groove with a sweet percussive bubble. This riddim is ridden with equal skill by both the veterans; Mission Epistle, Gitta Dan, Mention and Emrand Henry and the rookies; Anointed Duchess, James Saunders and Lion. While there are many stand out tracks over this first riddim, one noteworthy newcomer is Osei who gives us the effervescent "Holiness." I just love his vocal tone and lyrical flow on this track!

For the second movement Jah Servant takes us on a musical journey through the "You Are My King Riddim." This one-drop groove is a welcome change of pace for the project, giving the album both diversity and authenticity. On "Come Home" relative newcomer Lion sounds similar to the singjay sensation Ini Kamoze, while Elisha gives us a fiery delivery and takes us to the highest "Heights." Just two tracks into the second riddim and I am already feeling it so much more than the first. Whether it's the deejaying of Anointed Duchess, the melodic Sons Of Zion or Osei with his addictive "Let Me See Your Hand," Big tings a gwaan fi dis ya version! As Mission Epistle says, it is "Stronger Than Ever."

With 12 artists on 19 tracks over two rootsy riddims, the second installment of Unity Riddim Sessions is even better than the first! If you want to hear the best gospel reggae artists from Trinidad and Tobago and beyond then look no further! Whether you are a deejay that likes to spin back and forth between artists over the same riddim, you're an aspiring singer/deejay that wants to spit some rhymes over a version, or just a fan of the gospel reggae genre, this is the album for you! Order your copy today and find out what all the hoopla is about.

Review by Mark Mohr