ALBUM DESCRIPTION

It's not a secret that there are two main elements which drive the Reggae music culture and the producer, who makes the riddim and the dj, the artist that performs atop that riddim.

It's not uncommon to have several artists on the same riddim, and up until this point, there hasn't been a great deal of movement in this area for the Gospel Reggae, leaving artists to rely on ready-made-famous "mainstream" riddims.

Out of the "Servant's Quarters" studio, Edmonton, Canada-based producer Jah Servant (aka Mark Giles) brings a promising addition to Gospel Reggae Riddims with "Unity Riddim Session Vol.1."

Unlike previous Riddim-driven releases that are usually geared for the Dancehall fans, Giles brings a plateful of organic, instrumentally-driven classic roots riddims for those who have been starving for that melodious creativity and style.

Joined by several artists internationally including the UK, Trinidad and Canada, Giles offers some great production and sound ingenuity.

The project opens with the "One Way Riddim," a swaying tune with a throbbing bass-line that will hit hard in your chest. The first artist to straddle the One Way Riddim is none other than the soulful alto-vocals from Wayne Stoddart. Wayne sets the mood of praise and worship inviting listeners to "Give Jesus Christ the Highest Praise."

The Worship continues as the Intellect himself, Sherwin Gardner continues to point towards the One Way to salvation with "The Father is Knocking." Gardner's signature vocal arrangement brings a full-figured addition to the Unity Riddim Session project, and shows listeners just how much soul a dj can bring to a riddim.

Everybody's favourite online Gospel Reggae selecta, Mike Roots adds his smoldering vocals with "Gospel Fire." The horns that Giles adds to this version of the riddim adds a great regal soundscape to the cut. Handle this cut with caution, it's hot.

The authentically vintage sounds continue as the Riddims change up, matching Audrey Gordon's rootical vocals on "Hide Away." With just the right amount of rustic feel, Giles and Gordon partner up to create a melt-away melody that will have you swaying in no time.

Some believe that the mark of a truly creative Reggae producer is his (or her) ability to do dub versions. Giles adds a couple of great psychedelic, treating the auditory senses to a slew of ricocheting percussions, echoing vocals and delayed bass grooves.

Other notable additions are vocals provided by the clean sounds of Owen Uriah and the jazzy-overtones of Aquannette Chinnery.

This is a great attempt at unifying the Gospel Reggae community and proving that the producers have just as much to say through their music as the Djs do. Fans of Solomon Jabby, U Roy and King Tubby, as well as those who appreciate the craftsmanship behind production and the vintage-vibes that made Reggae famous, should check out the sound clips and pick this debut project up.


Review By: Mia Kulpah