ALBUM DESCRIPTION

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Artist Bio
-------------------------------------------------------------------

At the very foundation of reggae music is the drum and bass; those primal elements that make it so distinct and utterly powerful. At once soothing and earth shaking, roots reggae is a musical genre that is loved across the world by people of all nations. Where the way of harmony with the Creator, affinity for those core musical elements and progressive artistry intersect, you'll find the man known as Jah Servant (born Mark Giles).

Jah Servant is the son of a Minister who has come back to reclaim his position and find his identity in Christ. Being raised in the church proved not enough to satisfy his deepest longings. One day, he says, "it's like I realized you can't mess around with God- it's either all or nothing." This was the point where he made a serious commitment to give his life and all his abilities to God, to be used for His glory. Regarding the Jah Servant moniker, he thoughtfully says "It's not a name as much as what I strive to be. If I can be known as anything, I'd rather it be as a servant of the Most High because I'm nothing without Him anyway." In surrendering all of his musical talents to Him, he has found the result to be immeasurably rewarding. "I've given my talent to God and He's given it back to me to use for Him."

A humble dreadlocked bredren, Jah Servant is a multi-intrumentalist, producer and engineer with a passion for roots and rub-a-dub reggae music that he creates and mixes in his Servant's Quarters studio located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Having absorbed the musical influences of the likes of Sugar Minott, Gregory Isaacs, Yabby You, Peter Tosh, Prince Jammy, King Tubby, Solomon Jabby and others, Jah Servant's artistry is an amalgam of classic sound and fresh expression. With guitar being his musical "weapon" of choice, many of his compositions include searing leads, crucial rhythmic playing and even Latin-style picking. He also has the innate ability to add just the right touch of melodica, organ or synth. What rings true regardless is the melodic quality of Jah Servant's music which is often simultaneously spacious and richly layered.

Jah Servant successfully marries the warmth and texture of analogue instrumentation and production techniques with the innovation of digital technology to express a "voice" which is his own. Having worked with both established and up-and-coming artistes such as Sherwin Gardner, Audrey Gordon, Wayne Stoddart, Owen Uriah and others, Jah Servant is fast becoming known as a producer of tasteful and quality riddims for the discerning singer- and an artiste in his own right.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Audrey Gordon (...Still Waiting) (2004)
Sherwin Gardner (Who I Am) (2004)
Unity Riddim Sessions Vol. 1 (Various Artistes) (2004)

ARTISTIC CREDITS
Unity Riddim Sessions Vol. 1 (2004)
Good Soil (Album) (2004)
Narrow Gate (Album) (2003)

-------------------------------------------------------------------
CD Review
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Even to the untrained ear there is something about that sound which identifies reggae music. Likely it's the distinctive rhythmic patterns found within the drum, bass, keyboard and/or guitar parts. The sparseness of the sound and prominence of the beat provide the ideal canvas for singer of conscious roots or lovers rock. A good riddim can really make a vocalist shine by showcasing the voice and all its nuances while offering plenty of clarity for lyrics to be discerned.

While it's true that songs (or tracks with vocals) form the vast majority of the reggae music cannon, they don't tell the whole story. From Ansel and Dave Collins to Jackie Mittoo, Bobby Ellis, Ernest Ranglin and Dean Fraser, reggae has also proven to provide a sturdy base for pleasant instrumental melodies and explorations. In its heyday, instrumental reggae (including ska) provided a refreshing change for the listening ear, the perfect follow-up to a boom track in the form of a version to keep things grooving. Though it may well be looked upon as a lost art, it is good to know there are some younger artistes that carry the torch. Enter Jah Servant and his second release, Good Soil. Born Mark Giles, this humble rootsman is beginning to establish himself as a purveyor of enduring riddims and fine instrumentals that stand beautifully on their own.

Right on the heals of the stellar Unity Riddim Sessions Vol. 1 compilation (on which Jah Servant appeared both as producer and one of the artistes) comes this satisfying collection of brooding roots, sweet melodies and an array of textures- all firmly rooted in vintage reggae music. The infectious title track is a peppy ska-inflected number with cleverly placed dub elements throughout. Right off the top, you're treated to a memorable melody and top-notch production with delightful interplay between synth horns, trombone and organ.

As things proceed we move to the lovely rub-a-dub oasis of Can't Get Enough (God's Love) as Jah Servant, a devout follower of Christ, expresses his thirst for the Most High in a such a wonderful way without saying a word.

The intensity is revved up a few notches on the brisk roots of Back & Forth and the foundational (and somewhat unorthodox) Here Again. Punctuated by menacing drums, swirling clavinet and mystic melodica melodies, the latter stands as a highlight as it encompasses the best of classic reggae while also revealing Jah Servant's creative spirit. But truth be known- to these fussy ears there isn't a bad track in the whole heap of Good Soil.

Some of tracks here were featured on the obscure Narrow Gate (2003) but reappear in remixed versions. These include the rootsy devotional Play To The Lord, the slightly ominous These Hands and its accompanying dub track. With Rocks & Stones we are treated to smooth gliding reggae with catchy organ melodies, contrasting the track's rough-sounding title.

The razor-sharp militant, roots of One Way (also on URS Vol. 1) not only shows why it was a riddim of choice for a number of vocalists on the aforementioned compilation, but also as a purely musical anthem that commands one's attention. Featuring nicely played melodica, rootical binghi drums and crisp cymbals and high-hat, One Way sounds like a cut taken out of the Yabby You songbook- just souped up a bit.

The production is crisp throughout, revealing the tastefulness of Jah Servant's analogue-meets-digital blend. If you enjoy the refreshing sounds of roots reggae and long to hear creative instrumental interplay over the one-drop, Good Soil is a must.

Review by Mike Roots