ALBUM DESCRIPTION

Homegrown is a clever collection of songs written and performed by the sons, daughters and widow of the legendary Ras Shorty I (Garfield Blackman), the inventor of soca music. This rustic compilation combines rootsy, acoustic jamoo sounds with syncopated digital urban beats. Jamoo is the gospel of soca -- a unique blend of calypso, East Indian and African rhythms, with elements of folk, reggae, jazz and blues. Fresh from the backyard of the Blackmans, this labor of love is packed with rich vocal textures and lush harmonies, a showcase of the tremendous talents of this musical family.

Produced by Isaac Blackman, the youngest of 23 musical children from Garfield Blackman, this project transitions the raw jamoo rhythms initially created in the remote Trinidadian jungle of Piparo into the more palatable and refined urban beats of their new studio in the fast-paced city of Tunapuna. Note: this studio, founded in the backyard of the Blackmans is also the point of inspiration for many of the songs from Christafari's recent "Gravity" album. Compiled by Mark Mohr, this "Homegrown" offering gives you an intimate look into the hearts and souls of the first musical family of Trinidad and Tobago.
First up is the infectious "Two is Better Than One," by bandleader Sheldon Blackman who blessed us with "Right to Believe" on Lion of Zion's "Reggae Redemption Songs" album. This contagious track commands your attention, and will surely have the masses chanting "WHERE IS THE FIRE?" Answer: the fire is in this song Sheldon! And He proves that two is definitely better than one on this album as he book-ends this release with his second offering, a European-Salsa dance remix of "Anything," boldly proclaiming that the great I AM gave us the power and strength to do anything that we want in Christ. But like many of their recent live performances, for the rest of the project Sheldon takes the backseat and let's his other five siblings and mother drive for a bit.

Next up at the wheel is Marge Blackman Mohamed who sang on the ethereal "My Sustenance," with her brother Isaac and sister Avion for Christafari's Gravity album. This homegrown compilation sees three songs from Marge (who is featured on the far right of the album cover). First up is her stellar "Waiting for you," a lovely produced full-sounding song that is a heartfelt cry of anticipation in the Lord. Later on this album Marge also blesses us with an urban remix of one of their fans favorite live songs "Moment to Pray." I can understand why some may try and compare her to Tracy Chapman, but after one educated listen, even a novice would hear how original her voice and delivery is on intimate acoustic songs like "I am with you."

But now it is Isaac's turn to drive and drive he does! In fact, as the producer, engineer and major songwriter of this entire album, Isaac is the driving force behind this Jamoo 2.0 sound. This self-taught producer never ceases to amaze me. His first contribution to "Homegrown" is the catchy "Always Remember," replete with a delicious hook that will have you singing for weeks. In the middle of the album Isaac hypes up the masses with "You are God/Use Me," a junglish/African/dancehall hybrid that can virtually defies definition and only be described as hyper-jamoo. Towards the end of the album, Isaac takes the mood down a notch with the deeply intimate "Is There a Way" before he hands the wheel off to yet another driver.

There is no shortage of manpower (or woman-power) in this band as we are blessed by several other big tunes from siblings Nehilet, Eldon and Avion and Mother Cludette Blackman. Through this release we learn that it is not necessarily bad to have too many cooks in the kitchen, (as long as they each know how to season well). And it never ceases to amaze me how in such a large family each person can be so talented, blend so well and yet have their own unique sound. If you are looking for something different, look no further. If you are looking for something that is undeniably spiritual and unquestionably original, this is the album for you. However, if you are looking for something that sounds like everything else, then don't touch this album, because this collaboration is 100% Jamoo (Jehovah's Music) at its best!