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Glen Washington : Vibes

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Glen Washington : Vibes

Glen Washington : Vibes

By John Fenwick on Wednesday, December 2, 2009 - 1 comment

Roots and lovers’ rock over some great Flava rhythms.

Sampler

Following up the well-received ‘Destiny’ album, Glen Washington again offers a fine combination of roots and lovers’ rock, this time over some sharp and immediate riddims from Jamaican producer Kemar ‘Flava’ McGregor (including Triumphant riddim, Ghetto riddim, Drop It riddim, Rub A Dub riddim and several others). Released on Flava’s No Doubt records, the album finds Glen Washington in excellent voice, adding vitality to these basic riddims in a collection of new versions, not previously released.

There are some interesting contrasts to be found here. Nothing to Ditter Me has a melancholic and unusual lead guitar sound mixed somewhere in the background, creating a soulful sort of reggae song which, along with a track like Feel for You, has the kind of forlorn feel which hasn’t really been heard since Noel Ellis. A roots song like I’m Willing has a gentle vocal rendition over a straightforward understated backing track. Elsewhere it’s more upbeat, for instance on One Day with its optimistic vocal and simple repetitive riddim.

Not all the contrasts work well. On a couple of songs – including the title track, Vibes - there is a definite lurch into MOR territory, maybe always a danger with Glen Washington’s style but one he usually avoids. But this is more than compensated by some of the standout tracks included here, particularly Jah Jah We Call On You, a classic song of praise - melodic and powerful - along with Fire Burning, a strong song with excellent production and vocals. Both these songs come straight from the roots tradition and it’s here that Glen Washington cannot be bettered. He can leave the MOR music to others.