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The Rebirth by Pablo Moses
The Rebirth by Pablo Moses
Humanity, compassion and conviction in equal measure.
Sampler
Whether tearing it up on stage around the world or speaking with eloquent authority during Harrison Stafford and Roger Landon Hall's new reggae documentary 'Holding On To Jah', Pablo Moses is clearly an artist who believes in doing things properly. Born Pablito Henry in Manchester Parish, the husky-voiced singer cut his 1976 début LP 'Revolutionary Dream' for producers Geoffrey Chung and Clive Hunt (including herby single I Man A Grasshopper - voiced at Lee Perry’s Black Ark) before enrolling at the Jamaican School of Music to further his sonic education.
His first album in 15 years was never going to be a half-hearted effort or the work of a foundation performer at sea, desperate to ride the current trends. The rhythms feature Sly & Robbie on bass and beats, Robbie Lyn on keys and Dwight Pinkney on guitar, as well as Dean Fraser blowing his, at times saccharine, sax on ballads such as the ultra-smooth Got To Make A Way. Carefully compiled from his archives, all these tracks sound like they belong on one disc.
In keeping with the great man’s demeanour, the lyrics are not generic sufferation fare. Jah Will Make Our Way suggests that despite poverty the future is positive if one keeps a covenant to “work and pray”. Mama Yeah is a yearning personification of the continent of Africa, whose understated admonishments to foreign interference in her affairs strike far deeper than any harsh invective could.
The relatively flat, slick production – with heavily filtered and reverb’d drums and horns - matches rather than contrasts with Moses subtle soulful tones, and devotees of harder sounding roots music may not find the instant gratification they seek here. But while it’s a grower not a grabber, 'The Rebirth' is also a deep and very consistent statement brimming with humanity, compassion and conviction in equal measure. If you liked Don Carlos' recent 'Changes', this fellow comeback album by another well loved veteran will surely be your thing.
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| Posted by Silvanus on 05.16.2010 | |
| Yehman, good to see Veteran of such Calibre. Still doing there thing. Much success King. | |
Comments actually desactivated due to too much spams
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