Maryland-based Mt. Nebo Records' debut release, Talkin' Roots I, is one of the stronger releases as of late from a US-based reggae label. Though it's unlikely most listeners have heard of Bambu Station Studio or any of the various Virgin Islands-based artists on the collection, there's no doubt that the roots are thick and heavy and that Mt. Nebo is going to be a label to watch.
The album kicks off with "Chant" by Iba, a male vocalist who reminded me a bit of Ossie Dellimore. He also contributes the strong "Tell Me Why." Yah Shiloh I's tracks "Works of the Wise" and "The Truth" are reminiscent of a smoother-voiced version of Anthony B. "The Truth" is especially effective with strong instrumentation from the Bambu Station massive. Yah Shiloh is the type of DJ that there aren't enough of in modern reggae: conscious, talented, and driven. Here's to hoping for a solo album from this young Rasta.
Female vocalist Dezarie caught my ear because her tone is extremely similar to that of Tanya Stephens, a favorite singer from the mid-90s, but without the slackness lyrics. Instead, her "Woe!" is one of the best female-driven roots songs in recent memory. The chorus is infectious and will certainly have you skanking hard. Natty Empress, another female vocalist, contributes "See Me Now," a mighty catchy tune with great hook, but it didn't move me quite in the same way as Dezarie's outstanding track.
Also noteworthy is the slow groove of "House of the Living" with Bambu Station's own Jalani Horton and the almost-acapella album closer "Only Jah Jah Know." I was less impressed by Natty Empress' second tune ("Life") and it took a while for the Star Lion Family's "Let It Out" to grow on me, but even so, these tracks are still strong efforts that appear only slighly less so because of the quality of the surrounding songs.
It's great to see another small US-based label joining Easy Star in putting out outstanding reggae amidst the cookie cutter dancehall and modern lover's rock. Though their packaging is a bit elementary in appearance, the quality of the music from these virtually unknown artists helps to renew my faith in independent labels and their ability to find untapped talent from unlikely locales. Will Mt. Nebo continue to impress? As Bambu Station would say, only Jah Jah know...
Find out more at MtNeboRecords.com.
Go To Page: 1
