Review of Jah Cure's FREE JAH'S CURE: THE ALBUM, THE TRUTH

Jah Cure's problems have been well documented: he was arrested at the age of 20 and hit with rape and gun charges, landing him 15 years in prison. Whether he is actually guilty is a matter up for debate, as many put the blame on a government-driven set-up to put the young reggae singer in jail and make an example of him (word is, according to Jah Mason, that Sizzla and Capleton were almost victims of the same set-up). Beres Hammond's Harmony House label was filing an appeal to either get Jah Cure out of jail, or at least reduce his sentence, but at this point he's still in the pen serving his time.

It makes it hard to listen to an album of such spiritually uplifting tunes when in the back of your mind is the thought that this man could be a rapist, a gun-toting yout'man. But I will put those thoughts aside -- Jah Cure is guilty until proven innocent in Jamaica, and I'm not about to convict a man in a review without knowing the facts the way his country has.

Jah Cure, born Siccature Alcock, had been singing and DJing for almost 10 years at the time of this 1999 recording. His work with Beres Hammond's Harmony House label had gained him some notoriety among roots fans in the latter part of the 90's and the songs collected for Free Jah's Cure show exactly why.

Production is handled by the Firehouse Crew, Shadowman, Syl Gordon, and C. Clarke. It is all above average, far from the standard dancehall riddims, but not so far as they'd alienate the youth raised on these riddims.

Where the album really shines, though, is with the vocals. Jah Cure has a gorgeous voice -- it often reminds me of early Yami Bolo (who he also credits as one of his inspirations), especially on "Move On." There's no doubt that he would execellent next to Yami, Junior Reid, or Half Pint. He shines brightest on the incredible "Spread Jah Love," the driving "Get Up Stand Up," and the power opening track "Songs of Freedom."

The two guests on the album don't overshadow or sound at all awkward next to Jah Cure. Spectacular chats on an updated version of "Chant" and adds a great new dimension to the track. Jah Mason joins in on the outstanding "Working So Hard," a track that only benefits from the addition of this conscious DJ. The end result actually reminds me a bit of Courtney Melody's "Modern Girl."

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