Record of 2008
JAH HELP OUR SOULS
TARRUS RILEY
(MAXIMUM SOUND)
There must be a strong argument for Frenchie at Maximum Sound being one
of the most consistently reliable producers to have worked in reggae
over the last few years, at least when it comes to tunes on a roots
tip. A similar claim can be lodged for Tarrus Riley’s standing as
a vocalist. Any collaboration between these two talented
individuals was therefore bound to be at least interesting, and this
has proved very much the case. “Poverty Nuh Inna Fashion”, over a cut
of “Creation Rebel” borrowed from Bunny Lee, was one of the highlights
of 2010, while “Chant Rastafari”/ “Prophecy Reveal” made a comparable
impact the following year, as did “Rebel”, one of the few convincing
cases for the return of the 12” .45 format (with great cuts by Captain
Sinbad and Dean Fraser completing the package).
Prior to these stellar efforts together, their
offering for 2008, stood out for the manner in which it breathed new
life into a tried and tested thematic concern, largely through the
conviction with which the lyrics were delivered. In addition
there was the matter of the superb (and original) one-drop rhythm
employed, which managed to be both tough and sprightly (and has also
supported strong vocals from Fantan Mojah and Chezidek among others).
The son of Jimmy Riley, who was sadly
under-recorded as a solo performer, Tarrus Riley (born, Omar Ruben
Riley, 1979, New York City) has already released a staggering amount of
music, practically all of it at least worthwhile, and often outstanding
– besides his records for Frenchie check anything he’s released under
the auspice of Dean Fraser, Shane Brown and Donovan ‘Don Corleon’
Bennett. “Jah Help Our Souls”, nevertheless, remains among his
very finest achievements, and as good a place as any to begin
investigating some of the most invigorating roots material of the
millennium’s first decade.
Peter Dalton
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