REVIEW OF "REGGAE MUSIC"
CD Review: Ossie Dellimore, Reggae Music
Posted on | December 15, 2011 |
I complain occasionally about the exceedingly narrow lyrical focus of most Rastafarian songwriters, meaning too much of the automaton preacher, too little of the rational thinker; too much “reasoning,” too little awareness evident therein. But you can’t say that about Ossie Dellimore, whose obvious
intelligence is an unusually good match for his skills as a tunesmith. Sure, he references Jah fervently and often, but he still manages to address important contemporary issues in a way that few of his peers are capable of: directly yet with imagination, forcefully yet with compassion. (Not always; he can revert at times to such trite simplifications as: “how come them fight so much war/Time to put the weapons down/Is there no more love to be found…”). So this disc is a full hour of progressive roots reggae from a relatively unheralded but mature artist, one who from the start (just one album ago) had his own unique, recognizable sound, not overly beholding to Bob Marley or anyone else in reggae`s past. He does get deejay support on two tracks, including exemplary tag-team vocalizing with Mikey Jarrett on “Keep the Faith,” and four dubs of previous songs conclude the album. The packaging of Reggae Music is typical of the Skank label, with as satisfying a set of liner notes as you could want, namely credits, lyrics, color photos, and in this case, comments from Dellimore about each song, including a wise take on global warming that`s more nuanced than the lyrics of the relevant song. As if these extras and the catchy music are not enough, part of the proceeds from the sale of Skank releases goes to what happens to be one of my own favorite charities, Doctors Without Borders. Yes, there are many reasons to buy this album, and even more reasons you`ll come to love it once you do. JahWorks.org
REVIEW OF "FREEDOM'S JOURNAL"
It is too easy to rant and rave about the album, Freedom’s Journal “Righteousness Exalteth a Nation” [Skank Productions]. Ossie Dellimore, together with the Soldiers of Justice, create a powerful ambience of love and unfaltering consciousness as well as a superb contribution to world of roots rock reggae. From St. Vincent, Ossie Dellimore’s tenor voice is strong and confident as it delivers the conscious messages within his lyrics. Several tracks on his album that are worth mention, and the bass lines on this CD are bold, driving the music at a rock-steady pace. It is surprising to see what talented artistes are out there if care enough to look. This is not one of those CDs that you buy for just one song. Almost every track is a concrete example of what modern roots rock reggae is at its best. The disc starts off with “The System,” introduced with grinding keyboards and funky guitar that set the standard of musicianship the Soldiers of Justice bring to every song on this album. The lyrics bring up many very crucial questions like, “Is it a part of the plan?” After having I consciousness raised by the first track, Ossie follows with the uplifting reminder that divine justice will never fail I N I in “Fire Man.”
Now, behold the beauty of “Time Has Come,” a song calling for Jah truth to be handed on to the youths in abundance. “Solomon Dub” follows with a first-rate mix of the instrumental of the prior track, allowing for continued meditations on the lyrics of “Time Has Come.” Fast forward a track, and you will find that it is not all seriousness. “Rocker Reggae” is fun track that shows the carefree side of Ossie. For those imprisoned spiritually, mentally, and or physically, lend an ear to “Got to Be Free.” If you enjoyed Peter Tosh’s version you will also apprecilove Ossie’s “Downpressor Man.” Once again, Ossie blesses the mic with the lyrics of “A Better Way,” a song about what most are looking for, and even an answer to finding a better way. “We got show it in the lives we lead.” Another uplifting reminder of what is to come is explored in the sounds of “Justice.” On the rougher side of the spectrum, the album finishes off “Sharp as a Razor” and “Razor Dub,” a warning unto those who cross this Rastaman. Yeah man, this album is not for the slight of heart soldiers of Babylon. By Aldo Fonticiella
