The reggae record business has been a snakepit for decades, and few have been as cruelly used by it as the legendary
Winston Rodney (aka
Burning Spear), a man whose recordings have helped build the foundation of roots reggae music and one who has struggled to survive financially for most of his career. Now living in Queens and running his own label,
Rodney is not only finally reaping the just rewards of his hard work but also singing and writing at the peak of his powers.
Jah Is Real is one of the strongest entries in his monumental catalog. It uses modern technology and recording techniques to deepen and strengthen his signature sound: a dry, heavy blend of horns, chanted melodies, two-ton basslines, and devotional lyrics. On this album he's helped out by what might seem at first like an unlikely duo: bassist
Bootsy Collins and keyboardist
Bernie Worrell, both charter members of Parliament Funkadelic. But the disconnect is only superficial: funk and reggae have deep roots in common, and both
Bootsy and
Bernie fit into the band with seamless ease. Highlight tracks include the resolutely rocking "People in High Places," the contemplative "Step It," the calypso-inflected "One Africa," and especially, the simple and moving title track. As with most
Burning Spear albums, though, this one isn't characterized by sharp high and low points; it's a slow and steady journey through the soul and mind of one of reggae music's most beloved figures, and it moves with all the irresistible momentum of an elephant herd. Very highly recommended. ~ Rick Anderson