SOUL JAZZ レコード& CD

Review: Soul Jazz Records' latest trawl through the vast archives of Clement 'Sir Coxsone' Dodd's Studio One empire focuses on Rastafarianism-inspired roots reggae classics recorded for the label and its offshoots during the 1970s. A laidback, quietly soulful and undeniably conscious mood prevails throughout, with highlights coming thick and fast. Our picks of a very strong bunch include Freddie McGregor's superb 'I Am A Revolutionist', Devon Russell's organ-heavy 'Jah Jah Fire', Im and Count Ossie's pleasingly percussive, fuzzy and calypso-influenced 'Give ME Back Me Language and Me Culture' and Horace Andy's simply brilliant 'Mr Jolly Man'. As usual with Soul Jazz, the accompanying sleeve notes are detailed, authoritative and tell the little-known story of Dodd's own relationship to Rastafarianism.