CD REVIEW By CLINTON LINDSAY

 TITLE: Now                                    

ARTIST:  Sandra Cross                                

LABEL:  Joe Fraser

Rating: ***Good

Regarded as one of the leading forces of England’s “lovers rock” era, singer Sandra Cross is back with her first full album in over a decade. Thanks to the determined efforts of producer Lloyd Campbell, who in 2005, found Cross living in obscurity in Barbados. The United States, England, Japan, and the rest of the world, can once again share the sweet harmonies of this gifted singer. Cross came of age during the original outbreak of the UK’s lovers rock movement in the early seventies. She composed her first number-one song – “I Adore You” – when she was only fourteen years old. Over the years, she went on to record over twenty albums for various producers and accumulated an extensive list of hit singles. During that time, she became one of the most admired lovers rock singers in the business. She earned the BBC listener’s “Britain’s Best Female Reggae Singer” for six consecutive years – between 1986 -1991. Following several personal and professional turmoils, Sandra Cross left England to relocate in Barbados.

Not many people in this part of the world is familiar with Sandra Cross’ past achievements, most is hearing of her for the first time. So Now is truly an introduction to her. However, for the past year or so, Campbell has been releasing singles here and there, basically, to slowly move her into the American reggae market. Tracks like  “At Last” “Take A Bow” “Someone Special” and “Beautiful Picture”, have done well for her, and are included on Now. In addition, there are other outstanding tracks that are worth mentioning. Among them, her update of “I Adore You” her take on The Wailers’ “Soul Shake Down Party” Peter Tosh’s “Brand New Second Hand”, The Stylistics’ “Country Living” the classic “What About Us” and “The Sweeter He Is.” There are also some original compositions that are dealing with what appear to be personal issues.

Initially, I had reservations of British styled lovers rock making it across the Atlantic, Campbell and I have had several arguments on the subject. But over the years, he proved it can. Under his tutelage, singers like Lloyd Brown, Don Campbell, Peter Spence, and Donna Marie, have had moderate to massive successes Stateside, especially Lloyd Brown. Sandra Cross can continue this momentum with Now. With this combination with Lloyd Campbell and his team of top musicians like Lloyd Willis, Sly Dunbar, Mafia & Fluxy, Robbie Shakespear, Robbie Lyn, Computer Paul, Dean Fraser, and Michael Fletcher, she is poised to capture new fans in the US, and  rekindle her old European base. Now is a special gift to all, from a singer who is sure to leave an everlasting impression on those who get a copy of this CD!

CD Review

By CLINTON LINDSAY

TITLE                                      ARTIST                                   LABEL

The Ultimate 2009                 Various Artists                       Tad’s

Rating: ****

Back in 1989 VP Records, started a compilation series of some of the year’s hottest and best hit songs. Being Reggae’s main distributor in the United States, VP Records has access to many of the independent producers’ vault of hits. So it was a very good idea to offer these many hits on a single album. For collectors, and the record-buying public alike, it was a God-sent idea. And over the years, many others distributors have adapted the idea of this hit-laden compilation.

Since the return of Tad’s Records a couple years ago, they have also embarked on releasing their own hit-laden compilation, namely The Hit List, Reggae Jammin’, and this, the third installation of The Ultimate (previously named The Ultimate Dancehall Xperience). And what a compilation this is!  This time, Tad’s Records seems to outdid itself. All twenty-three tracks are major hits (or in the process of becoming such).

 It opens with Gramps Morgan “Wash The Tears” follows by Buju Banton’s “Time And A Place” -which is now making its way up both the NY and SF charts. One of my favorite young and upcoming artists today is Romain Virgo, his “Wanna Go Home” is included. “A Thousand Miles Away” by Ras Penco, “Life” by G Whizz, “Good Life” from Wayne Marshall, “Mama You Alone” by I-Octane, and “Completely” by Vybz Kartel and Gaza Hindu, are among the tracks that are making their presence felt on the New York and South Florida Reggae charts.

Again, this is major economic deal for the record-buying public. There are other outstanding tracks on The Ultimate 2009. Queen Ifrica’s “Nine Out Of Ten” will no doubt be a big hit, it is already garnering massive airplay. “Holiday Inn” by Terry Linen was a recent No.1 in SF. Mr. Vegas with “I’m Blessed” is a major tune, so is the combination of Jah Cure and Jahranimo on “I’m Free.” I especially like “You Nuh See It” by Richie Spice, and “Forever Yours” by Tami Chin. Only disappointment is the inclusion of Beenie Man’s “Stack And Pile” – they could have found a better track from The Doctor, and there is no Beres Hammond on this volume!

However, with a nice liner note from Richard “Richie B” Burgess of Hot 102FM, in Jamaica, The Ultimate 2009 may eventually be Tad’s biggest selling album since coming back in the business. Congratulations to Tad Dawkins and crew, nice collection of hits. Fans around the world are thanking you too. This is truly what a strictly the best compilation should be, the best. Keep them coming!

By CLINTON LINDSAY 

TITLE:                             ARTIST                            LABEL

Rated G                           Lady G                             GstringRecords/Tad’s

Lady G is one of the longest reigning female DJ’s in the business. Right now, I can only think of Sister Carol and Lady Ann who came before her and are still performing and recording. However, unlike some of her peers, she has not changed her name or reinvented herself, to survive more than twenty years in this male-dominated industry. Her latest album “Rated G” demonstrates her enduring ability to chat biting lyrics and ride tight riddims. I was pleasantly surprised when I first listened to this CD. For instance, her writing skill is still intact, and her lyrics are still thought provocative. To this point, check out the tracks “Ghetto Vibes” and “What A Gwaan.”

Rated G also contains songs that address the conflict between the sexes. “Free” “The Question”- featuring Lovindeer, “ In The Mood”and “Last Time” are examples. Other outstanding offerings include “Look At Her Now”, “Right Time” w/Anthony B – (disappointingly, this combination does not have the fire she had with her mentor Papa San on “Legal Rights or “Roundtable Talk”) – and “Know Your Rights” which features the late Danish rapper Natasja, who died in an auto accident in Jamaica in 2007. Among my picks are “Why” “Look At Her Now” and “Jah Above All Things.”

Co-produced by Lady G, Clive Hunt, and Vincent Wright, Rated G is a testament to hard work and self-confidence. Janice Fyffe has illustrated to all artists (male and female) that one can survive the changing fads that is dancehall music, stick to a conviction, stay focus, and twenty years later can produce an excellent album! Legendary musicians like Sly Dunbar, Robbie Shakespeare, Steven Marsden, Donald Dennis, Kirk Bennett, and Kenroy Muir, have made their contributions in the production of Rated G.

The album is distributed worldwide by Tad’s Records, and is already doing well on the market, at home and abroad. Congratulations… and do we hear another twenty years?

CD REVIEW
By CLINTON LINDSAY

TITLE: The Focus Riddim
ARTIST: Various Artists
LABEL: Raw Moon/Top Tier

One of the hottest new riddims making the rounds right now, comes in the form of the Focus riddim.
According to artist and co-producer Anthony Thomas aka Fragga Ranks “your focus depends on your faith and what it has in store for you, so always internalize positivity and you will be what you want to be.” And with this in mind, a closer and a more serious look, are taken in the review of this dancehall compilation. Focus features a satisfying balance of new and established artists, both showcasing a collective message and conscious views on the human condition.

New artists like Lori Lava & Ras Faracon deliver a moving duet on the track “Pain Cry”, while Shanti Reb-Lah does well for himself on “Be Not Afraid”, Rhonda Schuster appears to have a future, check her out on her own composition “It Don’t Really Matter.” This is just for starters, because the big supes are not taking a back seat. The veteran Freddie McGregor, is in fine style with “Struggle,” Anthony Cruz offers “A Wha Dis”, Lutan Fyah with “Bugga Yaga” and one of my favorite New York-based artists – Bigga Haitian, is burning up the riddim with “Love Life.” Even though he might be new to most folks in these parts, Fragga Ranks has had several major hits in Europe – especially England. On Focus, has the title song – which opens the compilation. Other outstanding tracks come from Cherry Rock with “Realms Of Life”, Leopard on “Trodding”, Jah Mason with “Life Has Been Good” and “Heavy Load” by Tom Laing.

Focus offers a refreshing approach to the one-drop riddim, now becoming more and more popular in dancehall circle. Producer John “ESQ” Hewitt, has really put some thought into his selections of artists to be recorded on the riddim. Not listed are the musicians that played on the track. However, it is obvious they know something about laying down a catchy mid-tempo, horn-laden, jamming bass line riddim, that will no doubt be copied in the years to come. The bottom line is, Focus is a very good album to have in your collection. Focus is highly recommended!