Don't Haffi Dread
The family that sings together stays together, and in the case of Morgan Heritage, togetherness is a major career asset. The band actually comprises several of '70s reggae singer Denroy Morgan's many progeny by three different mothers. Raised together in Brooklyn, New York, and followers of their parents' Rastafarian faith, the band members began recording in New York, then in Jamaica, where they slowed down their tempo from a jangley "reggae-inna-Crooklyn" pace to the more leisurely rhythms suited to "cultural" reggae. They moved to the Caribbean, the better to absorb the vibes and ensure that crucial stamp of reggae approval from Jamaicans. Indeed, Morgan's airtight arrangements, spiritual-minded lyrics, and obvious day-to-day fulfillment of Rasta-reggae's credo of unity and positive action have won the group big respect among fans, Jamaican and American alike. Peter Morgan's urgent lead tenor is reminiscent of the late and sorely lamented singer Garnet Silk, especially when cushioned by his sisters and brothers' lush background harmonies. This is the strongest of several sets the industrious family group has been churning out. Tunes like the title track tell a tale that needs to be heard, and though "Troding Jah Road" retreads worn-out reggae sentiments and terminology, sincerity in music is the thing. This group's intentions are unmistakably pure.--Elena Oumano