Gathering of the Spirits
Mutabaruka is a reggae legend and polymath: He has demonstrated stellar production chops and has notched numerous dub sessions as a poetic vocal performer and composer. His work onGathering of the Spirits, abridges Mutabaruka's various pasts. His vocals shine on "What About the Land?" and he is likewise responsible for envisioning and executing this entire extravaganza of 12 marquee Jamaican talents doing rootsy, in-studio live reggae. The biggies are all here: Culture, Big Youth, Pablo Moses, Hortense Ellis, and Judy Mowatt. And they're backed by drummer Sly Dunbar and bassist Robbie Shakespeare, among other greats. The tunes are all walloping even while being low-key and laid back. They exude their slinking group-think elements, coming off as well as any all-roots Sunsplash festival could do in miniature. The vibe is largely acoustic and spry and unabashedly political. It's been a long while since anyone compiled a bevy of artists to delve into roots traditional reggae and dub, and Mutabaruka has pulled off a true coup here, a feast for reggae lovers. --Andrew Bartlett