SYLFORD WALKER

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Review written by Maxime Nordez on Monday, October 09th 2006 - 8 652 views Sylford Walker went through a long spell in the wilderness before returning to music. He is known for his one and only album "Lamb’s Bread", released on Greensleeves in 1988 and then reissued by Blood & Fire. It featured bombs such as Give thanks and praise to Jah, quite representative of his roots and inspired style. On this "Nutin Na Gwan", we find recordings from the Joe Gibbs studios made between 1976 and 1979, previously unreleased on CD. Behind the name The Professionals hide Sly & Robbie, Bobby Ellis, Tommy McCook, Vin Gordon… From the very first track, we plunge into a resolutely Jamaican atmosphere with What A Lie, which recalls mento more than reggae. Sylford lays down a rough voice, at times almost hoarse, which recalls Skelly (Israel Vibration) as on Every Goody as much as Albert Griffiths (The Gladiators) as on God Bless The Lady. In short, excellent references, a level that Sylford Walker maintains without difficulty. Special mention for the ganja tunes Hi Grade and Sensimilla. Although the production is credited to Joe Gibbs and Errol Thompson, the lack of unity in the mix is regrettable. At times we even wonder where the musicians are, as on the thankless Book Of Testiment and its thankless brass section with synth. Likewise, the productions sometimes seem cramped, and it is understandable that the year 2004 appears in the credits. Although we would have liked to hear this excellent singer on roots or even acoustic instrumentals, we will make do with this roots-digital hybrid.

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