Strong with its incredible catalogue, the label Blood and Fire can now allow itself a new exercise: a compilation of its own tracks. Fourth of its kind for the label, "Singerman !" is devoted to the singers of the 70s. A theme broad enough to take in the great voices of the period and the vocal groups. From Gregory Isaacs to Black Uhuru, from Dennis Brown to the Congos, the compilation mixes different styles and offers varied, accessible content, which will particularly satisfy newcomers in search of 70s roots.
Let us say it straight away and without difficulty: "Singerman !" is a calling-card compilation. These 18 classics of the 70s are aimed rather at the general public, with the hope that a few listeners will rush to the gems Blood and Fire has put out over the last 10 years. All the tracks are indeed taken from the label's albums, which are so many essential pieces of a good roots record collection.
The selection is very open and presents the heirs of American soul (Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs, Cornell Campbell) as well as "sufferer" singing (Sylford Walker, Yabby You), vocal harmonies (Black Uhuru, The Chantells, The Congos) and solo performances alike.
Some tracks are essential: Fire fe the Vatican by Max Romeo, a radical version of War ina Babylon that would not have displeased today's bobo artists, Dennis Brown's interpretation of Man next door, Deliver me from my enemies by Yabby You, At the feast by the Congos, Problems by Horace Andy, Every knee shall bow by Johnny Clarke and Jah Jah the conqueror by Linval Thompson. The choice is bolder for Black Uhuru's Rent man, produced by Dennis Brown, Go down in silence by Prince Alla or Judgement time by Junior Ross & the Spear, both produced by Tappa Zukie. As for the lyrics, they mostly deal with the rasta theme, de rigueur at the time, like the superb Remember me by Junior Byles and Rupert Reid, which closes this compilation.
Available for under 10 €, "Singerman !" thus offers exceptional value for money that should appeal to many enthusiasts. We take the opportunity to warmly recommend to the most convinced the artist-themed albums already released on Blood and Fire.
