In 2005 came the first instalment of the acoustic series Inna De Yard (literally "in the yard", editor's note), devoted to the great guitarist Earl Chinna Smith and his fellow musicians (Idrens). The concept returns here on a second volume, all of whose tracks, previously unreleased, were recorded over the summer. The backyard atmospheres have gone. The recordings are more concise, and the homemade freshness, still very palpable, is better controlled.
Whereas the first volume featured only unknown youngsters, this second compilation gives pride of place to the veterans. The intact voices of the Mighty Diamonds sit on nyabinghi percussion for a Gnashing Of Teeth that sounds like the demo of the Channel One hit. The same freshness from the Viceroys, who deliver an excellent, supple and slow Yahoo, which feels like a party where everyone comes together to celebrate the reggae vibration. Another cause for satisfaction, Kiddus I's Graduation In Zion finally gets its acoustic version: this hit, made famous by the film "Rockers", was not on his Inna De Yard record. On the other hand, the tracks sung by "Chinna" sorely lack swing, notably his hit Fade Away, a miss, and Six Strings, which flirts without talent with the folk ballad.
While the presence of the veterans gives this compilation density, the loveliest surprise nonetheless comes from a young singer, McAnuff's son, who performs with emotion a Be Carefull with a particularly successful melodic line. The very roots lyrics (Babylon teaches us to kill... It is time for caution) resonate aptly over a powerful, syncopated bassline. A special mention, finally, for Rebel by the obscure Barry Ford, which reminds us unequivocally that it is in the Jamaican backyards that the Rasta revolt takes root.
