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BLACK ROOTS
On The Frontline
Release date :
06-15-2004
Label :
Makasound
Tracklist :
1. Frontline
2. Juvenile Deliquent
3. Africa
4. Blackheart Man (Extended)
5. Move On (Extended)
6. War
7. The Opportunity
8. Far Over
9. Struggling
10. What Them A Do
11. Signs & Wonders
12. Tribal War
13. The Father
14. Survival
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REVIEW
Review written by Sebastien Jobart
on Sunday, August 01st 2004 - 20 153 views
Black Roots is one of those groups that reggae history has forgotten. True to its policy of giving these albums the audience they deserve, Makasound treats us to a reissue gathering their first two albums, "Black Roots" and "The Frontline".
Jamaicans exiled in England since their earliest years, the eight members of Black Roots (Errol Brown, Delroy Ogilvie, Cordell Francis, Jabulani Nzogi, Kondwani Ngozi, Derrick King, Trevor Seivwright and Carlton Roots, joined for the occasion by Rico Rodriguez, Dick Cuthell and Ruddi Hymes on horns) dispense a powerful and evocative reggae. They would nonetheless be overshadowed in their own country by the success of Steel Pulse and UB40. Formed in 1979, Black Roots would only ever find critical recognition. The group broke up in 1993, leaving behind songs that could nevertheless have ensured its longevity.
For "Black Roots" and "The Frontline", recorded in 1983 and 1984 respectively, contain a good number of tracks on which any roots fan must stop. Such as the terrific extended version of Blackheart Man (which runs to nearly 10 minutes!). Or Opportunity, with its palpable emotion and fragile guitar solos. Far Over, with its beautiful vocal harmonies, and Move On with its carefully worked orchestration stand out just as much. One sometimes thinks of the Heptones, so melodic is this English roots.
There are a few curiosities too, such as The Father, with backing vocals leaning towards the 60s… Other tracks suffer from the sometimes unwelcome intrusion of synthesiser pads (War, What Them A Do). No matter, the whole remains of very good quality. Survival, which closes the album, finishes the job of convincing: "On The Frontline" is certainly one of those albums that deserved a second chance. The members of Black Roots are, it seems, ready to get back on stage as soon as the opportunity arises. One can only wish them that. |
Une puissance dans le son et une profondeur dans les paroles de ce groupe! Dommage qu'on en parle si peu, faut créer la page du groupe sur le site! Peace
Pur groove roots reggae, efficace à 1000% , Black Roots gagnent à fond à être connus, vivement qu'ils se réunissent pour des "live" de feu qui raviront autant le public que leur renommée. Merci Black Roots! Revenez!!!!!!!
Plus qu'exellent !
Une de mes première déouverte pour laquelle j'ai énormément de respect !!!!
A ne surtout pas contourner .
Très captivant pour ceux qui aime le bon vieux son ROOTS !!!!
ADMIRABLE , SUPREME , PALPITANT... que dire de plus
J' ai découvert black roots avant de découvrir beaucoup d' autres artistes reggae pourtant plus renommés!
black roots a quelque chose d' unique, de puissant : le poids des lignes de basses, les harmonies vocales, et le synthé ( t' as raison papa jack!)
Bref un de mes groupes fétiches que j' accueillerais sur scène le plus grand bonheur!.... si seulement....
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