We welcome the release of this demo from the D.Roots collective based in Rennes. It is not an album but rather a showcase of some of the artists who work regularly with the crew. D.Roots is at once an association, a backing band and a riddim section (DRS)
Seven of the crew's artists feature here. First up is the singjay Jezzaï of Blazing Sound (Nantes) and of the group Zébra Experience (Vannes and Rennes), with the track "Remerciements". Jezzaï released his solo album "Premières marches" in September. From the very first notes, it is clear that the production and riddim-creation work, mostly from Studio Legal Shot, is very serious. Recorded in Rennes, the riddims are solid and New-Roots inspired. On track 2, we find Keefaz, who got himself noticed last year with a critical success for the single "On oublie" (in a duet with Mighty). Here he sits on a slower riddim than the first with "Rebelle". We will keep the singer's flow and delivery rather than his sung chorus, but this track nonetheless makes you want to listen to his album "On vit dans un monde" (AD Productions/June 2004). Koulag has also recently released a 5-track EP: "Tous les jours je veux de la musique" and performs a good extract here with the conscious "Rien à regretter". The big surprise of this record is the singer Fab who, in fairly accomplished English, performs "Show Love". She does her own backing vocals, her voice is clear and the vocal line well felt. A one drop that truly stands out, a singer to follow without a doubt.
Reggae in French
The MC Mister Samy voices the track "Des têtes vont tomber" and Yaya "Tout donné" in a style close to Jezzaï's. The lyrics are mostly in French (except 2 tracks); some will find them simple, but they are militant and positive nonetheless. D-Roots tries its hand at the difficult exercise of reggae in French with a certain ease. Sandeeno, an Englishman of Jamaican origin, joins the project with the good "More Love" that concludes the little volume. "Reggae Music" thus presents, in seven tracks, an overview of how reggae is conceived at D-Roots. The singers featured are not part of the D.Roots collective but chose, as independents, the D.Roots sound and production. Bretons can catch these artists on the show D.Roots Direct, every Sunday between 10pm and midnight on RCR (88.4). D.Roots will play live on 20 November 2004 in Rennes and will act as backing band for Straïka D and Chukki Starr.
