Earl "Chinna" Smith, a major guitarist in Jamaica, opens proceedings on Makasound's new label Inna De Yard, devoted to acoustic sessions. A strong concept, but a slightly difficult listen over the long haul.
Makasound is moving away from reissues to try its hand at concept albums, through its new label Inna De Yard, created in November. The idea: let an artist express himself in an acoustic session. The twist: record the album in his own yard, alongside neighbours, friends and fellow artists. The concept becomes enticing when the label's catalogue is opened by Earl "Chinna" Smith (a renowned guitarist, member of the Aggrovators and Soul Syndicate, and author of superb flights on tracks by Burning Spear, the Abyssinians and Yabby You).
He is joined here by young artists and veterans alike: Israel Voice, Earl Chinna Smith Jr, Ade Culture and Ken Bob. Chinna sings himself on several tracks and shows fine vocal qualities on Home Grown. Ken Bob (A Chapter A Day), Jah Youth (Well Ah Oh) and Israel Voice (All with life) are convincing in a difficult exercise.
Minimalist or merely basic
The concept, which strives for authenticity, ends up proving repetitive over the long run. A pity, because if the idea was strong on paper, it quickly reaches its limits. After a few tracks, listening becomes harder, weighed down by particularly long compositions. You have to buy into the concept, which some will judge minimalist and others merely basic. The fact remains that one sometimes feels one is listening to rough sketches of songs. The compositions, particularly stripped back, put the emphasis on a single guitar, even if percussion is heard from time to time. One almost comes to regret the overly restrictive acoustic format, which gives the impression of limiting the expression of Earl "Chinna" Smith's talent. Still, one can only urge people to lend it an ear, as the concept can seduce as much as it can repel.
As a bonus, Makasound includes a DVD with an unsubtitled interview with the guitarist, and the sessions recorded at his home. It mostly puts images to the music and shows the recording conditions. Pleasant but rather anecdotal.
