Discover the Ministry of Mr Rolando Mc Lean aka Yami Bolo. With this album, released on the French label Ilights Records, Yami treats himself and surrounds himself with emblematic figures of Jamaican reggae: from Ken Boothe to Capleton by way of Dennis Brown.
Behind these Jamaican heavyweights lurk two French-speaking artists: a track with Nuttea and Shurik'n opens the album. This Ecrire pour..., although a little too radio-friendly, is a success, on an effective instrumental. The whole thing is of course very hip hop, punctuated by the well-known vocal gimmicks and Yami Bolo's sung chorus. From the second track the serious business begins, with a Sugar Minott feature on "Love Jah Everyday". Followed by Ken Boothe and... D.Brown! Originally recorded in 1998 for Bolo's album "Jah Love", this track was one of the last collaborations of the crown prince of reggae. All the artists featured deserve a mention, though it must be admitted that some versions stand out from the selection. The reunion of Yami Bolo, Josey Wales, Charle Chaplin and Jack Radics on the classic Do Good is a treat. As for Shalom's Jajah Loving, it is very well sung and harmonised.
The combination works
Several tracks on this "Ministry" are remakes from the 1998 album mentioned above, such as Puppet Master, the only soul ballad, a little apart. And Put down your weapons on the African Beat riddim, which has already proved itself, here even more explosive with Capleton. The appearance of Sizzla, on a digital nu-roots riddim, is not disappointing and the combination works. The riddims are almost all nu-roots, relying on more digital than acoustic equipment. While the production of Sizzla's riddim is successful, that of Puppet Master is a little off the mark. As for the magnificent appearance of Horace Andy, we would have preferred a more incisive production to show it off. The covers of Alton Ellis and of Curly Locks, written by Junior Byles and Lee Perry, remain safe bets.
The whole is cohesive and the various collaborations successful. We will pass no comment on the Lee Perry track... Yami Bolo has lost none of his talent, but we would have liked to hear a solo album; failing that, Yami lets one and all drop in. This record is an excellent compilation rather than a true album, but Ilights can be proud of its very first production.
