Night Hawk

A Reggae Christmas Various artists, released by Sanctuary Records (2003) Though a relatively short compilation of Christmas songs, in just 9 tracks, this holiday album captures the spirit of many classics re-channeled through an island mindset. While many titles may look familiar, these are the same verses you are accustomed to by street carolers, instead infused with Jamaican culture. After all, some prefer a “white Christmas” with white sand not white snow.Tracks:1.We Wish You A Merry Christmas – The Ras Family 2.Jingle Bells – Don Carlos 3.Joy To The World – June Lodge 4.Come All Ye Faithful – Freddie McGregor 5.Drummer Boy – Smiley 6.Twelve Days Of Christmas – Peter Broggs 7.Silent Night – Pablo Black 8.Feliz Navidad – Freddie McGregor 9.The Night Before Christmas – Eek-A-MouseReggae Christmas from Studio One Various Artists, released by Heartbeat/Pgd (1992) (more…)

Released, September 2010Gappy Ranks may be new in the Jamaican reggae scene, but his debut album already deserves consideration for the genre’s album of the year. More than a mere musical delight, Put the Stereo on offers a retrospective look at Jamaican music history, with a distinctly similar sounds to artists 30 even 40 years to Gappy Ranks senior. He chooses not to pander to the hip-hop infused predilections of most modern audiences for which he will likely be rewarded as far as critical acclaim is concerned, though it remains to see what kind of commercial success the CD develops into. Unfortunately, it seems as if the work couldn’t entirely escape the bad habits of today’s recording artists, as some listeners will immediately auto-tune out to a few tracks, though on the whole the CD is not just tolerable but a true treasure. (more…)