St. Lucian Reggae Dank

THE COMMONWEALTH TIMES

Review by: Roberto Curtis - Spectrum

St. Lucian-born Taj Weekes and Adowa's 2008 release, "DEIDEM" flaunts the best elements of true reggae music. Already nominated for a Grammy [ed. note: accepted for consideration] in the reggae music category, "DEIDEM" brings funky wah guitars together with slick horn and vocal arrangements that help raise the quality to Sly and Robbie or Burning Spear material.

The album runs the gamut of emotion like good reggae should, from the melancholy love song "Hollow Display," to the politically fervent "Kink and Crinkle." The music with a mission attempts to raise the awareness of such monumental issues ranging from Darfur and Hurricane Katrina to global warming and Iraq.

Adowa's tightness lies in its fantastic grooves and lush vocal harmonies. The electrifying quartet of female vocalists sends chills through the speakers with a blend that rivals Bob Marley's I Threes. With a total of 17 different musicians working on the album, songs like "We Stand" make clear that everyone was on the same page.

Aside from the flawless production of the album itself, one of the most intriguing aspects of "DEIDEM" is Weekes' voice. Sultry, pure, melismatic-it stirs the listener with a range reminiscent of Nina Simone's.

In a world saturated with pretentious, unsophisticated reggae that tries to hide behind slick effects, looped drum beats and obnoxious overuse of studio magic, Weekes and Adowa are a breath of fresh air.