Dermot Hussey – XM/Sirius Satellite Radio – The Joint
“Songwriter Taj Weekes draws inspiration from poetry: the imagery of the elements in ‘Rain Rain’ and the fine ironies of inaction in the Land Of Dreams since the levees broke.”
Ted Boothroyde – Contributing Editor – The Beat Magazine and Jahworks.org
“Rain Rain fits perfectly within the rest of Taj Weekes’ oeuvre: a gentle and very appealing musical setting for a poetic, yet very pointed, exposure of uncomfortable truths.”
Anthony Postman – Editor – Reggae Festival Guide Magazine
“‘Rain Rain’ falls sweetly like water, a modern reggae blues in sentiment, a poignant message that Taj Weekes & Adowa deliver with sensitivity and heart. We’re in for a treat if ‘Rain Rain’ heralds the upcoming sound of A Waterlogged Soul Kitchen.”
UnitedReggae.com
“The album features the debut single Rain Rain: a tough song about Hurricane Katrina and the lack of effective action for the residents of the devasted states in August 2005.”
Gilroy “Ezi” Hall – Contributing Editor for The Voice
“Taj is certainly Shakespeare reincarnated. The poetry in this selection is a work of genius. Can’t wait to get this album!”
Scott “Goldfinger” Shisler – WTJU 91.1 FM – Reggae Vibrations – Charlottesville, VA
“Be it New Orleans… or Haiti… or Afghanistan… this song rings true. One of the qualities of reggae music that I so admire is ‘skanking softly and carrying a big stick’: the riddim may be soothing, but the words tell you something else, altogether. Love it.”
Tracy “Too Dread” Moore – KTHX 100.1 FM – Reggae Shack – Reno, NV
“Once again, the gentle voice of Taj Weekes delivers a powerful musical message. Combined with the peaceful and effortless musical backing of Adowa, a number you just want to slip into…”
Mister G – Green Arow Radio – Madison, WI
“What a beauty of a track… makes me really want to dive ears/heart first into the entire album.”
Cutlass and Cane – Caribbean
“A beautiful song from St. Lucian Reggae artist Taj Weekes, about the pain brought on when Mother Nature decides to show us who’s boss. Can’t wait to hear the entire album.”
Rain Rain, Debut Single from AWSK
Jatta Records presents Taj Weekes and Adowa’s ground breaking third album, A Waterlogged Soul Kitchen, set for worldwide release on October 26, 2010. Their debut single, Rain Rain, ushers in a deluge of fresh reggae songs laced with acoustic strings including guitar, violin and cello with splashes of soulful harmonica and a touch of afro-folk simplicity for an album that will challenge listeners to redefine common perceptions of reggae and where it’s heading as a genre.
Originally prompted by the circumstances created by Hurricane Katrina, Rain Rain laments the delayed and often ineffectual action following the devastating events experienced by residents of Louisiana and neighboring states in August 2005. Weekes vocalizes, “When the Rain Rain washed away / caring went away / now love’s gone dry beneath a saturated sky.” Weekes adds, “It seems appropriate that the song is ready for release just as the five-year anniversary of the disaster is commemorated.”
However, Weekes continues, “Though Rain Rain references Katrina, the message goes above and beyond the isolated story of a flood and brings to mind the continuous downpour of human suffering and natural disasters the world over and how quickly we forget.” He sings, “The newsreels are all soaked / the day the levees broke / since no one’s speaking / the roof’s still leaking. Now love’s down to a drizzle / memories how they fizzle / amnesia’s in they’ve forgotten.”
Rain Rain continues in the classic roots reggae tradition of singer as town crier or in more modern terms, as news commentator on world events. But as sobering as the message may be in recalling images of many of the world’s recent tragic events….from hurricanes to tsunami to floods…one cannot help but find a ray of sunshine and hope in this song with its easy flowing rhythm, bluesy harmonica accents and Weekes’ trademark raspy edged voice harmonizing with the smooth female backing vocals.
Music Video
The release of the single Rain Rain is closely followed by the premiere of the music video, filmed on location in St. Lucia. View the video here.
Taj Weekes and Adowa, An Unforgettable Reggae Groove
Taj Weekes and his band Adowa unite a true social consciousness with an unforgettable reggae groove. Blending in elements of acoustic roots rock and afro-folk simplicity, the band’s vibrant sound defies genre and has garnered a wide audience across the globe. To date, the group has released two full-length albums to critical acclaim, Hope & Doubt and Deidem, which won “Best Reggae Album” at the Just Plain Folks Music Awards. The band is set to release their much-anticipated third CD, A Waterlogged Soul Kitchen, in October 2010.
Download Press Release
Listen to Rain Rain