ONE PEOPLE 'SOUL REASON - ORIGINAL REGGAE ANTHOLOGY 1981/1999'

A true veteran of the independent USA reggae scene , One People is rocking people in the Boston Area (and not only) since the beginning of the Eighties. This ‘Reggae Anthology’ released through their own independent label ‘One Records’ is a good way to investigate this less-than-high- profile, but very interesting, band since it consists in a collection of the best material produced by the group in its twenty years life long. This tasty compilation is undoubtedly one of the most convincing examples of US reggae, due to the sharpness and versatility the band uses while handling roots, dub and dancehall styles and riddims.  Their reggae is very enjoyable and by no means banal, with its captivating vocal harmonies and its always sweet and original melodies. Thus, Daddy Marc (guitar, vocals and DJ Rap), Ras Gregory (keys and vocals), Jaya (vocals and guitar), Malcom Stuckey (bassand  vocals) e Nori Ikegami  (drums) (plus a huge number of musicians who have been playing alongside them over the years) give to us a good example of  reggae, even if not well known: the only thing not satisfying is the very- commonplace cd cover! The gem of the collection is ‘System’ featuring a strong DJ Rap bay Daddy Marc Albanese which perfectly interacts with the background vocals Steel Pulse-styled of the band, but other highlights are ‘From Within’, ‘Totally Free’, ‘Rock Your World’ and Give Me’.

RasWalter

Label  ONE RECORDS

WWW.ONEPEOPLE.NET