REVIEW: WAYNE MCARTHUR - Inna Love Of Jah (Moonwave Music)

Wayne McArthur is one UK's long time strugglers on the roots scene. His first release was "Good That You Do" which was recorded and mixed at Ariwa Studio by Mad Professor and from there he set the standard for his releases. Through the years he've worked with UK's finest roots and dub producers resulting in many sound system anthems. Many of his productions are to be found on his own label Moonwave Music which was founded in 1987 and have continued releasing solid productions through the eighteen years its existence. Wayne McArthur is a singer deeply rooted in the roots tradition strictly forwarding positive and uplifting vibes. One can easily recognize his chanting kind of singing style which makes him original and distinguished.

For those of you who have missed out on Wayne McArthur this compilation album is a great introduction to his catalogue of music. It contains his best works from the many years he have been on the scene. Many out of the twelve tracks on the album have done its share of rotation on roots and dub sound systems worldwide which kind of showcases what kind of music this is. Uplifting roots music for the masses. Starting out with the three lead heavy steppers "Cry Rebel", "Words" and "Essence" before running the one drop anthem "Give We Jah".

Soundclip - Wayne McArthur - Cry Rebel

The album just keeps getting better and better the furthur into it you get. It just keeps delivering one solid track after another. Personal highlights are the beautiful "Dancing On A Rainbow, "No Fears" and my long time favorite "Jah Love To The Rescue". All of the musicians and co-producers on this compilation album are well known names on the European roots and dub scene such as Russ Disciples, Jah Free, Vibronics and the Bush Chemists crew which kind of gives you an idea what to execpt. A good and solid album for people into roots and dub music.

Soundclip - Wayne McArthur - Jah Love To The Rescue

If this wasn't enough there is also a dub version of this album named "Inna Dub Jah" which features one up to three dub versions of each of the twelve tracks featured on "Inna Love Of Jah". Good initiative which most definently will be hailed by those who prefer dub counterparts to go with the originals. I also have to note that some of the dub versions are former exclusives which makes "Inna Dub Jah" even more interesting since they havn't been available on the market before. A obvious complement to the vocal album.

/Jakob Levi 2/10-05

Read more about Wayne McArthur and the Moonwave Music label HERE

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