REVIEW: JAH MELODIE - Jah Army (Bush and Shadow Records)

Bush and Shadow Records is a new label located in Amsterdam, Netherlands, who focuses on up and coming reggae and hip hop artists. They've been running since early 2006. For their first release they've chosen local talent Jah Melodie in combination with Swedish producer Iyah One to feature on a little piece of vinyl we call 7:inch.

Jah Melodie went by the name of Bagga T before he changed it to the later about a year ago. About the same time as his name change he had a 7:inch release, "Behold", on Swedish roots/dub label Lionyouths Music which was his first official release to hit the market. Just as "Behold" this one is also produced by Swedish producer Iyah One who also go by the name of Shiloh Ites. Both Jah Melodie and Iyah One are connected to the Dutch sound system King Shiloh in some way. On occasions Jah Melodie sing and MC on King Shiloh alongside the resident MC's Lyrical Benjie and Ras Lion. Iyah One's connection is that he used to live in Amsterdamm and ran with the King Shiloh crew during his time there operating as their enigneer. If you've visited King Shiloh sessions through the years you most probably also heard countless Iyah One/Shiloh Ites dubplates in the dance.

"Yes I'm in Jah army now, righteous warrior stand up for the right, yes I'm in Jah army now, mash down barrier that hold back Jah Jah light".

To me "Jah Army" is roll call for all righteous warriors to get in line, preparing themselfs to get into the mist of the battle, fighting against oppressors and wrong doers since all of us who apply are in Jah army fighting for good over evil in this time. That's what I feel what this song is about. Making a difference when it can be made. This is as militant as it gets. A man strong in faith crying his heart out over a fierceful steppers, futurisitic and original in its approach and production which seems to equal all Shiloh Ites creations, atleast so far. I don't know how Iyah One does it when he creates this atmosphere of sound which holds a dark and low key vibe to it yet also being so very uplifting. If anyone would ask me to catalogue this song I'd call it miliant and spiritual since that's what it is to me, militant and spiritual. Adding to it all Jah Melodie got that sufferers cry kind of vocals which roughens it things up even more.

soundclip - Jah Melodie - Jah Army

I know there's another cut of this rhythm with South African singer Zoro, now resident in Malmö Sweden, called "Killing Fields". If that also will see light of day is yet to see. What will see the day of light though is a 12:inch vinyl on Shiloh Ites label by same name with vocals by Jah Melodie, Zoro and newcomer Jah Zebi out of Stockholm Sweden. All on one rhythm with melodica cut and dubs. Soon to hit the streets. But until that time check for "Jah Army" on Bush and Shadow Records. Tuff tune. Out now.

Jakob Levi - 6/9-06

Read more about Jah Melodie and Bush and Shadow Records HERE

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