REVIEW: RAS ECHO - Long Time (Silver Fox)

The Jah Youth Sound System is one of UK's most prominent sound systems who although their name have been active on the scene since 1975. Spreading the vibes of Rastafari roots and culture in the dance have been their number one agenda all through these years. Entitled "Roots Ambassadors" after travelling and touring Africa between 1987 to 1992. From this solid crew of selectors, operators and deejays comes singer Ras Echo.

Soundclip - Ras Echo - Long Time

Although the many years of experience this is the actual debut release from Ras Echo. So it was with great curiosity I put the needle to record before venturing into the soundscape of Ras Echo's single "Long Time". The rhythm Echo's riding is a mid tempo steppers which is quite sparse although it contains all the right ingredients for most likely making some impact on the roots sounds over Europe. Ras Echo's nasal and languishing voice sounds original and fresh over the rhythm provided by Silver Fox.

"Longtime trodding, since we been trodding through the land, oh teaching the people the truths and rights, its been a long time, it been a long time..."

The rocking bassline, the hypnotic skanks and the sparse drums provides a mystical vibe of delight as Ras Echo sings of the emancipation of Jah children. The additional keyboard follows Echo's voice with licks and a simple yet haunting melody that sticks. The bongos rattling in the background does their thing as well. The Version on the flipside is more stripped down to drum and bass with Ras Echo's voice and skanks dropping in and out. A good first release for both Ras Echo and the Silver Fox label. A true vibes generating tune.

/Jakob Levi 28/12-05

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