REVIEW: LORENZO - You Always Deliver/RAS MAC BEAN - Dragon (Irie Ites Records)

The Irie Ites Records label have brought us yet another musical upliftment on vinyl. Last year they released the strong debut album of Ras Mac Bean which was well received by the roots community and before that they released the tuff 10:inch "Wa Dem Ago Do" with Ras Mac Bean, Lorenzo and Chezidek which did its share of impact on the scene as well. Irie Ites is also a sound system with Ras Mac Bean and Lorenzo as their main mic men. They regurally tour France, Spain and Switzerland so make sure to catch them in action if you have the oppurtunity. The following is a review of two tunes out of many to feature on their new Zion rhythm.

Lorenzo is a Jamaican singer based in London since a number of years. He has through a steady stream of singles for various European labels and producers made a name of himself over the years. We are most definently to hear more from this singer since an debut album is in progress due to be released on the Irie Ites Records label some time in 2006.

Lorenzo hits off the A-side of this 7:inch single with "You Always Deliver". He easily rides this one drop rhythm with his honey soothe voice. Lorenzo sing his thanks and praises unto Jah Rastafari for always standing by his side weither good or bad times and for shining a guiding light to lead him on his way. It's a true feel good tune. The topic is easy for everyone to grasp since we all have had our time of trouble and despair. You can sense a joy and sincerity in Lorenzo's voice which only contribute to the upfull vibes this tune bring

Soundclip - Lorenzo - You Always Deliver

On the flip side we have Ras Mac Bean who's debut album, "Pack Up And Leave", from last year really put him in the limelight as one of Europe's top reggae artists. Originally from Guyana yet now residing in Le Mans, France. Ras Mac Bean delivers "Dragon" his second cut on this rhythm. The first one was "Lion Is The King" alongside Morgan Heritage which both features on a 7:inch release as well as on his debut album. My interpretion of "Dragon" is that it's about the dragon and the wickedness it's spreading due to its release now that these are the last days. You can read all about this in the book of Revelation in the Bible. But to break it down simple Ras Mac Bean sings about the evil men do and that no matter difference of opion we must organize to fight this evil so good will prevail once and for all.

"...Twelve Tribes, Orthodox and Bobo Shanti dread, there's so many thirsty and hungry to be feed. The lame to be healed, blind to lead. So let your blames run higher and red..."

Soundclip - Ras Mac Bean - Dragon

The rhythm track is produced by the Irie Ites crew and laid down by the dynamic duo Mafia and Fluxy out of England. This smooth one drop rhythm sounds quite simple but when you start to listen more closly to it these little things start to appear like the how the piano plays in certain parts and how the synth marks out the melody every now and then. Good vibes are often delivered when Mafia and Fluxy adds their expertise to a rhythm and this is no exception. It have that dry yet effetive sound that Mafia and Fluxy's UK productions often got.

Make sure to check the additional releases on this rhythm as well. You got well known artists such as Turbulence, Lutan Fyah, Morgan Heritage etc as well as new comer Malijah, all delivering good vocal contributions.

/Jakob Levi - 15/9-05

Read more about Lorenzo, Ras Mac Bean and Irie Ites Records HERE

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