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A lot of what passes
these days for "reggae" just isn’t. There is
a reason why the old Marley, Tosh and Burning Spear CDs keep
getting played long after newer releases are forgotten. Reggae
may have evolved the last twenty years - but not necessarily
"up" the evolutionary chain.
Rascalin & the Roots Rockers' "Reggae
Fever!" is a welcome and long overdue return to the authentic
rhythms, chops and grooves that made classic reggae recordings
endure. Rascalin is Calin "Carlos" Chin. The roots-reggae
singer, writer and guitarist is a native of Bocas del Toro,
a small Caribbean island off the northern coast of Panama
where poor Jamaican, Spanish and Asian workers migrated after
completion of the transcontinental canal. He now lives in
Southern California where I saw him perform at the TEVA "Spirit
of Unity" Tour this summer.
Chin and his band are on the verge of obtaining
international exposure through their live performances and
their CD. I recommend both and look forward to watching this
new act emerge. Look for tour dates throughout the US and
parts of the Caribbean in 2000.
"Reggae Fever!" contains nine
original tracks plus a unique interpretation of "Hey
Joe" produced by reggae institution George "Fully"
Fullwood. Backing Rascalin are the Roots Rockers featuring
Fullwood on bass and legendary Carlton "Santa" Davis
on drums. Fullwood and Davis gave Peter Tosh's recordings
their punch and now back Andrew Tosh.
"Reggae Fever!" is Rascalin's
debut CD. My favorites tracks are "Black & White",
"Reggae fever" and "Hey Joe", which I
wished were longer. Roots Rocker John Bates, has set up a
comprehensive web site that contains several MP3 and Real
Audio samples to showcase their songs. The web site is well
worth the visit and contains an excellent link section.
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