Roots Observations by Monkey Jhayam
CD version available here:
https://www.discogs.com/sell/item/2493822197
Monkey Jhayam is one of Brasil’s shining stars in their contemporary Reggae scene. He has been producing conscious lyrical arrangements for a variety of studios and producers over the past decade and on this release we have MJ on target, with the cult socio-political Soul vocal track, “Is It Because I'm Black”, originally by Syl Johnson (US-1969) which has been adapted for this Reggae Version. Racial injustice never went away and while in many nations there is progression, institutional racism still exists, so tracks of this nature remain timely and relevant.
In Brasil, with the rise of sound systems inspired by the UK and JA scene, Monkey Jhayam was one of the first artists who earned a great opportunity to express his art and build a solid and prominent career in Reggae music. While his Sound System connections kept growing, he had his first release, which was "Independencia ou Morte"(Independence or Death). Between 2011 and 2013 he put great effort in studio sessions and recorded several singles and dubplates to sounds all over the world. His other works of note are the albums "Nascente", produced with the QG Imperial backing band and released in 2014, and "Doizmiledub", produced by Dubmovement (Fortaleza - CE) and released in 2015. Latterly, he has voiced for several other producers: Mad Professor (UK), Prince Fatty (UK), Radikal Guru (GER) and others.
Overall, ref this collaboration with producer Alien Dread, Monkey Jhayam establishes his varying Roots Reggae and other styles. The tracks featured on this release, see a contemporary re-working of the perennial JA favourite, “Truths And Rights” and new/updated versions of one of our previously released tracks, Great Old Men; both English and Portuguese Versions are featured. All of the vocal tracks are replete with Hornz & Dub Versions. The previous versions of “Great Old Men” are also available on 7” Vinyl (IRONRT 01-07).
Tracklist
Credits
Producer: Alien Dread
Vocals: Monkey Jhayam
Hornz: Alvin Davis
Percussion: Asha B
Guitar: Steve Wright
Co-producer: ISR
Image composition & layout: Cold Clarity Imaging
Online promotion: Gadd59 Music
License
All rights reserved.
AD Studio (UK) produces Roots Reggae and Dub music. The studio was established in 1999 and over time has worked with a variety of artists, including: Martin Campbell, Kendrick Andy, Derrick Morgan, DannyG, Alvin Davis, Asha B, Raphie Arenas, Monkey Jhayam, Frank Luz, Shelly Lightnin, The Blackstones, Steven Wright, Gadd59 & others,