Customer Reviews

Tree of Satta

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TREE OF SATTA: Single-rhythm albums can be a fairly off-putting proposition for the uninitiated, but when you're versioning a certified classic like The Abyssinians' 1969 rasta hymnal, SATTA MASSA GANA, even casual reggae listeners stand to be impressed. The opening horns salvo (Deadly Headley on alto sax, Vin Gordon on trombone) is instantly recognizable, and leads into each of twenty selections hand-picked by original Abyssinian, Bernard Collins. The first nine tracks are of 1970s vintage, appropriately led by the genre-defining original. Instrumental cuts by the late, great Tommy McCook (tenor sax) and Lloyd Charmers (organ) are clearly the top picks among the early runners. Perhaps surprisingly though, it's the second part of the program - comprised of contemporary readings from some of the biggest names in the modern roots revival movement - that really takes off. Luciano's MAN OF JAH ORDER, Yami Bolo's CONSPIRACY and Jah Mali's CORNER STONE are all top-ranking roots renditions, while Capleton and Anthony B deliver suitably fiery DJ versions. U-Roy's BLESSED is testament to the veteran DJ's undiminished powers of vocal persuasion; it could easily have been voiced thirty years earlier at Tubby's studio - stunning! Further instrumental cuts from legendary guitarist Ernest Ranglin, and Dean Fraser (successor to Tommy McCook's throne of saxophone) are also of the highest caliber. When you take into account the exceptional packaging - which is the norm for Blood & Fire releases - including illuminating sleeve notes and track-by-track comments, and of course the strength of the source material itself, TREE OF SATTA's success is a foregone conclusion. A second volume is apparently scheduled for release in the not-too-distant future, and I won't hesitate to pay up for another installment.

By the way, it's nice to see Blood & Fire - a label previously trading exclusively in vintage re-release programs - supporting modern roots artists. I hope to see more contemporary releases from the label in the future...

I am not a fan of riddim albums but this a a very good one over the classic Satta beat. Can you beat Luciano, Capelton and all the other reggae greats???? all lovers of roots reggae need this cd

...with Blood & Fire. You should try to catch the soundsystem live if you ever can.

This album is what it is, if you like the riddim and 'get' riddim albums, you'll love it.

In reponse to what was written below, WARNING THIS IS A RECORD IT PLAYS MUSIC AND YOU WILL NEED TO BREATHE AIR WHILE YOU PLAY IT. YOU WILL PROBABLY ALSO NEED TO EAT FOOD AT SOME POINT IN THE SAME DAY YOU LISTEN TO IT. WATCH OUT!

Buyer beware! This album does not contain the music of the Abyssinians. It is a compilation CD of various artists covering an Abyssinians' song. Most songs on the album are just dubs of the original, using the exact same sample repeatedly. I love the music of the Abyssinians and many of the artists featured on this album. However, after listening to three or more songs, you may become sick of hearing the same rhythm/melody over and over. Maybe not. I leave it up to you. Pease&luv always.