• By Angus Taylor
• On Jul 2nd 2008, 04:41 AM
• |
• 649 page views

Gambian vocalist meets German production team and Bobby Digital for an offbeat but accomplished debut.

Continental Europe presses its claim to the title of roots music’s production centre with this sprawling no-expense-spared “debut” for French Gambian singjay Rebellion The Recaller. Comprising 17 tracks, the big cat’s portion assembled at Imusic studios in Berlin, Movin On is a very polished first euro release for Rebellion and a fine example of a roots project without budgetary corners cut or musical compromises made.

Born in France, raised in Gambia and now based in Germany, Rebellion’s cultural make-up and earthy, woody tones are complimented by some suitably eclectic, organic rhythms, tailored to his voice. These include classical reggae such as Is It True and Voice Of My People (utilising the Harry J Cuss Cuss rhythm) and unhurried genre-blending acoustic pieces like Take It Easy, Retreat and the heavily commercial Grow With Me. A distinct pop sensibility also pervades the jazzy, syncopated “intelligent dancehall” creation Why No Food - contrasting soft wah with hard rimshots and a powder-keg message with a placid mood.

The two collaborations are worthy of note. The slow-burning Like A Lion showcases a pared down Chuck Fenda (sounding remarkably like Sizzla) while the pomp and circumstance of Ken Booth guest spot Pure And Strong rests on lavishly arranged multi tracked Hammond organs and guitars.

That audio virus, the vocoder, manages to find its way into one song - Ghetto Youth - yet is used so subtly that it’s difficult to bear a grudge. Another potential pitfall is sidestepped with the decision that most non-musical interludes be ambient sfx (a plane flying left to right, children chanting, and an excerpt from a Malcolm X speech, highlighting The Recaller's Muslim faith) rather than verbal skits.

There is a slight sense of not quite enough ideas to spread across an entire album, and a little too much acoustic balladry means parts of this record can seem either delicately moving or slightly insipid depending on your frame of mind. But although it requires a few listens to really take hold, Movin On is a promising and impressive statement that lays the foundation for a successful career.