Yours truly first got to know Ras Teo through 'Ten Thousand Lions', his outstanding 2019 collaboration with Spanish multi-talent Roberto Sanchez. This was followed in 2021 by the equally acclaimed 'Celestial Rockers', a joint effort with Zion I Kings. True to the saying, "never change a winning team", Ras Teo now presents two double EP releases, 'Ion Man' and its dub version, 'Ion Man In Dub', followed by 'Up Fi Jah' and 'Up Fi Jah Dub'. For these projects, he once again joined forces with David 'Jah David' Goldfine, Laurent 'Tippy I' Alfred, and Roberto Sanchez. These two EPs are the first instalments of what is set to become a trilogy.
By Jah Rebel
Once again, the outcome is a collection of truly captivating roots tracks, with standout instrumentation - melodica (Roberto Sanchez), flute (Zoe Brown) and horns (Okiel McIntyre) - once again stealing the show.
On ‘Ion Man’, the infectious title track immediately caught our attention (three guesses as to who this “ion man” might be), a tune we see having a bright future on the sound system scene.
Tracks like ‘Hard Fe Ketch’ and closing track ‘Ancient Of Days’ are also definite highlights, yet it were the more up-tempo compositions on ‘Up Fi Jah’ that truly caught our ear.
Title track ‘Up Fi Jah’ is an instant roots classic, with Okiel McIntyre’s trumpet and Zoe Brown’s flute playing an impeccable supporting role. ‘Air Balloon’ is an earworm with a chorus you’ll find yourself singing along to in no time, while ‘Ina Creation’ delivers a punchy, up-tempo steppers vibe that’s sure to resonate with the sound system crowd, much like the equally powerful ‘Jah Mountain’.
The dub versions of both EPs are separate purchases this time around, but the craftsmanship of David ‘Jah David’ Goldfine makes them well worth it!
Still haven’t had your fill of Ras Teo? Then there’s ‘Ambessa’, a reissue of Ras Teo’s stellar 2017 ‘Timeless’ album, fully remastered by Roberto Sanchez.
For this vinyl release, the track list has been pared down to 10 tracks instead of 11 (with original closing track ‘He Is Jah’ left off). Additionally, the original combination tracks with Sizzla (‘Hands Up For Africa’) and Pablo Gad (‘Pack Up Your Bags’) have been replaced with new recordings featuring Jamaican veteran Nuthead Irie aka Lucky Melody (‘Walk The Streets Of Zion’), and Danny Red (album closer ‘No Question No Answer’).
Impressive series of releases from one of the hardest-working roots artists of his generation!
Founder alongside Jah Shakespear who transitioned to this role in late 2014. Previously worked as critic and reporter, balancing passions for music and Haile Selassie spirituality.
November 5, 2024