I’ve been lucky enough to have received a promotional copy of the new album ‘Routes’ from the mighty UK outfit ‘Bamjimba’ (aka Fatman). For those of you who are new to Bamjimba, I’ll bring you up to date. Jim Bamber (aka Bamjimba, aka Fatman) is essentially a one man operation supported by collaborations from some fantastic world musicians. His projects have also found him working alongside the Mad Professor in Ariwa Studios, where this new release was mixed and mastered.
Bamjimba’s first album, entitled ‘1 Love’, was released in April 2003 after the death of his close friend Papa Wade McKinney, who died of Sickle Cell Anaemia. All proceeds from the release were forwarded to the UK Sickle Cell Society. ‘1 Love’ continues to do well, being played on-line the world over and is regularly downloaded.
This second installment is due to hit the shelves early this year. It contains 14 beautifully crafted songs, mixed with feeling and emotion. The title ‘Routes’ is a very apt name for this release, as the listener is taken on a musical journey, which includes Roots, Ska, Dancehall and Dub. On the way other styles of music become apparent, shaping and reforming the underlying reggae sounds. Such influences as Jazz, Gospel, Blues, Folk and World styles are all blended together to create a remarkably fresh and original sound.
The album also features a versatile and talented vocalist from Nigeria named El Fata, alongside contributions from Rico Rodriquez, Dennis Bovell, MC Jah Ducks and General Sensi.
I didn’t receive any of the track titles, but stand-out tunez have to be a cover of ‘You Are My Sunshine’ by Jimmie Davis and Charles Mitchell (originally recorded in 1931). This is a masterpiece, sounding truly authentic yet noticeably different; Deep South blues meets skanky reggae guitars inna fine style!
Track six makes very clever use of Marley’s ‘Forever Loving Jah’, track seven is a heavy weight riddim, featuring an exquisitely clear and crisp horn section. Track nine features steel drums, while track eleven licks up some ruff neck style vocals over a dancehall riddim.
A truly eclectic piece of musical mastery. Highly recommended.
Update - Routes Tacklist
1. The Dedication - feat. Urban Voice Choir/El Fata
2. The Guide - feat. El Fata
3. Wake Up (Dancehall Remix) - feat. El Fata
4. Down to the River – feat. Urban Voice Choir/El Fata
5. The Bounce - feat. El Fata
6. Ever Lovin JAH - feat. EL Fata
7. Train to 7 Sisters DUB - feat. Dennis Bovell/Ali Youssef
8. Licence to Kill (Bob Dylan) - feat. El Fata
9. Sail Away (Harry Bogdanovs) - feat. Rico Rodriguez/Cecil Dorsett/El Fata
10.You Are My Sunshine (Trad Arr Bamjimba) - feat. Rico Rodriguez/EL Fata
11) Reggae Gone Clear - feat Urban voice/Jah Ducks & General Sensi
12) Whited Sepulchers - feat EL FATA
13) Praise Jah - feat EL FATA
14) The Deluge (Jackson Browne) - feat Urban Voice Choir/EL FATA
Reviewed by the one called 'JumpUp'
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