The great John Peel knew a good reggae tune when he heard one, recording the likes of Misty In Roots and Aswad for his now legendary Peel Sessions. Black Roots were another such band that found themselves in the BBC studio. This awesome release from Makasounds was originally recorded live in 1982 and released in 1986.

Maggie’s Britain was well underway when the reggae scene gave birth to the mighty Misty In Roots, Aswad and Steel Pulse. But one band who never quite got the recognition they deserved were Black Roots and I for one can’t understand why. Call me biased because I’m a Bristol lad, but seriously their stripped to the bone, bass heavy, roots sound is original, emotionally haunting and downright remarkable. This is uncompromising roots, not blended or watered down to appeal to a mass market, but true to the roots of oppression and slavery - a testament to life in Britain at that time for black people.

Most fans of Black Roots will already know many of the tracks on this release; however this takes nothing away from the album. The band’s impeccable musicianship stands out on this release, with each track sounding incredibly similar to the original studio version. Several new tracks appear on the album – the massive local anthem ‘Bristol Rock’ is the highlight for me and showcases the band’s breath-taking, yet somehow unrecognised, talent. The vocal harmonies and the interplay between singers are truly astonishing and must sit up there alongside their Jamaican contemporaries.

‘In Session’ is a must own for all Black Roots fans, complementing the previous Makasound release, ‘On The Frontline’, very nicely indeed.

Review by Jumpup

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