KIDDUS I - INNA DE YARD

.....

INNA DEYARD


tracklist




01 - A prayer for you
02 - Going Jah Jah's way
03 - No salvation until
04 - Economical woes
05 - The world should be a better place
06 - Reached their peeks
07 - Better equity
08 - Troubled time (summer version)
09 - Take good care of me
10 - Troubled time (winter version)


Recorded in Chinna's yard, Kingston 10, august 2004, by Jah "Dub King" Clive


Musicians : Earl "Chinna" Smith, Jah Youth, Kiddus I, Kush McAnuff, Kevin I, Ras Michael Junior...


Studio : Mixed by Jah "Dub King" Clive at Bunny Lee Mastered by Serial P at Dubwise Factory


The second in what will hopefully become an ongoing series from Makasound, Kiddus I's Inna de Yard continues the acoustic, guitar-driven sound of its predecessor by Earl "Chinna" Smith. It was even recorded outdoors in the same "yard". As on Smith's Yard, the music here doesn't always feature the typical reggae "one-drop" rhythm; much of it is strumming and owes as much to folk as it does to reggae. But as Bob Marley's "Redemption Song" has shown, such as sound can work within the reggae realm, and work well. That said Kiddus I's album isn't quite as astounding as Smith's, but Smith's benefited from the inclusion of several remakes culled from his 30-year career. Presumably, the songs on Kiddus I's set are all originals. Kiddus I himself is a mysterious figure. His song "Graduation in Zion" was featured on the soundtrack to the 1978 film Rockers, but little has been hear of him since the early '80s. In fact, this is, amazingly, his first album. Where's he been? I don't know, but I'm glad he's back. If Kiddus I is at all rusty, it doesn't show here. His voice is firm and engaging, a bit like Luciano (Granted, he pre-dates Luciano by quite a few years.). The opening tune, "A Prayer," is a solid introduction to the album's placid sound, while the second, "Where Are You Going," builds on it in classic fashion, shaping an evocative masterpiece. "No Salvation Until" is one of the few tracks with a standard one-drop rhythm, which lends a more militant sound. "Reached Their Peaks" likewise is darker in tone, but is balanced out by the Winter Version of "Troubled Time," a lively, rambling spiritual that invigorates for 10 minutes straight. Kiddus I's Yard continues the organic experience of Smith's album, made all the more hypnotic by Kiddus I's evocative vocals.