CD Review By Marlon Burrell—
When you are dubbed The Queen of Reggae, your list of friends is no doubt an impressive one. Marcia Griffiths delivers a who’s who list of reggae artists on the double CD release “Marcia Griffiths and Friends” from Penthouse Records, covering a very wide spectrum from seasoned veterans to younger stars, established stars to more obscure artists, vocalists to DJ’s, and male and female artists. The names of guests include: Beres Hammond, Gregory Isaacs, Freddie McGregor, Buju Banton, Beenie Man, Bunny Rugs, Da’Ville, Tanya Stephens, Queen Ifrica and many more. The tracks include freshly recorded material as well as tracks released in the 90’s.
The highlights on this album are many so I will touch on several of them. Things jump off right away with the 2009 hit “Automatic” featuring Busy Signal as she manages to be in her element with today’s artists after over forty seven years of recording which is simply amazing. The interest is kept from there with a version of Bob Andy’s “Desperate Lover” featuring the German reggae artist Gentleman on a smooth cut of the studio one “Love Is A Message” riddim. The chemistry between the two on this track is superb and has you wanting more. The standard manages to stay up with “Love Is A Treasure” featuring Exco Levi. Again the chemistry is right between the singer and DJ and you are now brimming with anticipation. “Dearest” with Sanchez is definitely a high point with a ska feel in the arrangement. The interest level on the first disc remains up and the 2008 hit “If You Give Me Your Heart” with Freddie McGregor keeps the standard high. Current number one hit “Riddim Affi Roll” with veteran female DJ Lady G. By the time the first disc closes out with the social commentary track “Want Love” featuring Tanya Stephens, you may have had your fill of first rate music before realizing there is another disc worth listening to.. Are you ready for more?
Disc two kicks off with “Oh No Not My Baby” featuring former Penthouse engineer turned DJ Zumjay and that track will have your anticipation high. There are familiar tracks once again like “If Only You Knew” featuring Mikey Spice and concert favorite “All My Life” with Da’Ville that will keep your interest. Then comes one of the true gems on this project. A cut of “A True” with Richie Stephens, originally recorded by the late artists Dennis Brown and Dhaima in 1979. This was a great choice of song and Richie Stephens was the perfect singer for the job as he and Marcia simply nail it, makes me wanna say “PULL UP!!!” “Ebony And Ivory” featuring Bob Andy is another standout track on the second disc which features a lot more of the tunes previously released in the 90’s and early 2000’s. Among them 1991’s number one hit “Half Idiot” with Cutty Ranks, “Live On” with Beres Hammond, “Closer” with Buju Banton, and “Special Gift” with Lt. Stitchie.
If you are a fan of Marcia Griffiths you will absolutely love this project. If you are a fan of Penthouse productions from the 90’s onward you will also love this project. If you simply love quality reggae music, this is definitely for you. There some real high points here and there is a wide variety of selections and types of artists. Weather you are into the singers or the you are a fan of the DJ combinations, there is plenty here for you. “Marcia Griffiths And Friends” is a clear winner with plenty of past and present hits. Don’t forget to get yours.
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