Kiddus I ADD

Review

Album Review: Kiddus I & The Homegrown Band – Take A Trip

02/13/2015

by Valentin Zill

A record entirely removed from time and made for eternity

As unforgotten as any other character who starred in Theodoros Bafaloukos’ 1978 movie Rockers, Kiddus I’s career somehow vanished into thin air while his colleagues Burning Spear, Gregory Isaacs and Inner Circle enjoyed international careers and lasting fame. It wouldn’t be until 2005, the year which saw the first of Earl “Chinna” Smith’s Inna De Yard series release, that Kiddus I returned to the attention of reggae fans outside of Jamaica.

Ever since, the “most recorded but never released artist”, as he likes to refer to himself, has enjoyed a relatively steady stage presence in Europe, and has released several compilations and two own albums – Green Fa Life in 2009, and Topsy Turvy World in 2012. Now he’s back with the fresh Take A Trip.

This eleven track effort had been recorded back in 2009 together with the French roots reggae masters of The Homegrown Band, but the release was delayed due to the economical problems many French labels had to deal with, explains David Katz in the liner notes that come along with the album. The untimely death of their bassist Dan “Gorgon” Moustin in the early fall of 2013 motivated The Homegrown Band to finally release Take A Trip on Iroko Records. Wendy “Wonda Wendy” Engone-Akoughey and Linda Rey joined in for backing vocals.

Known for their traditional stance on roots reggae, it is no surprise that The Homegrown Band and Kiddus I present an album of classic grandeur, recorded live together in one room, with just a few overdubs. Measured brass sections and backing vocals, bubbling organs, pumping bass lines and playful guitar lines make for a soul-soothing soundtrack that allows you to dive right into it and get captivated by it.

Take A Trip is a cohesive album that mostly consists of original songs, with the notable exceptions of If You Love Me, Kiddus I’s very own interpretation of Edith Piaf’s L’Hymne À L’Amour, and the theme of the movie Casablanca, As Time Goes By. Both tracks underline Kiddus I’s versatility as a vocal artist.

If you’re expecting the standard “Jah Rastafari!” kind of phrases, this album is not for you. Kiddus I’s songwriting stands out in two ways: he tackles a broader range of topics than most of his colleagues, and he shows a good deal of wittiness. No critical finger pointing here, rather smart invitations to use your own brain.

Free of fillers, Take A Trip is another reminder of what we’ve missed out on throughout all the years Kiddus I wasn’t releasing music. This solid works is also a stark reminder of what we’ve been loosing out on ever since Dan “Gorgon” Moustin passed away. Take A Trip is a record entirely removed from time and made for eternity. It’s a must for every true roots reggae aficionado.

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