Martin Zobel ADD

Review

Album Review: Martin Zobel & Soulrise - Keep Planting Seeds

10/03/2014

by Gardy Stein

"Our new album will be for you, Lex!"

Sometimes, a few words can change everything. During the preparations for this review, which I intended to hold in an easy, playful tone, I discovered the above mentioned quote by Martin Zobel, commenting on the condolences that were shared on his page after he announced the untimely death of his friend Alexander Körösy late last year. Better known as DubLex, this exceptional young man has touched many people with his personality and bass-playing skills, contributing essentially to the success of the Soulrise Band in general and that of their last album Land Of The Free in particular. His loss must have left a void deemed impossible to fill, but Martin and the other members decided to pick up the pieces and finish the work laid out together. Thanks to the intense friendship that had developed between him and the band (a bond that stretches far beyond a mere professional relationship), Fully Fullwood took the final step to accomplish the mission at hand. Not only was the album, as its predecessor, recorded at his Kitchen Studio in California, the master himself stepped in to play the bass that once belonged to the deceased. Thus, in word, sound and spirit, Keep Planting Seeds is a dedication to DubLex: "Thinking of you, my brother, you are free, and your soul will never die!"

This citation is taken from the song Freedom In The Music and brings us right to the heart of the album. Its tonality of pure, uncompromising and high quality Roots Reggae is exemplary for all fourteen pieces. Whether the insistent starter Wake Up, the title track Keep Planting Seeds (which speaks right to your soul with its achingly beautiful guitar and lyrics) or the joyful, uplifting Now Is The Time – we are confronted with authentic hand-made message music that will capture your attention at once!  

With one exception, all songs exceed the radio-fit length of 3:30 (on average, each track is 4:15 minutes long), thus leaving plenty room for instrumental glory to unfold. And gloriously unfolding they do: with diverse solos, the musicians of the Soulrise Band (Andreas Bauer on drums, Daniel Rickler on guitar, Jan Geuer on keys, Fully Fullwood on bass,) let their passion shine and will sweep you away with their skills. Additional sparks are blown in by Jennifer Washington (backing vocals) as well as Marcus Urani (Groundation) and Paul Schmincke, both playing organ and clavinet.

Special mention deserve tracks like My Home or Inspiration. While the first comes on a playful, feel-good rhythm and makes us consider a new dimension of home, the latter is serious business. The moment that bass comes in is pure bliss, and the whole thing goes straight to the Reggae-receptors located somewhere deep inside your body. Add to this the pensive and oh-so-true words… there are not many songs that are more prototypical Reggae than this one!  

In Still Waiting, the often invoked resemblance of Martin's voice to the early Bob Marley comes full circle, given that the intro reminds strongly of Soul Rebel. With lines like "There is no Them, there's only a We.", he moreover proves himself to be a child of the same humanitarian school of thought – open, reflective, all-embracing.  

The closing tracks What Is Life and Take A Draw express in a condensed way what this album is telling us (amongst others): to pursue personal happiness without losing sight of the problems we still have to solve. While the eloquent singer repeatedly pleads that actions speak louder than words, he does so with the conviction that the solutions we are working on have to be inspired by benevolent positivity, not grim daily routine.

Keep Planting Seeds is a warm, emotional album that derives its strength from the heartfelt lyrics and the extraordinary beauty of the music. A music that will carry you through the ups and downs of life, assuring us that, whatever happens, we are able to determine the course it takes. We reap what we sow, so choose your seeds wisely, in thoughts, words and actions. Plant curiosity and you will reap wisdom. Plant smiles and you will reap laughter. Plant kindness and you will reap love. Rest in eternal joy and peace, DubLex!

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