Riding The Roots Chariot

The career of producer and singer Derrick Harriott started in the late rocksteady era of the 1960s and has continued, off and on, to the present, though his most impressive work on both sides of the microphone dates from the early to mid-'70s. This excellent collection primarily showcases his considerable prowess as a producer; he sings on only one track, the brilliant sufferer's anthem "Slave" (presented here with its dub version in a 12" disco mix). It would have been nice to hear more from Harriott himself, but it's hard to pick a track that one would want to sacrifice in favor of more Harriott vocals -- the rest of the lineup includes Big Youth (at the top of his game on "Cool Breeze" and "Dock of the Bay"), Dennis Brown (disappointing on the fairly lame "He Can't Spell," but stealing the show with "Concentration"), and Augustus Pablo (whose celebrated "Far East" sound is showcased on "Bells of Death" and "Bass and Drum Version"). The album 's best tracks, though, are two absolute stunners from Leonard Dillon and the Ethiopians: on "Good Ambition" and, especially, "No Baptism," the backing band rocks with fierce intensity, while the Ethiopians harmonize above with smooth assurance. Highly recommended. ~ Rick Anderson|