X Uhuru

Michael Rose made roots reggae history as a founding member of Black Uhuru, a groundbreaking harmony trio whose dark, modal melodies and dread worldview carved out a unique niche in the reggae marketplace during the 1970s and 1980s. His solo work has been a bit less consistent, but this 1999 effort (released as a collaborative effort between the French Tabou1 label and Sly & Robbie's Taxi imprint) stands with the best of his work at the helm of that band. The rhythms, provided by Sly & Robbie and a Taxi crew that includes keyboardist Robbie Lyn, saxophonist Dean Fraser, and guitarist Lloyd Willis, combine the sci-fi punch of the best computer ragga with the deep grooves of old-school roots reggae, and although Rose's melodies are relatively thin as always, his trademark North African ululations and piercing tenor voice cut through the mix perfectly. Highlights include the mildly soca-flavored "Yush (Dub Master)" and "Come Home," which features some subtle double-time echo effects that would make any second-string junglist turn green with envy. Highly recommended. ~ Rick Anderson