Appointment With His Majesty

Burning Spear--also known as Winston Rodney--is an institution in the world of reggae. His fervent yet warm and soulful voice (similar to Bob Marley's, but deeper) and his insistence to keep his style of reggae close to its Afro-Caribbean roots have produced some of the music's finest albums. MAJESTY is from 1997, and though it's more polished than his classic albums from the '70s (highly recommended: MAN IN THE HILLS or the compilation set REGGAE GREATS, both on Island), it's a fine, heartfelt, easygoing set of reggae.
High points are "Play Jerry", a playful yet respectful tribute to the Grateful Dead's late guitarist/icon, Jerry Garcia; the proud devotional exhortation "Glory Be to Jah",; and the soulful, '60s rhythm & blues-inspired "Don't Sell Out". Hard-core culture reggae fans might be put off by the smooth production here, but those new to reggae, as well as Burning Spear fans, will find a lot to groove on here.|