ALBUM DESCRIPTION
Featured Artist on "Dancehall Baptism Chapter One."
**ABOUT THE ARTIST**
As a prodigy of world acclaimed Reggae artist, Bob Marley, Ziggy Soul (Devon Beckford) gained a tremendous amount of exposure in Jamaica. His acoustic guitar playing and unique vocal delivery catapulted him to the next level in his career with the "Earth Disciples," and later "True Change." So indelible was his contribution to these groups, that the US-based "Wailing Souls," persuaded him to join their band. He was very instrumental in the production of four of the group's albums and was lead vocalist for two of its songs. Balancing tight rehearsal schedules with back-to-back concerts, Ziggy was heavily consumed by his job but he nonetheless felt an emptiness within him. This was when he knew he needed to move on.
Ziggy launched a career of his own in June 1988. Within weeks he was chanting to the lyrics of more than 100 new songs that he wrote and composed with Ziggy Marley's bass player. "I was truly inspired," he said. "For the first time I was able to realize the extent of my full potential." He joined another group "Knowledge" in 1994. But as fate would have it, Ziggy had a calling far more noble and important to respond to. It was the voice of God. In October 1995 he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.
For a while, Ziggy decided to put his music on hold and concentrate on other aspects of church ministry. "I really had no intention of going down that road again because I'd sung so much about Selassie," Said Ziggy. However, fresh inspiration to write his first gospel song, "Sing It Out," and constant encouragement from Pastor David Keane changed his plans. Now an established Christian artist, Ziggy's music brings with it a unique sound and solid lyrical content sure to captivate any music lover.
"Born Again" features a creative combination of gospel songs done mostly with a Reggae flavor and born from real life experiences of the artist. This thirteen track work of art is destined to make a big hit in all spheres in the music arena. "It's the first time I'm singing something I'm sure about," Ziggy said proudly. "When I was in the world it was just a put on thing... I should have discovered this a long time ago."
**SONG BY SONG DESCRIPTION**
This powerful album starts off with Ziggy Soul's bold declaration of faith. On "Hosanna in the Highest," he begins by singing "Christ, King of Glory, Savior of my soul." From the first note of this album it is clear that Ziggy is not willing to compromise his message or sound. This original steppers groove is packed with sweet background vocals and Ziggy's penetrating Middle-East influenced vocal style is similar to that of world music star "Cheb Mami."
A busy bass line contrasts the simple one drop rhythm that lays the foundation for "You are Worthy." This song of praise is a sincere cry from the heart. Following this track is another steppers based original featuring a sample from Daddy U-Roy, "Wake the town and tell the people." This song encourages the listener to "Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding." This exhortation is supported by tasty background vocals done inna old school style--"Shoop shee-oop!"
"People of God" begins with an intro similar to Bob Marley's "War" anthem, then transitions into a mellow one drop groove that slowly crawls out of your speakers. The laid-back roots bass-line almost sounds like it is being dragged along by the kick and snare. Singing his patented cascading lines (of five notes in one syllable), Ziggy shares of God's love and empowers God's people with the message that "If God be for us, who can be against us?"
The next track, "Born Again" is a roots bubbler with a unique piano emphasized bass-line. Clever arrangements enhance the evangelistic lyrics that are based on Jesus' statement to Nicodemus in the gospel of John. The KGees join this track with a rare blend of Dub Poetry, Rap, and DJ style vocals. Next up is "Virtuous Woman," another reggae-mover done inna Lovers Rock style. This Jamaican song of passion speaks of an earthly love from a Kingdom perspective. This ballad greatly contrasts the messages of lust, and extramarital relations that are far too common in secular reggae.
Track seven is THA BOMB! As featured on "Dancehall Baptism Chapter One," this clever combination between Ziggy and the KGees is by far my favorite track on "Born Again." A retro New Wave rhythm makes "Draw Me Nearer" unlike any other song on this release. The music gets you moving and the message contains the recipe for a closer communion with Christ.
The next song is the final combination between Ziggy and the KGees on this album. But this time the KGees are rapping over a Hip Hop beat with music similar to what you would hear on a "Sade" album. In his soulful singing, Ziggy challenges us to remember to read the Bible and that "Prayer is the Key." "Eyes Have Not Seen" is another departure from Ziggy's traditional reggae sound. A blend of Hip Hop, Gospel, R & B and Folk make up this heartfelt cry of passion. In the same vein as "Eyes Have Not Seen" is "Hallelujah," another multi-genre song of praise reminiscent of Jamaican soloist "Yvad."
The eleventh song on this project is the meditative "He Saved Me." This is a slow psalm of worship wailed over Hip Hop drums and Gospel keys. Even though this song is not reggae, it contains one of the sweetest melodies to come out of Jamaica in years. Sustained notes and tender pauses in the verses create tension and draw the listener into a time of reflection and meditation. By the middle of the song I can feel my heart-rate drop and my spirit soar. The vocals calm your soul. At the end of the song when you are completely relaxed--it is time to exhale. "Ahhhh...."
The soothing sounds continue with a sensitive cover of the Gaither gospel classic "Because He Lives"--guaranteeing this dread acceptance in the most conservative churches of Jamaica. "Sing it out, sing it out loud!" The last track on this album is an excellent roots original written by Ziggy and reggae legend/producer Tommy Cowan (of "Boom Boom Carnival" fame). Since the last six songs were void of reggae instrumentation, it is nice to hear this album conclude with some roots and culture.
**CONCLUSION**
Overall, this album is a musical masterpiece. It was produced by Noel Browne, the brother of Danny Browne (Main Street) and Cleevie Browne (Steely and Cleevie) and recorded at Main Street and Freddie McGregor's Big Ship studios. Although most of the music is programmed, Danny Browne contributes some guitar work and the sweet background vocal line-up is a literal "who's who" of reggae (including Carlene Davis, Lymie, Nikki Tucker and Leiba Thomas).
More than half of the songs on this release are straight-up reggae, with original rhythms instead of the standard recycled versions common in modern reggae. The lyrics on every track are packed with scripture and truly annointed by the Most High God. Pick up a copy today and hear why both Bob Marley and the Wailing Souls were willing to mentor this promising artist years ago. Ziggy Soul delivers!
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Other Albums featuring this Artist
Ziggy Soul
Born Again
Gospel music from the Carribean is becoming increasingly popular, not only in the West Indies, but everywhere that sunny rhythms, lazy back beats, fresh vocals and intensity of Jesus-focused lyrics is appreciated.
This is a continuing segment of a review series that shines the spotlight on recent island-rooted Gospel. Check here to get to previous segments.
Out of Trench Town, Jamaica comes reggae/folk artist Ziggy Soul (aka Devon Beckford) with Born Again from Glory Music.
Featuring bright, sun-splashed melodies in a freewheeling, carefree style, Ziggy makes liberal use of acoustic guitar to render his originals. While his accent is strong, his vocal approach is easy on the ear, as he relies on sung lines in contrast to the rap/chat so popular with his contemporaries. Frequent dips in voice inflection make for an interesting sound.
Production on the album comes from the veteran and potent duo of Tommy Cowan and Noel Browne, ensuring that the reggae rhythm overlays are always on point. Browne also significantly co-writes.
Song highlights are “Draw Me Nearer” which is heavily dosed with catchy pop elements and comes supported with backing vocals from the KGees. The title track “Born Again” is more elemental in its roots approach, with Ziggy wailing all over. “Hallelujah” is the most infectious piece on the album, simple in lyrics and filled with some nice vocal and instrumental arrangements.
On “Hosannah In The Highest”, organ from Mallory Williams joins in the festivities on this mid-tempo and rootsy praise. “Trust In The Lord” has a similar feel, and is perhaps representative of this troubadour’s most effective sound, with heavy reggae syncopation up front.
Elsewhere, the vibe is more hymnal, with the slow “He Saved Me” and “Eyes Have Not Seen” being examples. And Ziggy’s unusual and soothing gentle cover of The Gaither’s “Because He Lived” needs to be heard.
Ziggy Soul shows himself to be a brilliant tunesmith, creating simple but effective melodies that are true to island sounds, but with a musicality and a good news message that anyone can revel in.
Producers: Tommy Cowan, Noel Browne
album release date: mid 2001
Glory Music
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