ASWAD "Roots Revival" Ark 21 Reviewed By: Dave Merrill * * * 1/2

For twenty years, "Aswad" formed one of the cornerstones of Reggae music. Founding members Drummie Zed (vocals and drums) and Tony Gad (bass) have reunited for their new album, "Roots Revival." The band originally formed in 1974 with these two and vocalist/rhythm guitarist, Brinsley Ford. Their new album brings together classic songs from the history of Reggae and some new compositions of their own.

The first of the new selections is "Follow '99," apparently a recap of a song from "Aswad's" catalog. The song features gossamer harmonies with a light airy Reggae melody. Its message fits this vehicle and the new album beautifully, telling of a reunited relationship and the desire for its continuation into the future. Horns and a typical reggae beat join "Aswad's" patent harmonies on the title song, "Roots Revival." As one might expect, it's about coming together to bring back the music from their roots. "I want to hear it again/ I want to feel it again/ Roots music. . ." Their final new composition, "Breakout," breaks away a bit from the standard Reggae beat in places. Horns clash and carry on conversations with each other, while echoed, repeated notes create some uneasy moments.

Their first cover tune, "The Best Times of Our Lives," featuring the vocals of Arab music star Cheb Mami, has an Arabic sounding intro, which is immediately supplanted by the driving beat of Reggae. The mixture of the two music styles mesh well, forming a fulfilling pop sound. The Ken Boothe song, "Freedom Street," is up next. The subject, freedom, is carried by the synchronous beat, which becomes a mirror for the chains of bondage in the song. The uplifting vocal can symbolize the breaking away from the beat and the chains. As a result, it becomes more than the sum of its parts.

Bob Marley's classic, "Caution," is the third track on the album. Drums and fast funk guitar introduce the song. Its message of racial discrimination is, unfortunately, timeless. "Caution, the road is white/ You've got to do better than that. . ." A song originally recorded by "The Jamaicans," "Boom Boom Carnival," on some levels has a nearly Doo Wop simplicity to it, reminding me of fifties tunes from beyond my memory. This isn't to say the simplicity takes away from the song. On the contrary, it helps engage the listener in its nostalgic nature.

"Take It Easy" has quirky repetition of lyric and beat. The sound reminds me a lot of "The English Beat," music from the eighties. "Peace Truce," first recorded by "The Gladiators," espouses the idea that we're all brothers, that we should live in harmony. The smooth backing vocals reflect that idea well, while the simple rhythm and melody embraces all.

"Gaylads'" song "My Love" is bubble gum to a Reggae beat. "My love/ Is warmer than the sunlight/ Is warmer than the breath of Spring. . .is sweeter than a cherry tree/ Oh baby, come to me. . ." The combination of retro-pop and Reggae is joyfully sweet and inviting. My first impression of the song was critical; by the end of it, "Aswad" had won me over to its charms. Another Bob Marley song, "Thank You Lord," is classic Reggae, expressing gratitude for what one has.

Probably the most surprising cover on the album is Sting's "Invisible Sun." It's important to remember the influence Reggae had on most of the songs produced by "The Police" and Sting himself. With that considered, it isn't such a surprise after all. Sting himself supplies backing vocals. It's an impressive version of the song, slower, but having a wonderful character of its own. The album closes how it began, with a dub of "The Best Time Of Our Lives."

Reggae fans should celebrate the coming of this new collection of songs by "Aswad." Anyone interested in learning a little about the genre will find "Roots Revival" a worthwhile introduction.