Black Uhuru

Black Uhuru - Black Sounds Of Freedom - Greensleeves - CD

Another classic set from Greensleeves, Black Uhuru the first album,

the first album produced by King Jammy/Prince Jammy in fine style. In

fact this is more than the first album its got 'Love Crisis' as well,

which is the first mix of the album released on Third World back in

1977. Just for a good measure there are three DJ tracks from U-Black,

a great DJ from that era, who barely gets a mention today. Even before

the group became a band, then a group again, with all the multiple

line ups - the Black Uhuru line up was complex. But its history

starting in 1974 is documented very well by Noel Hawks, in fine style

without apology!

"Black Uhuru - Showcase - D Roy

The apathetic ignorance of the 'Rock Press', their term, not mine - I always thought they were music papers -, could not have been shown better by their treatment of Black Uhuru, who were a natural phenomenon. They didn't have no publicity machine working behind them. Black Uhuru's success was due to one thing, talent, no hype. What I wonder… are the 'Rock Press' waiting for a signing to a major label, a free trip to Jamaica so that they can discover how good Reggae music is again, with on there specials, when all that was needed to give them back some credibility, was for them to report on the success of Black Uhuru, either through an interview or an article. Just as they should have done with the Wailers in the early seventies when they were with Scratch, and making records so advanced that they still sound fresh today. Or with Augustus Pablo in the mid-seventies, when he was setting fire to the imagination with his own brand of dub. Pablo has still not received the attention due to him.

The only time they got it right was with Culture. They were given the attention they at the time deserved, mainly due to the efforts of Penny Reel and Vivian Goldman, both of whom are not typical of the type of person who now take care (if that is the right word) of Reggae in the 'The Rock Press'.

Culture though were back in the late seventies, the ‘Rock Press’ cannot sit back and point to them as an example of how kind they are to the Reggae music follower. It is an ongoing process. It shouldn't stop because else comes along, is it not possible to accommodate more than one style of music at a time. Perhaps it is asking too much, it’s not possible to ride more than one bandwagon at a time.

What can I tell you about Black Uhuru that you don't already know. If you haven't got this album you should be ashamed of yourself! It’s a six track showcase containing four of their hits, which you should have on single. 'Leaving To Zion' and 'Natural Reggae Beat' - and it’s the former that should make you buy this album. Capturing Michael Rose's Arabic intonations at their very best, with harmony provided by female vocalists, they sound like the duo/trio who first appeared on 'Abortion' and who can also be found on the Jewels 'Love And Livity' and unlike the

I-Threes (who have become too soulful in their harmony work) they blend into the rhythm and provide Rose with that something that goes before him.

Also something which cannot be left out of a review of Black Uhuru is the praise for Sly & Robbie's production work. They set a high standard for 1979, let's hope they do as well in 1980."