Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/781893
Reggae and samba fans will rejoice with Roots, Rock, Rama!, the new two-CD recording from world music artist Jai Uttal. Named in honor of Bob Marley's classic song, "Roots, Rock, Reggae," the fi rst half of the collection is an uplifting assortment of rhythm, horns, and bass. The double-album's early songs are uplifting and pleasing enough that the lyrics—sung in Sanskrit— are mostly an after-thought, especially since several songs only repeat "Hare Krishna." Don't take that as a knock, though; tunes like "Raga Rocksteady" are both gorgeous and simple. It's clear that Uttal's messages are positive and upbeat, but a bit more lyrical transparency would have made the tunes more accessible. The second CD is also in Sanskrit, but imbued with relaxed Brazilian vibes. Featuring musicians from that tropical nation, the songs are quiet and introspective; most are mellow enough to meditate or simply zen out to. Uttal also shows a reverence for the Beatles, even weaving a refrain from their classic 1965 hit "Help," into his own "H.E.L.P." (Hari's Ecstatic Love Potency). While the latest work from Uttal, who has been releasing albums since 1990, doesn't reach the heights of Marley or McCartney's sublime works, it's a worthy musical complement to the icons it honors. http://jaiuttal.com/rrr/ (Mantralogy) — Neal Broverman Roots, Rock, Rama! MUSIC art & soul I t's hard not to tap your toes to the modern bluegrass stylings of bands like Mumford and Sons, The Lumineers, and Of Mon- sters and Men. Abby and the Myth offers something those three bands don't—a female-dominated voice (Lumineers and Monsters both feature a lone woman among their ranks). Formed and led by L.A.-based Abby Posner, Abby and the Myth recently released the soulful 12-song collection, called When You Dig a Well. A lesbian Buddhist, Posner's voice is like aural zen; she manages to sound contented even when singing lines like, "Now I want everything, but still I have nothing to hold" and "If I died in the country, bury my songs with my strings." On songs like "Morning Sonnet" and "Oh, December," a well of sadness bubbles up and Posner's quiet profundity becomes apparent. Effectively utilizing accordions, drums, and bass, the three-member Myth is a worthy complement to Posner's talents. When You Dig a Well really shines in its beginning, with memo- rable songs like "Delicate Parade" and "Grey Halls," but loses a bit of its punch by the end. Regardless, it's easy to see why Posner performed on Fox's Glee and her band has a standing gig at Hollywood's hip Hotel Cafe venue. Abby and the Myth are the real deal. http://www.abbyposner.com/ (Abby Posner Music) — NB Abby and the Myth When You Dig a Well MUSIC Jai Uttal february/march 2017 35