Showcase

The Abassi All Stars are the latest band to emerge from the mysterious Zion Train studios in Cologne, Germany, a group that has now released a significant number of 7" singles and 10" EPs on vinyl and contributed tracks to compilation albums released in Canada, Sweden and Spain. Showcase is an aptly titled collection of highlights from those singles and EP releases, along with a ten-minute long "video remix" track showing all of the contributing artists in action with the Abassi Hi Power Sound System. The album's 13 tracks are built on six separate rhythms; on the first backing track, legendary reggae singer Earl 16 performs a very fine roots-wise number titled "Stem the Tide," he is followed by Fitta Warri, who delivers an impressive DJ cut and then by Junior Kigwa, who falls just short of upstaging Earl 16 with the very nice "Jah Before Us". The next two rhythms are built on an aggressive steppers beat and feature similarly fine performances by Sis Sanae and the excellent Kenny Knots, though Dubdadda's "Cross the Border" doesn't quite measure up to the standards set by the others. As one might expect, it's Luciano who steals the show on the glorious "What We Gonna Do?", a beautiful sufferer's anthem built on a dark and supple one-drop rhythm. Fitta Warri and Junior Kigwa take things out in style with two different takes on a sturdy rockers beat.