Big Dance A Keep

Jah Thomas was born in Rockfort, Kingston 2, yet was raised from the age of twelve in Trenchtown, and is otherwise known as Nkrumah -- so named after the Ghanaian revolutionary. To those who know their roots music, Jah Thomas is recognized as part of that musical revolution in the early 80's that moved the musical form onwards from spacious Rockers music to a leaner, more urban and threatening sound -- Often backed by Style Scott and the militant and austere Roots Radics, Jah Thomas featured on some of the more brooding discomixes of that period. Besides that, he is known for working with, and mentoring some of the best mic chanters of the 80's. Labels like Burning Rockers, Midnight Rock and Channel One released a series of 45's and 12's featuring Jah Thomas over a succession of hard Scientist mixes. Chanting on discomixes like Barrington Levy's "Shaolin Temple" or taking over on the dub to Tristan Palma's "Entertainment is a Form of Enjoyment" , Jah Thomas showcased his style. Clearly it was rooted in the style of Big Youth and Dr Alimantado, visionaries that had gone before him -- but Jah Thomas had his own distinctive vibes to add to the alchemy of these surreal and pounding Scientist and Tubby's mixes, his narratives dealing with harsh ghetto life and the conflicts and joys of the dance. Later as roots music and dancehall music took second place to the more materialistic ragga styles, Jah Thomas was not forgotten. His voice was sampled on ONU Sound releases with Bim Sherman, as well as turning up on numerous Junglist/drum and bass white label 12" tunes. So welcome back Jah Thomas with this selection -- tunes to uplift and entertain in equal measure from greats such as Lone Ranger, Josey Wales, Peter Metro and other original talents. Meditate on the conscious lyrics urging insight , such as "Devil Control Them" whilst lyrics of compassion such as those on "Ban The Gun" are contrasted with the upful dancehall vibes of the new cut to Tristan Palma's "Entertainment" . As Josey Wales chants on "Devil Control Them" -- "These veterans come to warn the nation! Nah follow idiot who bust pure shot. Rastafari ah go hold them." Watch out for the dub wise companion album, soon to come from Silver Kamel's vaults. Gregory Whitfield, July 2005.