Aisha with Mad Professor - Jah Vengeance/Dub

AISHA WITH MAD PROFESSOR - JAH VENGEANCE PLUS DUB
DUBROOM SINGLE REVIEW

WWW, August 2014 - It has been quite, quite a while since we've heard anything comming from Sister Aisha, especially from Ariwa's studio. This has now changed, even though it's a single we talk about. Complete with a heavy, heavy Dub mix by Mad Professor this is a heavyweight release that should not miss out in your catalogue of conscious Roots Reggae.

Yes, this is a re-make of the Yabby You classic. And what a remake it is! Just like Yabby You, sister Aisha is known to have her spirituality well connected with her musical output, both on stage and in the studio. Just like Yabby You, Mad Professor knows how to capture this spiritual determination on the tape machine or whatever it is they use nowadays in the legendary Ariwa studio.

The classic riddim has not lost one inch or ounce in this 2014 remake. It's arguably stronger, and definitely more contemporary which has it's advantages. As Aisha sings the oh so important lyrics in a way that demands an ear, the music is more than illustrative of the words. It's the riddim itself, sure, but it's the sound of Ariwa as well. A sound that is driven to the fullness in the accompanying Dub, mixed by the Mad Professor.

For a Dub Head like yours truly, the choice between a the Vocal or the Dub version is more often than not, well, just not a choice. It's about the Dub and too much lyrics can become like too much gunshots in a bad western movie anyway. Not with his one, though. It's not just the fact that ones who like Aisha (and who doesn't) will gladly pick up her latest tune simply because it has been too long. No, it's also the fact that in itself, this single stands so strong in it's message, the words are so serious where you hear that yes it's a good singer but there's something more. Yes, much more.

Perhaps that is the reason why the Dub version is so outstanding as well. This is definitely not just a B-side or however you want to call the Dub versions in their digital releases. This is a more than crucial Dub, it's almost like the Mad Professor knew that with such a vocal version you kind of need all you have in your studio to give it at least a balanced counter-weight. 

Almost? Of course he knew.

Get the single at ITUNES or even better, get the two tracks free or for just 1 USD at EMUSIC. And check out the vocal at Ariwa's Youtube page.

 

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AYSHA LOREN - KEEP IT LIKE IT IS

AYSHA LOREN - KEEP IT LIKE IT IS
DUBROOM REVIEW

WWW, June 2014 - She's been involved somehow with "Destiny's Child" back in the days, but since this is a thing that is completely irrelevant for the promotion of (DUB) Reggae let's deal with what is. After she's livicated time to be with her family, trained and skillful singer Aysha Loren is now working with John Holt, Frankie Paul and even Luciano while she has just released what can only be described as a true, authentic Lovers' Rock track called "Keep it Like it Is". Yes, please do!

Lovers' Rock is that other side of UK Reggae which may have nothing to do with heavyweight Roots and Dubwise but is nevertheless very much a part of the many styles the big island in front of the European continent has provided the world with. Lovers' Rock: Smooth and silky, yet with a tight riddim or skank section (the guitars etc) and a solid drum and bass line. In other words: Reggae for lovers. Nothing to do with Dancehall and it's outbursts, just niceness and a very pleasant rhythm.

Well, it's a description of Lovers' Rock and it is a description of Aysha Loren's new single "Keep it Like it Is". This sistren has a beautiful voice that suits the silky style of Lover's Rock perfectly. Keep it like it is, indeed, keeping Lovers' Rock exactly like it is. Because it is the way it should be.

The single in fact is taken from an upcoming EP called "Back to You" and when it's representative of this EP, you can say that UK Lovers' Rock has been given an impulse that will help making the genre known to a wider audience, which it should. And for which we pay respect to this sistren.

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