Justin Hines: Travel With Love

Justin Hinds and the Dominoes - Travel With Love - Nighthawk NHCD 309 - 1984

Justin Hinds is a legendary artist who recorded during the Ska and Rock Steady eras. Releasing countless singles and recording for the likes of Duke Reid and Jack Ruby (for Island), Justin stepped away from recording for a while until the good folks at Nighthawk contacted him about recording again. This album is the fruit of those conversations. This album was recorded at Tuff Gong (Bob Marley's studio), using the Wailers' rhythm section of Family Man Barrett on bass and his brother, Carly Barrett on drums. In fact, it is one of the first things one hears on this CD (and which makes this record so comfortable and memorable) is that distinctive Carly Barrett drum roll.

For many people this record is going to sound dated. However, don't let that keep you away from enjoying this album. Dated or not, this record is good representation of what solid reggae music sounded like in the early 1980s. In fact, it was this type of sound that got me hooked on the music in the first place. Although, it should not be too surprising that this record sounds good since along with the Barrett brothers, Chinna Smith and Bingy Bunny lay down guitar duties, while Gladdy, Wire Lindo and Tyrone Downie trade up on keyboards. All top notch, first rate JA musicians.

Before discussing the actual songs, I first must comment on Justin's voice. Justin's voice is a higher register and softer than the "typical" JA voice. I enjoy his voice but it is different, especially if one is looking for a more "Burning Spear" or a "Sizzla" gruff style, for example. That said, over long periods, Justin's voice can start to sound a little thin. However, over an LP, you should be fine.

The songs are solid, standout tracks include Get Ready Rock Steady, Miss Wendell, Book of History (the first three tracks of the album). In addition, Meditation, the last song on the LP is nice as well. In general, the lyrics are conscious roots with a little love lyrics thrown in but Justin has always been more of a roots artist and he continues that here.

I was generally surprised by this CD. I had low expectations given that Nighthawk was taking an older artist and putting him in front a new generation of musicians. Sometimes these projects work and sometimes they don't. In this case it works well. This CD is solid, it is not a life-changer but I think most serious reggae music lovers will be fine with adding this to their collection. In short, this gets a recommendation. Buy