Bitty Mclean - movin' on

Bitty Mclean - movin' on (Taxi Silent River) 2009

This is a very smooth reggae record. I normally do not go for this sound but with Sly & Robbie handling drums and bass, and Bitty Mclean singing, I will make the exception. Seriously, while this release tends to be a little cleaner than most reggae records that I listen to, don't let that discourage you from getting this fine LP. It is not a life changer but if you are looking for something closer to the 'lovers rock' type of sound, then this one is for you. There is one straight up R&B song on here (You're Welcome, Stop On By written by Bobby Womack) and while it is not my normal cup of tea, on this record it holds up well. Other soul songs covered but given a reggae treatment are So In Love, Try A Little Tenderness, Come to Me, Daddy's Home, and Lately. There are two standout tracks on this record that roots lovers will enjoy and that is the duet with Johnny Osbourne on Jahovia and the solo, Plead My Cause. Both of these tracks would be worthy contributions to any modern roots compilation. In addition, what makes this record a keeper is that Sly & Robbie remake some older Taxi riddims for Bitty to sing over in a modern style. I won't list the riddims but you will recognize them when you hear them.

Assisting Sly & Robbie on this record are other fine JA musicians that convinced me to take this record seriously. For instance, on guitar we find players like Willie Lindo, Dalton Browne, Mikey Chung, and Dougie Bryan. Keyboards are handled by long time Sly & Robbie musical partner, Robbie Lyn. Also lending a hand on keyboards are Keith Sterling and the great Ansel Collins.

Overall, a fine reggae album. I would recommend this to novice reggae listeners as well as the wiley veteran. The serious collector will just need to accept that a smooth sounding reggae record is not always a bad thing. BUY