Rub-A-Dub Market (Irievibrations IRIE 039CD, 2011)
One of the best reggae albums of the year is Rub-A-Dub Market by Jamaican singer and poet Luciano (also known as “The Messenjah” and Jepther McClymont). The styles on Rub-A-Dub Market include roots reggae, Nyahbinghi riddims and dub.
Luciano highlights the importance of keeping roots reggae alive. Instead of using rhythm machines, the rhythm tracks on Rub-A-Dub Market are acoustic, hand-made and recorded live in the studio. At a time when reggae is being invaded by increasingly annoying hiphop and uncreative electronic beats, Luciano brings fresh air to the scene.
The title song “Rub-A-Dub Market” is an appeal to the reggae/dancehall business and targets the current state of the industry, with its speedy digital production.
Luciano’s lyrics also spread the messages of love and appeals to end violence. “I came out of roots and culture as a reggae singer and have proven to people that I can fit into any genre of music … I sing reggae, gospel and roots,” said Luciano recently. “I will sing rock too, but always keep my message clean, spiritual and cultural. There are no barriers in music — although I am well known as a reggae culture singer, I have an international message. So I cannot leave it just to reggae people. I have to extend it to people of all walks of life.”
Rub-A-Dub Market takes the listener to the hottest reggae grooves; it is an excellent roots reggae album by Luciano, one of the leading performers in the current reggae scene.
Buy the album or MP3 downloads:
- In North America: Rub-A-Dub Market
- In Europe: Rub-A-Dub Market
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
