Inna De Yard – Family Affair (Chapter Two Records / Wagram, 2023)
After a 4-year hiatus, the highly regarded reggae project known as Inna De Yard makes a comeback with their latest offering, “Family Affair.” Scheduled for release on June 2nd, this album once again presents a heartfelt compilation of unplugged classics that have become synonymous with the group’s distinctive acoustic sound.
“Family Affair” features newcomers Johnny Osbourne and Keith & Tex, who join the ranks to reinforce the project’s resolute message of global peace and harmony. At the forefront, Winston McAnuff, Cedric Myton (of The Congos), and Kiddus I continue to lead the core family and evoke the spirit of the informal jam sessions that birthed reggae within the yards of Kingston.
For those unacquainted with the ensemble, Inna De Yard epitomizes the essence of Jamaican soul music in all its grandeur. Throughout their musical journey, the project has endeavored to capture the quintessence of Jamaican popular music by stripping reggae down to its elemental core.
By assembling a group of talented Jamaican musicians and singers, comprising both legendary figures and representatives of the new wave of Jamaican roots reggae, Inna De Yard has consistently delivered profound musical experiences. Notably, their previous self-titled album in 2019 achieved meteoric success. Featuring the inimitable Ken Boothe, Horace Andy, and Judy Mowatt, it went on to enthrall audiences with over 100 live performances. Concurrently, the release of the album coincided with the screening of a Peter Webber-directed documentary, “Soul of Jamaica,” which highlighted the project’s captivating essence in 30 countries worldwide. The film premiered at various locations, including movie theaters, garnering effusive praise and leaving an indelible mark.
Regrettably, since 2019, the Inna De Yard family has suffered significant losses, including the passing of guitarist Bo Pee Bowen, trombonist Nambo Robinson, Wesley Tinglin, and Neville Ingram of the Viceroys. Although they are no longer physically present, their memory and contributions to the reggae musical landscape will forever be cherished.
Johnny Osbourne, renowned for his Studio One productions from the late ’70s, joins the ranks of Inna De Yard and collaborates with fellow Jamaican luminary Winston McAnuff on the soulful reggae single, “Baltimore.” Originally composed by Randy Newman, the song found success through The Tamlins’ adaptation of Nina Simone’s jazz-infused rendition. In this fresh interpretation, the track subtly alludes to the vibrant atmosphere of Kingston, Jamaica.
Adding to the roster, the rocksteady duo Keith & Tex participate on the album for the first time, appearing as a duo on two tracks. Additionally, Keith Rowe delivers a solo performance on “Groovy Situation.” Among their contributions, the standout and lead single is “Down the Street,” which the duo originally wrote and recorded in 1968. This hidden gem, relatively lesser-known, was initially recorded for Jamaican singer Derrick Harriott under the Trojan label.
The album, “Family Affair,” takes its name from the location of Reggae Legends Villa. Overlooking the majestic Blue Mountains outside Kingston, Jamaica, this hotel perpetuates the Inna De Yard philosophy of capturing the raw essence of music in a natural setting. Here, the musicians can create without the encumbrance of electronic instruments and contemporary studio technologies.
This approach draws inspiration from the famous “government yard” in Trench Town, where Bob Marley and the Wailers honed their craft. By adopting this organic approach, the new album presents the exceptional skills of the project’s longstanding vocalists while embracing the fresh contributions of the younger generation.
The instrumentalists demonstrate remarkable virtuosity with their respective instruments, and the thoughtfully curated track listing allows the group to explore vintage reggae in their inimitable fashion. Impressively, the 13 songs comprising “Family Affair” were recorded within a mere four days. Joining stalwarts Cedric Myton, Kiddus I, and Winston McAnuff, the younger generation is represented by Steve Newland of Rootz Underground, the melodious chanter Derajah, and Winston McAnuff’s son, Kush.
Anchored by the pulsating rhythms of traditional nyabinghi drumming, “Family Affair” exudes a pervasive jazzy ambiance in its musical accompaniment. This is accomplished through the contributions of some of Jamaica’s preeminent session musicians, including guitarist Dwight Pinkney of the Roots Radics, veteran keyboardist Franklyn ‘Bubbler’ Waul, bassist Delroy ‘Wormbass’ Nevin, flutist Donaldson Bernard, Ziggy Marley’s trombonist Everald Gayle, and guest saxophonist Dean Fraser.
The arrangements, conducted by French saxophonist Guillaume ‘Stepper’ Briard, a long-standing collaborator of Sly and Robbie, result in a warm and intimate sound.
Opening the album is “Humanity,” wherein former Congos frontman Cedric Myton pays tribute to his colleague, Prince Lincoln of the Royal Rasses, by adapting one of his best-known works. Cedric further revisits the foreboding “Days Chasing Days,” originally recorded by The Congos in 1980 for CBS France. Meanwhile, Kiddus I offers his reinterpretation of the somber “Fire Burn,” a composition he first recorded in the mid-1970s.
Johnny Osbourne presents a beautiful rendition of his Studio One signature tune, “Truth And Rights,” while McAnuff revisits his meditative love song, “Sun Is Setting In The Sea.”
Steve Newland takes on Bob Marley’s “Touch Me,” Derajah breathes new life into the Gaylads’ “Africa,” and Kush McAnuff imparts Rastafari wisdom through “Come Away,” a rare song recorded by the Black Survivors for producer Jack Ruby in 1975.
The album “Family Affair” was released on June 2nd, 2023, and features guest appearances by Cedric Myton, Keith & Tex, Winston McAnuff, Johnny Osbourne, Kiddus I, Steve Newland, Derajah, Kush McAnuff, and Keith Rowe.
Dwight Pinkney (Lead and rhythm Guitar); Franklyn ‘Bubbler’ Waul (Piano); Delroy ‘Worm’ Neville (Bass); Guillaume ‘Stepper’ Briard (Saxophone); Everald Gayle (Trombone); Bernard ‘Sheldon’ Donaldson (Flute);
Kush McAnuff (Bass Drum); Alphonso Craig (Lead Percussion); Phillipp Supersad, Deraja Mamby, Kiddus I (Percussion); Cedric ‘Congo’ Myton, Deraja Mamby, Keith & Tex, Worm, Stepper (Backing Vocals); and
Didier Bolay (additional trumpet and trombone).
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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.