It Is Written
The new album from Wayne Stoddart, "It Is Written", establishes a high water
mark in terms of songwriting, musical performance and production. While Stoddart's work has always been primarily roots reggae, this album has a warm, natural feel and sounds like a "band" project more than any previous work. With production credit going to Aston Barrett, Jr., current member of the Wailers and son of bassist Aston
'Familyman' Barrett and nephew of drummer Carlton 'Carly' Barrett, both legendary musicians in the annals of reggae history, it is no wonder the sound quality of "It Is Written"
harkens back to reggae's so-called "Golden Age" of the 70's and early 80's. Over the past several years Stoddart has been backed by Reggae Force, including Barrett, Jr. on drums, Alaina Reed on bass guitar, Peter 'Pan' Williamson on keys and Jr. Jazz on guitar among others. The rhythm section of Barrett, Jr. and Reed are mainstays on this project and it shows. Rather than simply existing as a means to provide a rhythm for Stoddart to voice over, the instruments on "It Is Written" are truly a highlight. Where on many reggae recordings the musicians sound stifled, here they are allowed to be expressive which brings the quality of the songs to another level. In addition to the drums
and bass, vintage organ, guitar, and even what sounds like a Fender Rhodes electric piano, are prominent throughout but never in a heavy-handed way.
Mike Roots
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