The Reggaestra, led by renowned roots reggae artist Picstitch, recently released their album, Tribute to Bunny Wailer, via Picaxe Production.
Picstitch explains, “I was approached by the Solomonic Reggaestra and they informed me that they are planning to record a tribute album for their lead singer Bunny Wailer who at the time was falling ill and could not perform. I was asked to step in and cover some of his iconic hits. I took the opportunity right away and the rest was history!”
Musicians on the album include Picstitch (lead vocals), Danny Axeman (bass), Keith Sterlyn (keyboards), Aubrey Manning (drums), Barry Bailey (trombone), Craig Henry (trumpet), and Tafane Buchsaecab (saxophone).
Comprising 14-tracks, highlights on the album include “Rock and Groove,” which rides a tasty one-drop beat and fat, rolling bassline. Smooth, bright horns deliver dazzling accents as Picstitch’s lush tones imbue the lyric with sumptuous inflections.
The skiffing undulation of “Ballroom Floor” pushes out lustrous savors of roots reggae. Light organ accents give the tune oozing hues while glowing harmonies join Picstitch’s inimitable vocals. A tight, incandescent guitar solo imbues the harmonics with scorching filaments.
A personal favorite, “Don Dadda,” rolls out on upbeat textures of keyboards atop a buoyant rhythm. On this track, Picstitch struts his rich, deluxe voice, infusing the lyrics with ebullient timbres. Brimming with cool tropical layers of coloration, “Hypocrite” pumps out opulent layers of smooth, rippling reggae.
“Mr. Collie Man” fuses radiant horns, sparkling keyboards, and the ever-contagious reggae one-drop rhythm into a deliciously swelling melody. Another favorite is “Dream Land,” with its popping bassline and syncopated percussion capped by cashmere vocal harmonies, lacing the tune with luxurious savors, warm and stylish.
“The Reggaestra” closes out the album, offering the classic brass tones of roots reggae, along with a promenading rhythm.
Disciples of roots reggae will find themselves enthralled by The Reggaestra’s Tribute to Bunny Wailer, an impressive collection of luscious reggae.
