Muscle Voice – Bingi Bongo

Muscle Emanuel’s 7″ single titled Crazy World b/w Rebel Riddim Dub hit the street on February 12th, 2021. The vocal cut featured the distinctive voice of Carl Donovan Blackwood, a roots singer and producer from Jamaica’s Spanish Town who adapted the stage name Muscle Emanuel. The single, done in collaboration with A-Lone Ark Productions’ Roberto Sánchez, was announced to be featured on the singer’s debut album in Showcase format (vocals followed by dubs). Almost exactly two years later, that album has finally seen the light of day although now under Carl Donovan Blackwood’s alias Muscle Voice instead of Muscle Emanuel.

The album titled Bingi Bongo features six vocal tracks and of course the same amount of dub counterparts. Although it’s obvious that Muscle Voice is an accomplished vocalist, his deep voice might not instantly appeal to the ears of each and every roots reggae fan. If that’s the case, just don’t let this turn you off because the artist’s typical vocal delivery takes a bit of time to grow on you. On the other hand, his conscious lyrics are all worthy of a proper listen and the same goes for the old-skool vibed riddims that are laid by musicians such as Sly Dunbar, Leroy “Horsemouth” Wallace, Sky Juice, Roberto Sánchez, Reuben Telford, Earl Smith Jr, Gorka Fernández, Jaime “Pipe” Hero, I-Man Cruz, and The Raw Bitz Band.

In all, England and the dubbed out version of its riddim track (England Dub) make a solid opener of this album. They’re however outmatched by the next two tracks, the magnificent One For You and the massive Dub For You. A tune and dub which are highlights here and deservedly go on repeat. You really need to tune in to the final two offerings on the A side as these gorgeous tracks will surely put a big smile on your face. It are these and the previous two tracks that represent the class of this album. The other side continues with the nice head bopping title track Bingi Bongo. The previously released single Crazy World is a solid message song definitely worth hearing more than once. With the very nice Jungle Gidion and the lovely sounding Jungle Gidion Dub, this Showcase album comes to an end in a satisfying way.

In all, this is an interesting album. Don’t sleep on it!