Glen Washington – Jah Children

Back in 2012, Zion High Productions (part of the esteemed Zion I Kings) dropped the highly praised album, Masterpiece, featuring the vocals of Jamaican-born and Florida-based singer, Glen Washington. And now, both singer and label join forces again with a fresh release titled Jah Children. While Masterpiece boasted no less than 17 vocal tracks, this new album takes a different approach. This one is done in the currently back in fashion showcase style, vocals followed directly by their dub versions.

Glen Washington is a well-known artist with almost fifty years of experience in the music industry. He has made a name for himself as a singer, songwriter, drummer, and record producer. Washington’s success began in 1978 when his track, Rockers Nu Crackers, for Joe Gibbs became a No.1 hit in Jamaica. He followed this up with a minor hit, We’ve Got To Make It, in 1982. Seemingly out of nowhere, he made a notable comeback at the beginning of 1998 with his Coxsone Dodd produced album Brother To Brother. The same year he graced the charts with Kindness For Weakness. Since then the singer, whose vocal is reminiscent of Beres Hammond, has become a household name among reggae fans worldwide.

Produced by David “Jah” Goldfine, the LP features a selection of roots and culture reggae sounds, comprising of four vocal cuts and their dub mixes. Accompanying the Zion I Kings are a group of seasoned reggae musicians such as Roberto Sanchez, Winston “Horseman” Williams, and Lincoln “Style” Scott on drums, saxophones by Donald “JAH Bless” Toney and Garrett Kobsef, trombone by Balboa Becker, trumpet by Okiel Mcintyre, flute by Zoe Brown, and percussions by Scully Sims and Norman Grant. Additionally, Russ “Tuff Lion” Williams lends his guitar playing to “No Limit” while Chet Samuels provides vocals on “Jah Children”.

Glen Washington showcases his soulful and heartfelt vocals, impressive songwriting skills, and affinity for conscious roots reggae music across all four vocal tracks. The album’s opener, Power Hungry People, is a sublime and instant favorite. Washington continues to impress with No Limit, giving a huge praise as he sings “There’s no limit to Jah love”. The veteran singer definitely does the riddim he has been given honour. The roots killer Jah Children carries a vital message, set to one of the best riddims on the album. The bass and horns stand out prominently, which can also heard on the dub version. This combination tune with Chet Samuel is sure to attract the most attention. Finally, the stunning Good Ole Days is another standout vocal offering. Along with the vocal tracks, the dub versions are also worth a listen.

You know what to expect from Glen Washington and the Zion I Kings collective, Jah Children is more of it — an album that is worth of repeated listenings.