Tony Roots – I Am A Rastaman

Patate Records’ subsidiary Belleville International is exhibiting an unwavering momentum in getting music from their catalogue released and re-released on digital platforms. Over the course of this year, they have made available singles and EPs by various artists such as Horace Martin, Murray Man, Chronicle, Rod Taylor, and Cornell Campbell. The latest addition to their digital output is a six-track EP from the British reggae artist Tony Roots.

Tony Roots, also known as Anthony Stultz, is a seasoned singer who hails from the hills of Mandeville Jamaica. He received his education there, as well as the necessary musical skills to venture into presenting cultural reggae music to audiences. Eventually, he relocated to the UK to further his music career. Over the years, Tony has worked with several producers, from the late 1980s to present times, to create numerous vocal recordings that have earned him recognition across Europe and worldwide. He is particularly praised for his exceptional songwriting abilities and distinct vocal style. Some of his popular singles include Ease Off, Leave Jah Children, Intensional Inversion, What Is Wrong With Mankind, and Lion Guardian. Additionally, Tony Roots has released albums such as Not Far Away, Sufferer’s Cry, Lion King, Gift Of Life, Visionary, and Love Jah More. He is an artist who can capture the essence of the reggae music of yesteryears.

Tony Roots’ latest EP release comprises three vocal tracks and their respective (dub) versions. The first track, I Am A Rastaman, features a familiar Cisko-produced riddim that was previously used for Horace Martin’s Stop. Here, Tony Roots delivers a powerful performance, showcasing his prowess as a vocalist and lyricist. In the subsequent songs, Do You Think This Is Good and Hola Zion, Tony Roots puts his own spin on lyrical phrases taken from Bob Marley’s Redemption Song and Yabby You’s Run Come Rally. Tony Roots effortlessly rides Serial P’s beautiful Bye Bye Bye riddim in a reworking of his 1997 single produced by Barry Issac for the Reggae On Top label, titled Hola Zion. This exceptional tune was previously featured on the B-side of Joseph Cotton’s Internet Babies, released on 7″ vinyl in 2006. Tony Roots delivers on-point vocals and compelling lyrics in the first three tracks, while the second part of the EP offers listeners the chance to simply enjoy the music from the first three tracks.

Overall, Tony Roots’ I Am A Rastaman EP is another quality release from Belleville International.