Still with founder Jamaican-born members Locksley Gichie on lead and rhythm guitar, percussion and backing vocals and bass player Franklyn Dunn, The Cimarons started in London in 1967, one of Britain’s first reggae bands (first gig in 1968!), and were frequently called on by numerous record labels as session players as well as recording in their own right, though often under different names. There have been changes of course over the years, but right from the very first track, Ship Took Us Away, the sound is that of roots reggae and Rasta elders – the subtle, slightly jazzy flute in the lush background made the idea that this was a lost song from the soundtrack of Rockers flit through my head. It’s the kind of track that only otherwise seems to exist on vintage reissue albums.

But this is certainly a new set, recorded in Spain, believe it or not, with singer Michael Arkk supplying powerful lead vocals, and accompanists who demonstrate that they understand exactly what this kind of music requires – and provide it. Lend an ear to Oh Jah, a beautiful performance very close to late 70s Dennis Brown’. In fact, “beautiful” describes several tracks here – the title track, Mother Earth with its echoes of The Mighty Diamonds, or The Fool Said with tinges of Culture. But most of all, this is the sound of The Cimarons.

Praise is due to everyone involved in this release, but let me just note producer Roberto Sánchez, and the dubbed-up passages that occur on most tracks. I should have said it earlier maybe, but besides understanding the music, there’s plenty of love here. And we can all do with that in these troubled times.