Micah Shemaiah - Roots I Vision (Evidence Music)

The musical backing for the tracks on the album was provided by 18th Parallel, a collective of musicians from bands like Najavibes, Cosmic Shuffling and Primate (Antonin Chatelain - drums, Primo Viviani - bas, Mathias Liengme - keys & percussion, Léo Marin - guitar, Alexandre Schneiter - trumpet, Michael Borcard - saxophone, Anthony Dietrich Buclin - trombone, Solal Excoffier - guitar and André Merlin - guitar), and the result is 'Roots I Vision', an album Micah describes as: "...based on my own experience and the way I see the world. Roots music is the cornerstone of our spirituality. Although vulnerable, it remains faithful, conscious and authentic. This spirituality is for me a necessity for my music to live through the ages.". The sound on 'Roots I Vision' is clearly inspired by that of eighties icons like Black Uhuru or Sly & Robbie; listen to title track 'Roots I Vision', 'Zion Trod' or 'Death Trap' and you'll no doubt agree. Everything was expertly mixed by Umberto Echo, resulting in an album with a track list - 8 vocal cuts and 3 mighty dubs - without disappointments for which you'll definitely need the repeat button. Top tracks: the aforementioned title song 'Roots I Vision' and instant anthem 'Boom Shakalak'. And then there's that wonderful cover with Micah's profile stylized as the African continent surrounded by an afro, or halo if you will, of beautiful trees; the work of Dadizele based Belgian artist Lise Serruys aka Murlie! With 'Roots I Vision' we've found our first favorite for 2018.