Last year, Marie Bogaert aka MariJah, already gave us a taste of her musical talent with the release of her 'Take Care' EP, a collaboration with Jah Embassy's Jahmbassador, and now, she presents 'Giving Thanks', her full-length debut recorded with backing band The Root Sense.
While we definitely appreciated the darker productions on 'Take Care', we can't help but feel that MariJah truly comes into her own with the more roots-infused tracks on 'Giving Thanks'.
Opener 'Listen To The Youth', stylistically reminded us of Judy Mowatt's repertoire, but our personal favourite from the track list is the following track, 'Babylon', a highly danceable song that will undoubtedly become a standout in Marie's live sets. The appeal of the track is further amplified by the fact the album concludes with 'Pack Up And Run', a deejay version by a very on-form Saimn-I!
Marie Bogaert has experience as a backing vocalist, and the delightful harmonies in songs like 'Unity' (which for some reason evokes memories of Doe Maar) and title track 'Giving Thanks', beautifully demonstrate her knack for perfectly polishing a song.
Before handing over the reins to Saimn-I for the aforementioned 'Pack Up And Run', we are treated to the jazzy 'Morning Light', an ode to the reggae genre, with Wouter Rosseel's guitar echoing the sound of Jamaican veteran Ernest Ranglin.
'Giving Thanks' may not break new ground, but it's certainly an excellent Belgian roots offering!
MariJah & The Root Sense will present 'Giving Thanks' live
at music club N9 in Eeklo on Saturday, June 8th!
.Dl7BAwhJ_ZJXLLF.webp)
