Giddeon Jah Rubbaal - Free Us Now (2009, Jah Rubbaal) EN review

 

Not only one of my favorite albums, but also my dearest favorite one, Free Us Now by Giddeon Jah Rubbaal is a compaliton cd relased in 2009. It was also resting on the shelf in the 10-inch EP vinyl version, but now I'm listening to it on CD. Nearly 50 minutes of conscious-roots reggae, from an artist we rarely hear about.

 Jah Rubbaal - Soundsystem owner at 18 years old

 The best thing about the CD is that the artist's brief biography can be read on the inside cover. He was born in 1941 and came involved with soundsystem culture very early on. After receiving training as electrician, he skillfully familiarized himself with the world of various transformers and sound boxes, so he started to work for the biggest sound system operators/owners of the time as a technical staff. He worked with Sir Coxsone, Duke Reid and Prince Buster. He built his first own sound system in 1959, Gideon and the Stinger operated until 1962, then between 1967 and 1971 he ran his own sound system under the name Kelly & Giddeon. Then since 1975 he has been known as Jah Rubbaal until the release of the cd.

 Jah Rubbaal - The event organizer, record store owner, producer

In 1967-68, he organized several talent shows in his home country, while running his own record store, One Stop International, in Kingston 13, at 182 Spanish Road. In 1974, he gave a try to work as a producer, after recording two songs for Fred McMurray & Lucky People, Jah Jah Soon Come, and Shining Start!

 Jah Rubbaal - The Singer (1975 - 1979)

Although Jah Rubaal's singing career was short-lived, within two years his track Love Rasta reached number two on the Jamaican charts. According to his own memories, the story began when he was playing cricket with several reggae musicians, and then they talked him into standing behind the microphone from the producer's chair. He recorded his songs in the legendary studio Channel One, Beautiful Daughter Of Zion in 1975, which was released on the Black United Label. The second recording, Take These Chains & Shackle Off Our Feet, was released on the Kelly & Gideon label.

Year of success 1977 - Love Rasta & Judgment Time

His two best-known tunes were sung by Rubbaal in 1977, both songs were released by the Jahrubbaal label, and Love Rasta was also released by Greensleeves in 1978. On the CD, you can hear the dub versions of both tunes, which were not included on the 10-inch EP, but only on the separate 10-inch maxi vinyl release.

1978 - He did not take the offer to perform at a Bob Marley concert

In 1978, one of my personal favorites, Rich Man was released alongside the tune called Share The Wealth. Discomix versions of these can be found on the CD, which is actually the vocal and a shortened dub versions at the same time. In the same year, he received an invitation to perform as an opening act to Bob Marley at the National Arena, however, Rubbaal did not take up the opportunity.

1998 - The successfull ending 19 years later

The disc contains two songs which were only existed as riddim versions for almost two decades. The vocal versions were recorded by the artist 19 years later. For sure Natty Dread Rush and Get Ready Rasta Children were also included on the CD. By the way, Rubbaal has not been active since 1998, unfortunately I couldn't find any information about him whether he is still alive.

Forgotten gem: At a realistic price

The truth is that I'm quite biased about the record, although the songs are not the most complicated compositons, sometimes Jah Rubbaal's voice seems monotonous, but it's still packed with quality music! The CD in NM condition, with a VG cover, can be brought from England for the equivalent of 11 euros including postage. Of course, a minimum duty can still be added, but it's also advanced price, because I couldn't find any copy on this side of the canal (Contiental Europe), and they ask for up to 25 pounds for the ones in better condition!

Sebestyén "Sebő" Szabolcs