REVIEWS
Eyes To See
Love is the Cornerstone
Taj Weekes is different. He is insisting to play roots reggae, and that the message should be true to tradition, true to the heritage he is carrying. This music brings me back to my younger days, to the artists that revealed to a young man from the north that music could be more than groovy and melodic, it could be deep, it could be righteous, it could carry a message of love. Not as a romantic concept (well, that too), but as a philosophy to build a future on, as a necessity for the future.
Taj Weekes has joined forces with fellow singer Zion Albert, and keyboardist Sidney Mills from the greatest reggae band to ever come out of Europe, Steel Pulse. It makes sense. Add Shelton Garner on guitar and the greatest female choir this side of the I-Threes, and you have classic roots reggae with a deep melodic vein, inherited form The Wailers, Burning Spear and yes, Steel Pulse.
From the first tone of the opening track, 'I and I Experience,' you can feel how insisting the message is. You can hear the political indignities being addressed in songs like 'Great Divide' and 'Bang Bang Bang' – and what makes it so strong is Taj Weekes voice: it expresses not just the anger and the rebel spirit, but also the pain that humans suffer in troubled times. It’s deeply empathic.
So yes, I’m again moved by Taj Weekes uncompromising humanity. When you get to the last song, the beautifully composed anthem 'Wildfire,' when Taj start singing about 'love, a quiet force, lighting a fire,' you sense almost an optimism, a belief in humanity’s ability to overcome hate, bigotry and greed, and come together as one. It touches your heart. It sure touches mine. Music doesn’t get much deeper than this.
Arne Berg
Host
Musikkreisen (The Music Journey) on Norwegian Broadcasting Radio P2
'In a world of confusion and complexity, Taj Weekes shares the key to happiness through his personal messaging of love.
The various themes of the album show how love impacts many aspects of our lives, as well as the road to world peace.
'Eyes To See' reflects an inner vision of consciousness while acknowledging the challenging work that still needs to be done.'
'Eyes To See' is an exceptionally crafted work of art. The album represents a profound offering of guidance for humanity to consume,
includes the skillful talents of a well synced team. Enticing vocals by Taj and Zion Albert are embellished by the works of
keyboardist/producer Sidney Mills (Steel Pulse) and guitarist/vocalist Shelton Garner Jr. (Easy Star All-Stars). This compelling
collaboration produces a unique sound for his eighth album, while remaining true to his trademark of social commentary. Taj might
easily be considered the Bob Dylan of reggae music. His lyrical weaponry is intoxicating, appeals to intellectual sensibilities and
soulfully entertains both heart and mind. From that perspective, he is a shepherd guiding our consciousness to think deeply about the
world we live in.
Two outstanding songs reflecting love of self and family include 'I and I Experience' and 'Cornerstone.' Appreciation for the diversity
of the world we live in is key to the perpetuation of love for humanity. Each person has their own story, so let us come together in unity
and grow global harmony. It starts at home. 'We’ve got seeds of change to sew. So let love freely flow.' We must build our home with love
as the cornerstone…..'Let kindness be your song.'
'Bang Bang Bang' describes the reality of gun violence. Shooting and killing have become first responses to conflict, large and small,
impacting all ages in our society. Taj inspires us to re-think our reactions and to imagine a world without guns. 'For every problem we
reach for a trigger, but maybe, maybe it's time to reconsider.' It surely is time.
'All Things Shall Pass' delves deeply into Rastafari insight and livity. In every heart, Jah lives. Jah will guide us through the
mix of emotions and tribulations. Faith is a guiding light combating our fears knowing that Jah is a consistent force of spiritual
support. Jah lives and endureth forever.
'Wildfire' is simplistic and profound. Taj sings of the power of love as a quiet revolution. 'Lets make love as infectious as hate,
and spread it like wildfire.' Our world can only become paradise if people focus on building love as the first response in our day to day
consciousness. Other songs included on the 11 track album are filled with astute observations. 'Wider Range,' 'Great Divide,' 'Choked,'
'No One' and 'Gentrification,' which reminds us to strive for a deeper understanding and go below the surface for our eyes to see, ears
to hear and hearts to beat to the Nyabinghi roots of reggae music.
'Eyes To See' is a powerful collectors piece. The album radiates perfection, lyrically, musically and with purposeful delivery.
Taj Weekes and his amazingly talented partners deserve admiration and respect, especially by those who consume music as spiritual
nourishment. His works are poetic, thought provoking and inspirational.
For lovers of conscious roots reggae music, 'Eyes To See' by Taj Weekes featuring Zion Albert is definitely more than an album.
It is a collectors piece to be added to your treasured music library.
Congratulations to Jatta and Skank Records for an outstanding contribution to reggae music, that could not come at a better time.
Sista Irie - Majesty Media - in Austin, TX
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