Featured Artist: Daddy Rings

CD Title: The Most High

Year: 2008

Record Label: Groove Attack

Style: World Music

Review:

Jamaican reggae crooner Daddy Rings (Everold Dwyer) has co-penned many hits amid his affiliation with King Jammy’s and other notables of the scene.  As this 2008 release is a comprehensive one at that.  He injects a soulful edge into the traditional reggae format via memorable hooks, while also extolling the virtues of that infamous weed, inherent in his native land.  With female vocalists providing background choruses on select tracks, Rings works within deep dub grooves and spacey treatments.

Dappled with call and response type vocalizations, the artist fuses sleek underpinnings with melodic themes, often augmented by punchy horns.  And it’s a top-notch production effort that was recorded at several Jamaican studios.  On “Like The Weed,” Rings bespeaks a perky and somewhat jubilant testimonial to the weed.  Regardless, the vocalist is a merchant of good cheer.  He also incorporates tasteful synth textures into many of these pieces that beckon repeated spins. 

Rings’ songwriting skills adhere to melody, where an organic correlation between Jamaican culture and global pop sensibilities strike a nicely balanced chord.  It’s easily one of the top albums of this genre that I’ve heard in quite sometime, featuring legends Sly & Robbie, lending their wares on several tracks.  So, don’t let this priceless little gem pass you by.

Record Label Website: http://www.grooveattack.com

Reviewed by: Glenn Astarita

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