Rise of, the Album, New Name by Jah 9

Rise of, the Album, New Name by Jah 9

-       February 26, 2013

How do I begin to even try to capture in words this deeply moving Empress of unmistakable royalty and her music?  I scarce can find words. Poet, performer, singer and I would now add a likkle DJ “inna her bones”.

The long, long awaited album launch was held at the Red Bones Café in Kingston. When I arrived, the crowd was thick, and literally shoulder-to-shoulder huddled around the small stage.

Proceedings had already gotten underway and as I joined the waiting patrons, Elise Kelly of Irie FM’s Easy Skankin show was about to announce a dance presentation but before this, two CD giveaways to very happy patrons.

Then after a brief delay, the dance presentation was done to “Inner Voice” from the album. In very short order the mixed band of talented musicians entered the stage. You know there is love and humility when one can have Chronixx be the banner (flag) man for the evening. Settled and in place, Jah 9 began her astounding performance, with “Jungle”. A very passionate showing, it was evident that this album this music this woman was all about the Most High, Jah Ras Tafari.

Next came the solid “Intentions”, the words, sound and power unmistakable identifiable and synonymous to 9’s mm, delivering musical shots to the heart of Babylon. Jah 9 then switched the concentration to “Mr. Right” and the spicy “Avocado” in tribute to all the real men latent and manifest.

I must make mention of these gifted musicians; the sound is stellar live and in living colour. It is obvious that the potency of the album comes in the intense work of not just the songstress but also the musical entourage, which consists of the greats and also the very talented. Teamwork of the highest order and producing credit should be given to Rory Gilligan of Stone Love.

As I stood almost transfixed as was most of the audience, in awe of the performance, Jah 9 continued with “Legitimate” amply supported on stage by Protoje. At this interlude, she mentioned her service to humanity as a Yoga Instructor and had the audience perform a deep breathing exercise. I thought how different but also how beneficial. This servant of the Most High carries within herself a true understanding of her place and role in this life. She encouraged all to create their destiny, by exhaling all the things that no longer serve us and retain the things that are of a deeper and higher calling. She closed her musical offering with “Mr. Preacher Man” and “New Name”.

The evening then concluded with questions from the audience to the artist and special mentions to the team producing and participating in the project. From the answers and her presence this womb-man is a servant at heart, gifted, serious but also balanced. So I went to purchase New Name having waited for this album for so long, anticipating the feast to come.

Go out and get it, this is a definite keeper for time to come, timeless. Give thanks Jah 9 and all those who have worked on the project. This really resonated. This music brings me blessing.

Oneness and Love

Warrior Sistren