Search - Baldread & The Raggamuffin Crew :: Inna Dancehall

Baldread and the Raggamuffin Crew Inna Dancehall Inna Dancehall is the second CD from Baldread and the Raggamuffin Crew, a self-described "ragga world beat" band based in the San Francisco area and fronted by "Mustapha" Craig Ward a.k.a. "Baldread." Ward is well known to Bay area reggae scenesters from his work with reggae/rock bands Reddi and Dub FX. He is blessed with a strong backing band that features experienced and versatile musicians, including Leonard Duram on bass, Alfonso Baskin on guitar, keyboardists Herbert Ruffin, Alex Aspect and Jawge Huges, percussionists Danny Molina, and Tom Bartolaro, Leo and Michael J. Neuberger on drums and guitar, respectively. The band effortlessly runs through mostly up-tempo reggae and dancehall rhythms. The 18-track disc is mixed by reggae legend Scientist and includes a dub mix and two remixes. The music is tight and polished without sounding mechanical or overproduced. The Raggamuffin Crew plays with precision, yet they have a kind of energy that gives the whole project a "live" feel. Lead singer Baldread has a strong command of Jamaican DJ vocal styles and he is quite a good singer as well. His melodic precision and rhythmic delivery makes him much more listenable than many DJs, who tend to be off-key. "Push Up," "Jamaica Nice" and the title track are catchy, bouncy and danceable. The lyrics are socially conscious and positive on "Mother Africa," "Where Mi Roots" and "Confidon," which Baldread dedicates to "all the homeless people out there." The crossover track "Lovely Sexy" sounds so much like Shaggy it could be the next Shaggy single. "Rise Up Raggamuffin" is a great chant over the classic "Greeting" rhythm, and "NyaB" combines dancehall with crucial percussion and hand drums. Baldread?s mostly fast-paced and staccato vocals are nicely enhanced by the lovely and sweet harmonies of Jenilee Reyes, Triniti and Nahisha Pettit. With a strong, lead vocalist, meaningful lyrics, a tight, energetic band and sweet female harmonies, this CD should bring even more deserved recognition to Baldread and the Raggamuffin Crew. ? Tom Carroll