Search - Gentleman :: Confidence

Thinking Out of the Box

Achis | Kingston, JA/Philipsburg, SxM | 05/02/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Gentleman has been a favorite of mine for a few years now, ever since getting an earlier album of his, Journey to Jah. He is one of the few Europeans who have actually made a way for himself in reggae in JA where he is actually respected, definitely evident by the class of artist with which he collaborates and the producers who voice him. Gentleman might just be Europe's best reggae export since Maxi Priest (wouldn't a Gentleman/Priest combination be interesting? hmmmm. . .)



This album Confidence, is even better than J2J was. The album, 20 tracks strong, has been doing serious business for the artist for the last 2 years and is truly, even before listening to it, very interesting.



Its a very well put together project just in terms of who Gentleman works with. Combinations with Barrington Levy, Cocoa Tea, Anthony B, Tony Rebel and Ras Shiloh, all very impressive. Add to that the fact that working the boards on some of these pieces are JA's finest in production. Vendetta, Bobby Digital, Calibud, Black Scorpio, AL.TA.FA.AN., and Firehouse. Gentleman calls in the big weapons which are typically reserved for big projects from artists such as Sizzla, Capleton and Luciano.



The results are very very impressive as well. There are no bad tunes here, and I find new tunes that I like each time that I listen to it. The best tune is always Intoxication, however, over the immortal Drop Leaf riddim. Also love Caan Hold us Down with legend Barrington Levy and Gentleman spar Daddy Rings.



Superior, big big tune, big plush sounding tune excellent hit. Love the combination with Cocoa Tea, Be Yourself ("cuz their identity is coming from the nozzle of dem gun, but i and i identity is coming from the Nyabinghi Drum!"), excellent tune. Another big tune is Face Off with Anthony B, one of the bigger tunes from B's recent My Hope album. Mystic Wind with Tony Rebel. All that being said, the best combination on the album is probably Blessings of Jah with Ras Shiloh over a timeless Digital B riddim (same riddim supported Capleton's Ton Load).



I could go on and on (and I have) liek For the Children, over the same riddim as Sizzla's massive Dry Cry. The excellent Rumors and After a Storm (probably the best old school sounding tune on the album).



Overall, Confidence is just pure magic, listen to it and know Gentleman is without a doubt the wickedest white bwoy doing reggae's music in the world."

Love this album

Denise M. | 08/13/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Great album, I like all the songs. I hope he will soon be more widely known. Also love his Live album with Far East Band which is not yet available on Amazon, check Amazon.de. Have to give both albums 5 stars. Old school conscious reggae."