Search - Stanley Beckford :: Reggaemento

The Foundation of Reggae

James B. Whitney | Minneapolis, MN. USA | 03/23/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Stanley Beckford, along with the Jolly Boys, have, thankfully kept the Jamaican root of reggar alive. Reggae, of course, derives from many sources

but mento is the Jamaican root. It was the popular music of the 1950's in Jamaica until it was replaced by American rhythm and blues and later, ska and rock steady. All these styles eventually became reggae which, it seems, is still developing.

This disk will appeal to people who enjoy reggae which sounds more "native" than American. Burning Spear, Toots and the Maytals, Israel Vibration, Culture, and the late, great Peter Tosh all have strong mento influences in their music. This is not for dancehall fans or admirers of studio dub wizardry. This is earthy, simple music. If reggae is country music, mento is bluegrass and Stanly Beckford and his band do it very well. Since this is a French release all the liner notes are in French which may annoy Anglophone listeners but for those interested in the Jamaican roots of reggae, the music on this cd is pure and uncompromised."