Customer Reviews

Row Fisherman Row - Keep on rowin' your boat!! - By: Dave K., 15 May 2006
On The Congos & Friends "Fisherman Style" double-disc release, many veteran & current reggae artists lend their particular take on the Congos' "Fisherman" tune (from the Lee Perry-produced classic HEART OF THE CONGOS, circa 1977).

The result is an album's worth of many artists singing or deejaying over this track. The album is probably best digested when the listener bites off a little at a time - sitting through this 24-track albumin one listen could prove a bit overkill, even for diehard Congos fans.

With thatin mind, this Blood & Fire release showcases many fine artists, ranging from the great Max Romeo to the great Big Youth to the great Horace Andy, & so on...you get the idea!!

The first disc highlights the aforementioned great reggae artists (plus greats U ROY, DEAN FRASER, SUGAR MINOTT, DILLINGER, MYKAL ROSE(Black Uhuru), PRINCE JAZZBO, TONY TUFF, & FREDDIE McGREGOR). Max Romeo's "Give Praises" is the standout track w/ praise to the Almighty - he puts his own signature on the tune. Surprisingly, Romeo transforms this classic cut into his own! As always, Horace Andy makes his mark w/ his trademark falsetto voice on "Love Love Love," calling for "...Unity In The City..." Big Youth's "Feed A Nation" is top-notch material! After all these years, Youth can still bring it!! In addition, saxophonist Dean Fraser turnsin a beautiful instrumental piece, entitled "Fisherman's Anthem." The remaining CD-1 tracks are above-average offerings.

CD-2 turns the material over to current reggae artists, with the exception of veteran Gregory Issacs. Luciano kicks off the second disc w/ an inspired version, called "Going Home." Lutan Fyah, Early One, Lucan I, & Country Culture all put forth fine efforts. Of Course, Mr. Isaacs can still capture the listener w/ his unigue voice; here, he contributes a fine take, entitled "Spot & Beat The Bank."

"Fisherman Style" represents varied re-workings of the "Fisherman" tune, which is one of regge music's finest tunes. These updated vibes recall the magic of the tune's outstanding production (by Lee Perry) & vocal stylings (by Cedric, Roy & Watty). Clearly, this two-disc set is intended for Congos fans open to the idea of other artists' new interpretations of the song, and,in most cases, the album delivers a great deal of variety surrounding one single brilliant tune!