For those who know, Rory ‘Stone Love’ Gilligan will be a name commonly associated with the international dancehall soundclash scene being a key part of, as the name suggests, Stone Love sound. His latest projects, however, have been productions very much in a roots style. He has in particular been producing tracks for the up-coming artist Jah9, a female singer with a huge and powerful voice. The debut album is on the way, but, until now we have been given some pretty hard tasters including the roots/lovers track ‘Legitimate’ which was released on Gilligan’s own Rory label on a 10”. Jah9’s style is being called ‘jazz on dub’ to which she is credited with creating. She started her career on the live poetry scene before linking up with producers such as Rory and Don Corleon to produce magnificently powerful roots anthems. ‘New Name’ does not disappoint! The production is what we have been lacking recently; JA dub music, which is similar but different to the UK style as you can tell by the use of dancehall – esque effects and vocal samples. I think that this just adds to the tune itself. The tune deals with the singer’s passion for her Rasta faith and female struggles and how to keep strong in treacherous times especially as a woman, there is certainly fire in Jah9’s style and coupled with the JA dub production it becomes a winner. Her voice is just so clear and powerful that I defy anyone to hear this and not be intrigued into this singer. I’m not too sure as to when we can expect this to be released but hopefully it will be available on 10” like the previous ‘Legitimate’. I for one cannot wait for the LP to drop as this is a singer that I have constantly been hearing good things about. We need more dub music like this made out there so JA producers listen up and big up Rory for the excellent riddim and Jah9 for the crucial vibes that she brings to this recording.
Review By Jack Duffield
