PAKETO WILSON Vinilo y CD

Review: Just over 40 years have passed since Paketo Wilson headed into the studio to record 'Praise Him' at Harry J Studio in his home city of Kingston, Jamaica. The album, which effortlessly blends roots and lovers rock with the help of producer Trevor Dais and a cast of musicians that includes legendary trumpeter Bobby Ellis, has long been an overlooked, hard-to-find gem - hence this timely reissue from Milanese imprint Arabusta Records. Wilson's honeyed voice remains the focal point throughout, with standouts including 'Jardan Dance', the subtly dubbed-out 'My Daily Bread', and the wonderfully life-affirming 'Jumpy For Joy'. Recommended!

Review: Paketo Wilson's Praise Him is a cult roots album that is hard to find on the seance hand market. When you do, it will cost you a small fortune, so this reissue will be music to the ears of fans old and new. He proved it back in 1982 with Trevor Davis under the Child of God label in just one day. It has hints of lovers' rock over the nice reggae rhythms with vocals that touch on classic themes of peace, love and unity, the trials of ghetto life and losing those close. Bobby Ellis and Headley Bennett bring mystical horns to most tunes and help make them all the more spiritual. This is positive and heartwarming reggae from a top songwriter.