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JAH WOBBLE
Heaven & Earth
(Universal/Island)
Heaven & Earth came out in 1995 and is one of those albums I play frequently.

Heaven & Earth opens with the title track, and this is a very unusual blend of Asian influenced melodies (featuring Zi Lan Liao on vocals & ku cheng) and calypso rhythms (provided by Jah Wobble).

Egyptian songstress Natasha Atlas co-wrote and features on 'A Love Song' that has a soundtrack type soundscape; during which Natasha's vocals absolutely soar with a disturbing, raptsurous passion, that leaves goosebumps on my back. Justin Adams features on 'A Love Song' providing complimentary rhythms on a mandolin sounding guitar.

'Dying Over Europe' is a gentle melancholy composition where Jah Wobble plays the entire orchestration. There is a sequence during this instrumental that is similar to Miles Davis performing on his plastic trumpet.

'Devine Mother' is also performed by Jah Wobble only, and this has a slow-drum'n'bass sound, with an assortment of musical flavours.

'Gone To Crotan' is a fifteen minute plus epic instrumental, and another one of those melodies that features the blends of the Greek Isles meets Asia. Featured on 'Gone To Crotan' are the legendary Pharoah Sanders (soprano sax, flute), Bernie Worrell (keyboards) and Nicky Skopelitis (guitars).

The next track is 'Hit Me' that is another epic instrumental, which continues with the same line-up, and 'Hit Me' moves to a jazzier flavour. It's a bit like Sly & Robbie performing Miles Davis.

Finally there is 'Om Namah Shiva' that is modern Indian drum & bass, featuring on tablas Inder 'Goldfinger' Matharu, with the outstanding vocals of Najma Akhtar.

This album is a inspiring trip into soundscapes.
Gazz

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Jah-Wobble