Of course, we knew that anyway. Carlene was born in Jamaica and spent time in both England and Canada, before returning to her native island and enjoying reggae hits in the 80s and early 90s. After being diagnosed with cancer, she turned to gospel music. Songs Of Zion is the thirteenth Reggae-gospel album from singer Carlene and was co-produced by husband-manager-producer, Tommy Cowan for their own Glory label. The songs ride strong reggae rhythms, with monster bass lines (try Sing Freedom for just one example), played by such musicians as Dean Fraser on sax and Dale Brown on that aforementioned bass.
The lilting but powerful Yahweh is the album’s first number to feature nyabinghi drumming prominently, but it is certainly not the last, continuing throughout the remainder of the set with these songs selected for this “Nyahbingi Edition” – lend an ear to Jehovah Is Your Name for a very good example. Ex Beatle George Harrison’s big 1970 hit My Sweet Lord gets a very effective gospel-reggae workover (with “Hallelujah” cleverly replacing the original’s “Hare Krishna” for the backing vocalists), and Jah Shall Wipe Away appeared a couple of years ago, but its presence here is certainly welcome. The beautiful, successful and affecting 2024 single Rapha is present here in a remix with prominent hand drumming. This fifteen track set is of course committed Christian music through and through. It is also uplifting and inspiring, with deep roots.