Veteran Artists
For roughly two decades, the relentlessly active Spanish reggae/dub producer, engineer, singer and musician Roberto Sánchez and his compradres have been making significant waves in the reggae scene. Their journey in music has yielded a substantial collection of albums and singles, including joint ventures with other producers and labels. Roberto Sánchez’s extensive discography boasts collaborations with a wide array of artists, both Spanish and international, naturally featuring some names from Jamaica’s reggae history. Notably, their album catalog showcases full-length studio albums, honouring veteran artists such as Earl Zero, Willi Williams, Earl Sixteen, Noel Ellis, Milton Henry, Vin Morgan, and Clive Matthews.
Latest Addition
The latest addition to a truly impressive amount of albums coming from Roberto Sánchez’s esteemed A-lone Ark Muzik Studio is Clive Matthews’ Going Home. This album marks the anticipated follow-up to the veteran roots singer’s 2018 debut, Jah Live, which was also skillfully produced by Sánchez. Staying true to Sánchez’s vision, Going Home is an unadulterated roots reggae album steeped in classic 1970s style – a testament to analogue warmth, raw energy, and organic soundscapes.
The Artist
Clive Matthews embarked on his musical journey at sixteen, making his recording debut seven years later in 1976 with the lovers’ track My Girl Has Gone, produced and released by Clinton “Percival” Williams. He continued his collaboration with Williams, recording Apology and Live Not For Vanity, though these early releases didn’t achieve widespread success. In the 1980s, his singles Lover Man and Hero resonated strongly in Canada, earning him a nomination for Best Upcoming Artiste. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Matthews continued his musical pursuits, writing and singing internationally.
Album Tracks
For those acquainted with Clive Matthews’ musical history, Going Home offers fresh renditions of his earlier singles: Live Not For Vanity, Am Going Home, and Only Jah Is Able. Each of these tracks is a compelling listen, amplified by potent, horn-infused riddims that exude a rich, classic reggae feel. The album bursts into life with the commanding Rastafari anthem Sermont On The Mount, a roots killer that instantly blows you away when it leaps off the speakers. This one is destined to be a staple in Sound System sets! Matthews’ deep Rastafarian convictions shine through in the subsequent tracks as well. First, the flawless Jah Jah To The Rescue sets the tone, followed by the strong Ancient Lion, Got To Be Sure, a beautiful fusion of meaningful lyrics and spiritual depth, and the matching praising song Yes I Do. The singer explores the theme of romance with romance in the solid Hot lover. Matthews explores romantic themes in the sturdy track Hot Lover. However, Reggae Music feels like a less essential addition to the album. The riddims for Matthews’ Going Home set are produced by Roberto Sánchez in collaboration with Bass Lee and laid by the Lone Ark Riddim Force.
Trilogy
Interestingly, Clive Matthew’s vocal set is part of a trilogy of albums compiling 13 riddims produced, recorded and mixed in the same session. The other albums of this trilogy are the simultaneously released dub set Psalms In Dub Vol. 1 by Lone Ark Riddim Force and Bass Lee’s forthcoming instrumental album, Roots.