Reunited
Six years ago, in the spring of 2019, the prolific roots artist and skilled wordsmith Ras Teo joined forces with the equally prolific and gifted Roberto Sánchez of A-Lone Productions to release the compelling vinyl double LP, Ten Thousand Lions, which contained vocal tracks on one record and their dub versions on the other. In total, it comprised 24 tracks showcasing real authentic reggae. The duo has now reunited with a new project called Soul Rebel. While the lyrics remain consistent with their prior collaboration, the musical aspect presents something different. Instead of the roots reggae riddims found on Ten Thousand Lions, Roberto Sánchez has provided Ras Teo with rocksteady riddims previously utilized in songs from albums by Alpheus and the iconic rocksteady duo Keith & Tex.
Looking Back
Let’s take a trip back to November 2018, the moment it all began. Ras Teo visited Roberto Sánchez’s A-Lone Ark Muzik Studio to prepare for their second collaborative album, the upcoming Moses And Aaron. In less than two weeks, Ras Teo recorded over 72 tracks using various old riddims created by Roberto Sánchez. Some of these tracks have already debuted on different labels. They even recorded an album for Linval Thompson, utilizing his classic Channel One riddims, which is yet to be released. When Roberto Sánchez introduced Ras Teo to some of his rocksteady riddims, Ras Teo laid down two tracks, Soul Rebel (not a cover of the Bob Marley classic!) and Farmer Dem. The outcome was so extraordinary and fulfilling that they decided to embark on creating a full-length studio album.
Rocksteady Album
Being familiar with several Ras Teo releases, a rocksteady album wasn’t what one would typically anticipate from this unique roots singer. Uncertain about what to expect, the first listening session was started with a ‘wait and see’ mindset. However, it quickly became evident that Ras Teo’s lead vocals and Roberto Sánchez’s harmonies come together seamlessly, creating the feel of a top-notch Jamaican duo from the rocksteady heyday. There are no filler tracks here; every song shines. The lyrical and musical quality is so captivating that each track begs for multiple listens. In addition to original riddims built by Roberto Sánchez and the Lone Ark Riddim Force, the album features four tracks that reimagine Phil Pratt’s classic riddims. These include Dibby Man on Reach Out, A Drifter on Safe Travel, Farmer Dem on Sweet Song For My Baby, and Jancro on Little Things. Overall, this album delivers a delightful listening experience!
Dub
Similarly to Ten Thousand Lions, genuine dub fans are not overlooked. Alongside the vocal album, there’s a complete dub collection available on a separate vinyl LP and CD, aptly named Soul Rebel In Dub.