LP / CD / DL
24 August 2018
Special Anniversary edition of Bob Marley’s historic
release.
There’s always something exciting about a new Bob Marley
release, maybe because his family are usually behind it. There is an important, undisturbable legacy
with Marley that is protected by his loved ones, nothing is released without
their full support and involvement and, with someone as pivotal as Bob in the
world of music, that is paramount. Kaya
40 is one such album.
Forty years since its original release, Kaya has been carefully
and tenderly updated by son Stephen and the results, whilst sometimes subtle,
are quite brilliant. The objective was
to heavily use the original versions of the songs from demos and session recordings
to create something as authentic as possible.
Synching the vocals with alternative instrumental arrangements and
mixing on the analog ideas from the 70s, he has produced a modern day version
sympathetic to the original but with enough updating to make it sound fresh and
bright.
Recorded with what was a new version of The Wailers including
wife Rita and, Carlton and Aston Barrett the album was first released just
before the legendary One Love Peace Concert in Kingston, Jamaica in June 1978
following his return from London exile after a failed assassination attempt in
1976. The album was recorded at the same
time as songs which would appear on the classic Exodus album and contained new versions
of Kaya and Sun Is Shining from 1971s Soul Revolution.
So, to the purist how does the album differ? The changes will be instantly recognisable –
different vocals in place and an overall more modern, almost clinical
feel. The tracks are sparser, less
cluttered and you get the impression that maybe this version would have been
more preferably to Bob. There are some
absolutely exquisite dubs scattered throughout (check out Sun Is Shining) which
often send goosebumps down the spine as they reverb away into the
background. It’s easy, joyous and, to be
frank sounds like a brand new recording – hats off to Stephen for such a great
piece of affectionate work.
To the newcomer, Kaya 40 could very well open the doors to a
world of Bob Marley and maybe even a wider glimpse of reggae in general. Kaya is an underrated album often overshadowed
by Exodus and the obvious Legend, the compilation that lit up the world in 1984,
but it deserves to be right up there. If
you can’t feel the vibe and beauty of Is This Love then there is no hope for
you and if Satisfy Your Soul doesn’t then it’s possible you don’t have one.
There is often a certain amount wariness to be appropriated
with new or remixed versions of old albums but Kaya 40 is an exception to the
rule. Bob Marley’s legacy continues and
this release is something he would surely approve of.
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