Say Something

The African Brothers harmony group is primarily known today as the ensemble that jump-started the highly successful career of one Sugar Minott; however, it was also the training ground for Tony Tuff, a singer who went on to more localized success in Jamaica, primarily as a featured performer on Henry "Junjo" Lawes' Volcano Sound System. Occasional albums for the Penthouse and the reborn Studio One labels followed in the 1990s, and in 2005 he joined forces with the German producer Andreas "Brotherman" Christopherson to create this fine collection of modern roots and dancehall reggae for the Minor 7 Flat 5 imprint. The album opens powerfully with a sharp combination track titled "Fulfillment Time," featuring DJ Smokie Benz. The minimalist dancehall funk of "Boom Shakatak" keeps the energy level high, as does the sweet and simple roots groove of the title track. Things bog down a bit when Tony Tuff lapses into a borderline-slack loverman mode (especially on the flabby jazz-R&B fusion of "Do Me"), but they pick up again nicely toward the end of the program with the popsmart "Good Life" and the powerfully dubbed-up "Stronger." This may not be an essential addition to every reggae collection, but overall it's a better than average excursion in modern roots.