The Humboldt, California native Jah Sun found his calling as a reggae artist through the music of Bob Marley. After educating himself about Rastafari and converting to a healthier lifestyle, Jah Sun released his debut album The Height of Light in 2006. “Music is a very powerful and mystical force. It speaks to people on a much deeper level than conversation. It really reaches the soul.”
Fast forward 11 years, Jah Sun released his fifth and latest album titled Between the Lines on April 28, 2017 under Sugar Cane Records/ Plum Music/ Blo Som’em Entertainment. Jah Sun’s charisma billows forth with his smart lyricism and gripping arrangements throughout. Every tune is memorable on Between the Lines, from ltrical and melodic hooks to his passion and tenor. Speaking about the album, Jah Sun adds, “I’ve always felt my music channels what is happening around me. The political and social landscapes often inform the songs I write, but for this release, in particular, I needed to create an honest album and speak from my heart.”
“I’ve always felt my music channels what is happening around me.”
The creative as well as the production, of Between the Lines was a departure for Jah Sun. “In the past, I had a pre-produced composition to write to, but this time we wrote everything from scratch, using a guitar and piano. I learned something new, that when the lyrics and music are born at the same time, it creates a totally different vibe than writing to a beat.”
Jah Sun worked with great artists in the circuit including Dean Fraser (Tarrus Riley), Dave “Prime Time” Green (Alborosie), Nikki Burt (Damien Marley), Merrick Shaw (Omi), Sam Gilly & his “House of Riddim” band from Austria and strings from Grammy winner Phil Peterson (Flo-Rida, Pink, Maroon 5). Completing the all-star talent were engineers Oz Fritz (Tom Waits, Blur) and Dario Cassilo. The album was also co-produced with the Dubtronic Kru.
Preview and download Between the Lines on
Track listing
- Only Human
- You’re Gonna Fall
- 1997
- Guess Who
- Tables Turn
- Between The Lines
- Ghetto Ballad
- A Day After I’m Gone
- New Hope
- Fools Gold
- Running
- Love Currency
Jah Sun “Tables Turn”
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Release Date: April 28, 2017 • Copyright: ℗© 2017 Jason Standiford
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Disclaimer: All views presented in this album review are those of the reviewer and not necessarily those of Top Shelf Music.
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