Valentine "Digital English” Saunders presents The Roots Classics, Volume 1
Valentine “Digital English” Saunders presents The Roots Classics, Volume 1. A roots reggae compilation featuring Screechy Don, Far East, Glen Brown, Carlton Livingston, Devon Clark, Jerry Johnson of Steel Pulse, Simpleton, Scion Success, Rankin Joe, Empress Baby Luv, and Lin Strong. Released by Digital English Records and VPAL Music, December 2018, the album is available on all platforms. Download today and purchase a copy for a friend.
Activate this listening experience with the album cover first. While we are conditioned to listen with complete knowledge of an artist, this project teaches the value of representational work. Reference to the picture of Digital English provides a detailed response to every enquiry concerning his limited visibility. Arguably, music first, notoriety second; moreover, a disciple’s attention to the work over an immediate response to triviality. And while, Digital English moves calmly, his musical sword is sharp. On The Roots Classics, Volume 1 he slays with levity, preferring to site the most moving memorandum last, “Valley of Elah” featuring Lin Strong.
We listened to the whole album twice. The first time, according to the playlist. The second time, we began the album with “Wicked Go Down” featuring Scion Success. We played the last four songs then loop the complete album. Nice. Two different listening experiences. The first is smooth and relaxed, reminiscent of the weekend vibes. The second, is more relevant and relatable to the space of current activism.
Rather than consider our listening experience as an issue with the curatorial process, we prefer to respect the moral and economic rights of a man and his work because it provides multiple perspectives. And there is much to learn from an album that empowers the listener. First, the importance of creativity and discipline, which is evident in the structure of every composition. Second, the importance of leading and ending with narratives that resonate with the values of the primary and secondary audiences.
Of this, “Wicked Go Down” featuring Scion Success, has a great horn section. Likewise, the tower of strength narratives of “Sufferation” featuring Empress Luv and “Valley of Elah” featuring Lin Strong are anchored by a deep drum and bass section. And “Call Pon Jah” featuring Rankin Joe presents the chanting vibe of roots reggae. Effects that motivate audience participation and engagement. From the Rastafarian flashing his locks, to the shaking of the bald head, to the rocking and dipping of one love in a community.
Arguably, we are experiencing a renaissance with the pioneers of reggae music. And with the proliferation of remastered works and renewed interest in vinyl records, many of us deliberate the need to purchase when we can explore dad and uncle ‘Donavon’s’ collection.
But there is much more to learn and intelligently consume as we join the collectivity of history in the making. With The Roots Classics, Volume 1, and related projects, we have the luxury of multiple perspectives and the freedom of organized and legitimized expression. Without these variables we cease the opportunity for discourse. And the worse fate of this is silence; ignorance, prejudices, and marginalization. Reggae music is a likable antidote. As global citizens of music let us celebrate our democracy concerning the arts, culture, and humanity. So, we commission more works from Digital English.
