Stephen Marley: Revelation Pt. 1 “The Root of Life”

Seven-time Grammy award-winning singer and songwriter, Stephen Marley, is set to release his third solo project, Revelation Pt 1: The Root of Life from Ghetto Youths/Tuff Gong/Universal Republic on May 24.

According to the artist the album was conceived as a celebration and preservation for roots rock reggae and ensures that the music’s regal template is maintained throughout the 21st century.

Anchored in reggae’s drum and bass backbeat, The Root of Life is described as an organic and richly textured sound through its 14 tracks, which Marley says makes it a true body of work that delivers powerful messages and encouragement for the struggling masses.

In describing the some of the tracks, the producers note that Old Slaves depicts the harrowing residual effect of slavery; She Knows Now evokes the sorrow of rejection; False Friends conveys the disappointment of knowing these people; a lovers-rock tradition there is the duet No Cigarette Smoking with Melanie Fiona; to the final track Now I Know, a contemplative song about moving on.

The first single Jah Army, features Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley and Buju Banton over a one-drop rhythm with lyrics to rally the troops. “Whether it’s in the music or our life, get it together man, the Gideon is on,” declares Marley.

Conceived as a two part project, The Root of Life will be followed by the release of Revelation Pt 2: The Fruit of Life, due in fall of 2011, which will feature an array of styles that have emanated from reggae’s core.

“Reggae music has influenced hip hop and so many other kinds of music,” Marley reasons. “The Fruit of Life will be more open, eclectic kind of record. There will be songs for the club, dancehall reggae will be there, love songs in there, but it will remain conscious good music that you can always take something positive from.”

Having recently completed a cross-country tour to launch this album, Marley will also see exclusive distribution for the vinyl version of The Root of Life from VP Records.

Source: Jamaica Observer