World Peace

Culture

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It's been 26 years since the harmony trio Culture released their archetypal roots album " Two Sevens Clash", a masterpiece that Rolling Stone recently ranked 25th on its list of The 50 Coolest Records.

Today, I received World Peace, the latest and 30th album released by Joseph Hill and Culture, yet another stellar offer by a group who continues to put out hit after hit for their very grateful fans.

After becoming enamored with Humble African a couple years ago,  and to imagine that Culture could still produce top notch quality music after such a long time,  I eagerly opened that package and put the CD in my player.

From the first track, I was reminded of the indistinguishable voice of Mr. Hill and to the rhythms and melodies which have kept me smiling every time I hear him play or I see him perform.

"Sweet Freedom" embodies all that Culture represents.  Playful melodies with serious questions regarding deeper issues through the powerful voice of Joseph Hill, all backed by the sweet harmony vocals of Albert Walker and Telford Nelson.

The Title track "world peace" drives forward as Hill cries out against war, poverty and injustice,  forwarding the prospect of world peace, and upon the sprightly "Long Day Bud a Brawl" he admonishes idle people.

World Peace features some of Jamaica's top studio musicians, including the Firehouse Crew with veterans Dean Fraser (Sax), Robbie Lyn (keyboards), Dwight Pickney (Guitar) and members of Shaggy's band.  Like the rest of of Culture's deep discography, World Peace is a full bodied album with heavy rhythms ranging from dancehall style beats to traditional Rastafarian inspired drumming.

Hill responded about his 30th album, "It makes me feel younger.  Fact is that I almost considered retiring for a while, but then something todl me that I should go on.  I just feel like cranking up -  like I put a new gear box in, rebuilt my engine and I'm ready to go again."