The wonderful world of "A Waterlogged Soul Kitchen"... Contemporary reggae takes many forms, some of them bland or ugly or downright destructive. But some encompass art, art as valid as anything from reggae’s past, as valid as anything I’m hearing from any other present musical genre. This is where Taj Weekes and Adowa’s new album fits in. For me it represents the most appealing and rewarding manifestation of reggae now being created. Musically, lyrically and rhythmically it not only reflects the best from the past, but urges the genre to higher heights. In Taj’s music, disparate elements cohere; contrasts become complementary. Gorgeous, bittersweet melodies are conveyed through parched, compassionate vocals. Complex arrangements and varied textures flow organically, unpretentiously. Sturdy roots rhythms support fresh, hard-edged lyrics whose sophistication renders most of the genre’s beloved “reality” lyrics wimpy in comparison. As almost never before in reggae, the perceived remoteness of other people’s “sufferation” has yielded to the intimacy of poetry, producing songs that don’t just reflect a conscience, but resonate with passion and vigor. And to top it off, the musicians are so practised and skilled that they make it all sound effortless. Repeated exposures to the album reveal the potency of its details. A relentless beat underscores the denunciation of a child abuser in "Sunny Innocents." Jarring overlays of sound introduce a song about Sudan’s "Janjaweed." As a deeply humanized tale of war concludes in "B4 The War," we hear the opening notes of the old military anthem “Scotland The Brave,” reminding us how long and often it’s been true that, as Taj’s soldier protagonist sings, “someone like me/became my enemy.” And in an ode to the Gulf of Mexico’s recent oil spill, an anguished electric guitar interrupts the sardonic entreaty to “drill baby drill.” Yes, remarkable creativity, in large measures and small, has been at work here. Musically vibrant, emotionally challenging and intellectually stimulating, "A Waterlogged Soul Kitchen" is the kind of reggae, or rather the kind of music – or rather the kind of art – that this world needs. Ted Boothroyd Reggae Lover, Music Critic, Writer The world of Taj Weekes and Adowa... St. Lucian artist Taj Weekes and his band Adowa weave a true social consciousness with an unforgettable reggae groove. Driven to inspire conscious thought and provoke discussion through his poignant poetry and lyrics, Weekes says, “I write from the heart and I speak about issues that move me. I believe that’s what really matters.” Blending in elements of acoustic roots rock and afro-folk simplicity, the band’s vibrant sound has garnered critical acclaim across the globe and challenges listeners to redefine common perceptions of reggae and where it's heading as a genre. A Waterlogged Soul Kitchen, the group’s third album, follows the release of Hope and Doubt (2005) and Deidem (2008), which won "Best Reggae Album" at the Just Plain Folks Music Awards and was shortlisted for a Grammy Award nomination. For more information, visit www.tajweekes.com and www.jattarecords.com. Always striving to bring awareness to the issues he is passionate about, Weekes founded his charity, They Often Cry Outreach (TOCO), in 2007 to improve the lives of underprivileged children in the Caribbean through sport, enrichment, educational and wellness programs. Named a Goodwill Ambassador by the International Consortium of Caribbean Professionals and recognized by a division of the United Nations, Weekes addresses issues such as global warming, casualties of war, domestic and youth violence, diabetes and health, poverty and the welfare of children through both his music and his charity. Visit www.TheyOftenCryOutreach.org.