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Is there a band whose name more clearly identifies its
sound than Jahcoustic? I mean, other than, say Funkadelic or Zamfir, Master of the Pan Flute? Jahcoustic was perhaps a bit
ahead of its time when it released this self-titled EP (4 vocal tracks, 4 dubs 4, alternate mixes), as Makasound's acoustic
"Inna de Yard" series would beging the following year. Jahcoustic uses more instruments and thus has a fuller sound
than that French series, but the band still sports an organic live-band stylee that's refreshingly simple, serene, and
rustic--like a trip to a secluded beach. Lead singer Mike Meyers' vocals are equally laid-back and downright Marley-esque
at times, particularly on the crown jewel of the EP, "BelievenJAH". The Marley similarities seem to be intentional,
as "BelievenJAH"'s lyrics include the words "misty morning" and the group even employes legendary
producer/mixer Karl Pitterson--who engineered Marley's EXODUS--to work on the album, but Jahcoustic doesn't feel derivative.
They take their cues from those who came before them, but they have forged their own unique sound: it's Jahcoustic! Greet with Fire is a solid follow-up that delivers on the promise of Jahcoustic's
debut, continuing the soothing, eclectic sound that seemingly has found a way to cohesively blend reggae with country and
folk. Karl Pitterson again lends his steady touch to the production, helping to craft a professional end product. Despite
the "Jah" in the band's name, the lyrical content here isn't so obviously religious and lacks the standard
reggae lexicon and iconography--thus lending a greater universitality that, combined with the inviting music, should appeal
to a braod base of listeners. Highlight's include "Maintain," the seductive "J Groove" and the bluesy
instrumental "Scary Dub Train." As this bands moniker makes clear, theirs
is an "unplugged"-leaning sound. While drums and bass fulfill their usual foundational role (though more in a hushed
manner), most of the songs are shaped around acoustic guitars. Add lead and harmony vocals that are low-key and a smattering
of Nyabinghi drumming and small percussion, and you have reggae music that's intimate and unpretentious like an impromptu
session inna yard that someone just happened to record. What saves it from sounding too off-the-cuff is that these guys show
hunble, genuine expertise in crafting their reggae. Much of the album is introspective in nature ("Imagination,"
"Reflection," "Eternal Vibration") fitting warmly with the prevailing mellow glow puncuated by touches
like the use of a melodica here and there. Greet With Fire is a tasty respite from the fiery militancy of much roots reggae.
Even when an electronic beat (ed note..there are no electronic beats on ANY Jahcoustic songs and we plan on never having one-all
live drums, all the time) is combined with the dominant acoustic texture on the concluding "Scary Dub Train," there's
a restraint that makes it work. I's like to hear the band try out a few faster tempos and more extended arrangements,
but the approach they've got going on here is a quite a good one. Tom Orr www.getthebeat.com & www.reggaereviews.com Fans of Kaya-era Marley should enjoy Jahcoustic, a D.I.Y. project with a relaxed,
laid-back island in the sun feel (though in this case the sun rises in Kentucky where the perpertrators are based and sets
in Florida where it was recorded). Real drum and bass and pleasant slide-style guitar fills bed an eight song set of all-original
material cuts like "Feeling Good,"" Jah Believe," and "Standing On The Shore" with some Jahcoustic
dub cuts filling out the set. Best of all the recording has a warm, natural reel-to-reel feel with none of the gated rverb,
sythernsized tones or processed studio effects that have become anoying everpresent. This is due in no small part to the disc
having been engineered and mixed by co-producer Karl Pitterson, whose name has long been associated with authentic Jamaican
quality at home and abroad. He brings out exactly the vibe Joe Jurgensen and his guitar and writing partner Mike Meyers intended
on this engaging work which also features Michael Ramsy (from the Burning Spears band) on drums and Keith Clementson on guitar.
From the heart and nicely put together. Chuck Foster The Beat Vol.22 #2, 2003 www.getthebeat.com Jahcoustic-Greet With Fire: As the name implies, roots reggae played mostly
unplugged, produced by veteran helmsman Karl Pitterson and sounding like some irie vibes were involved all the way throughout.
VERY NICE! Steve Heilig,
The Beat Vol 25 #4, 2006 www.getthebeat.com JAHCOUSTIC- Captures an "unplugged" feel on GREET WITH FIRE, their latest set of all-original material
whose titles (like, "Midnight Sway", "J Groove" and "Reflection") should give you a good idea
of what they're up to. The "living room" feel is captured in a Miami studio with the help of Karl Pitterson,
who's had a hand in a lot of great reggae from Bob Marley forward and his work with this band is a good fit. Relaxed arrangement
with trap drums, bass, percussion, acoustic guitar (naturally) and melodica and nice support harmonies flesh out songs without
agenda. Non typical, unconstrained and unpretentious like putting on "KAYA" in the morning and starting the day
slow. CHUCK FOSTER: THE BEAT Magazine Volume
25, #3, 2006
 "I was playing your CD at dinner the other night
and Mary asked me who it was. I told her it was Jahcoustic and she replied "aah yes Jahcoustic, so nice."" Roger Steffens www.reggaesupersite.com
"Jahcoustic goes great with the sun" +C, lyrical
inspirator
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