That's Entertainment

For me, to have a Roots revival usually means a reunion with those most consistently worthwhile Philly cats The Roots. However, recently the meaning has been slightly different, with a current burgeoning interest in roots reggae. And a current favourite and a man who has always been a true stalwart of roots and culture is Triston Palma, and in particular his 1981 classic player “Joker Smoker”.

One of the benefits of a domicile in London's Brixton is access to some great Saturday record jaunts. Red Records is always a spot that delivers and a recent gift from my other half from the Red vaults was none other than this brilliantly chilled album. Released at a time when critics would probably claim that reggae was in something of a musical cul-de-sac, in fact the back to basics approach of this record represents something of a hidden highpoint for reggae. A time when stripped down reworkings of classic rhythms, and the advance of electronic affects over funkily pedestrian and penetrating bass lines, mixed with high quality instrumentation.

Other albums of that year such as Augusto Pablo's “East of the River Nile” and Scientist’s “..Meets the Space Invaders” are other great examples. But “Joker Smoker”, with its mix of sweet vocals and sardonically good vibes is my favourite mixer for a perfect summer Sunday. Recounting tales of chancers and ne’er do wells of a decidedly green smoke-filled Kingston scene, Palma hits the high points with brilliant ease.

Heads might also know Triston Palma through his bonafide Dancehall classic "Entertainment", but if you are looking for a mellower pleasure sit down and drift away to this collection of stoned immacutlates. The title track is a standout, but “Give Me Give Me Your Love” is also huge. In fact the whole piece sparkles like the hidden gem it is. Just add sunshine.