"Real Rastaman"

Luciano's shapeshifting nature is inspiring. As one of the harbingers of a roots reggae revival - that is, as one of the few breaking ground by performing acoustic, live reggae as compared to dancehall and reggaeton (a Puerto Rican blend of reggae and hip hop)- he has released records on four labels over the two years, fine-tuning to accompany each. In the process he never compromises his distinguishable, warm vocal tones, though as with many prolific artists putting out tons of product, material does suffer.

Of his four records, only one really nosedives. Serious Times was too polished, led by searing guitars and reminiscent of what went wrong with reggae in the '80s when drum machines were introduced into the Island mix. Both Tell it From the Heart (Minor 7 Flat 5) and 4 Rebels Vol II (Ras/Sanctuary, alongisde Sizzla, Mikey General and Anthony B) were gorgeous, sensuous acoustic-based releases. Lessons of Life, his debut on Shanachie, falls somewhere between in terms of production. In terms of diversity, it is his most thorough set of songs to date.

Luciano has been known for such since 1995's Life, a debut that inspired citations about the lyrical depth and welcoming intonations of a new Bob Marley. While his range is not that broad, the comparison is not off base. Luciano's consistent ability to write quality songs, tempered with a voice reminiscent of the time when ska and rocksteady echoed American R & B, makes him both unique in this techy time and intensely personal. Luciano writes songs you feel you've known for a long time, even if they just recently slipped from his pen.

"Step Right In," the opener, is one example. Luciano's strength lies in catchy hooks. Much of the record is filled with tracks prime for radio ("Jah Give," "Sitting and Watching"), roots music for a roots-starved market. The most inspired cut is the raw "Real Rastaman" (with Louie Culture), a nyabhingi-led song swinging from the speakers. Considering the team behind this album - Sly Dunbar, Family Man Barrett and Robbie Lyn - we're assured roots reggae's future is in good hands. When he croons, "I am a man who will give up my life for righteousness sake, and I made up my mind to fight till the end, don't believe I'm a fake," we don't believe it at all, not for a moment.

Contributed by: Derek Beres for www.afropop.org